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Behind every concert tour, music video, award show performance, and Super Bowl halftime lies a choreographer who brought the vision to life.
Choreographers add a new dimension to every track they touch and transform the hottest vocalists and rappers into performers and entertainers. Time and time again, the creativity these choreographers bring to the table creates a lasting visual effect that remains imprinted in the minds of viewers decades after the original performances.
However, most choreographers go unrecognized for their greatness as they watch their artists hit the stage and receive the glory from the wings.
In honor of Black Music Month, we are celebrating the Black choreographers who have brought our favorite hits to life.
JaQuel Knight
As a choreographer, JaQuel Knight has worked with an all-star lineup and birthed their most notable dance moves.
Knight has worked with Beyoncé since he was 18 years old and is the mastermind behind the "Single Ladies," "Formation," "Diva," and "Drunk in Love" music videos. He also assisted with the choreography for Bey's historic Homecoming performance at Coachella.
The seasoned choreographer also has working relationships with Chris Brown, Britney Spears, Kelly Rowland, Tinashe, and Brandy.
Knight is the genius behind Megan Thee Stallion's "Body" choreography, which instantly became a viral sensation.
Laurieann Gibson
Laurieann Gibson has long reigned as an industry titan in the dance world.
After appearing on MTV's Making the Band, Gibson became one of the most sought-out choreographers in the world working with Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Missy Elliot, Brandy, Cassie, and more.
Gibson is the creative visionary behind Gaga's hottest hits including "Just Dance" and "Poker Face."
Her talents started at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, landed her the role as director of choreography for Motown Records and Bad Boy Records, and continue to give her opportunities with today's hottest artists.
Fatima Robinson
Deemed by the New York Times as “one of the most sought-after hip-hop and popular music choreographers in the world,” Fatima Robinson's creativity has produced some of the most iconic performances.
Her music video credits include Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time," Aaliyah's "Rock the Boat," Mary J. Blige's "Family Affair," and Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps," which won Best Hip-Hop Video at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards. Along with these pop sensations, Robinson has worked with the likes of Meghan Trainor, Gwen Stefani, and Fergi.
She is the creative genius behind The Black Eyed Peas' Super Bowl halftime show, Kendrick Lamar's 2016 Grammy set, and The Weeknd's Oscar performance of "Earned It."
Robinson's star-studded resume landed her an invitation to choreograph Dr. Dre's hit-filled halftime show that hit this year's Super Bowl stage.
Entertainment Weekly has named Robinson on their "100 Most Creative People in Entertainment" list.
Sean Bankhead
Sean Bankhead hails as one of today's hottest choreographers with many of his moves garnering millions of views on social media.
Bankhead choreography can be found in the music videos for Lil Nas X's "Industry Baby," Normani's "Motivation" and "Wild Side," and Sam Smith's "Dancing with a Stranger" to name a few.
The veteran choreographer started as a dancer for Beyoncé and now works with the likes of Saweetie, Missy Elliot, Britney Spears, Drake, and H.E.R. His resume also includes concert tours, television, and film credits.
Bankhead's most prolific choreography can be seen in Cardi B's "Up." Dancers across the world learned Bankhead's iconic moves and joined in the viral #UpChallenge in the midst of the pandemic.
Jamaica Craft
Since booking her first gig as a dancer for MC Hammer, Jamaica Craft has continued to work with the stars.
Craft has choreographed for a variety of artists including 3LW, TLC, Ne-Yo, Nicki Minaj, John Legend, and more.
She most notably made her mark in the industry with Usher's “Yeah!” and “New Flame”, Ciara's “Promise,” ” Goodies,” and “Body Party,” and Justin Bieber's “Baby” and “Boyfriend.”
Craft is the creative mind behind Tinashe's world tour "Joyride," and Starz's hit show P Valley.
Black choreographers continue to deliver the hottest dance moves across all genres. Their creativity and visuals transcend languages, which vocals alone cannot do.
The impact these choreographers have had on the music industry and the overall culture can't and shouldn't go unnoticed.
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