If you haven’t heard of Parris Goebel, you may not be a dancer. Even if that is the case, you have definitely seen her moves. The New Zealand multi-hyphenate is one of the most sought-after choreographers of the last five years – and an icon in the dance community. From winning countless awards to working with your favorite pop icons, Goebel is consistently building a creative legacy.
She was catapulted into fame touring as a choreographer for JLo’s Dance Again World Tour. A self-starter from a young age, Goebel has always been confident in what she wants and her abilities. She carried that attitude into her adulthood, expanding her creative arsenal to include choreography, directing, editing, and making music.
Goebel got another big break in her dance career in 2016, from a video she made to Justin Beiber’s “Sorry.” That video has now amassed over 3 billion views. It led Goebel to choreograph and direct all of Bieber’s Purpose: The Movement videos. But before then, Goebel had been popular amongst the dance community. Her dance crew ‘ReQuest’ and mega crew ‘The Royal Family’ feature dancers who share her Polynesian background. These crews give dancers a sense of community and purpose. Goebel is important in the dance community because she maintains that unity in her professional work. On her various projects, you can spot some of her crew members. Dancers don’t have to be on tour with Parris to feel her impact. As Goebel found her passion for dance watching music videos on MTV, dancers now watch her videos on YouTube and feel just as inspired.
Parris’ unorthodox movements are identifiable whenever she is in charge of production. Her pieces combine confidence, strength, softness, and sexuality all in one. Throughout her work, with names like Tinashe, SZA, Sam Smith, and Rihanna on all Savage X Fenty Volumes, you can see her artistry. It is all in how she commands a space. Only Parris can make any budget work in her videos because of the complex transitions and synchronization her choreography demands. The flow between isolations and her fluid movements makes for a compelling and dynamic performance every time – regardless of the set design.
She has achieved all of the staple dance goals, from teaching at Broadway Dance Center to starring on America’s Best Dance Crew. Her accolades span past the dance community. Savage x Fenty Vol 2 is Emmy nominated for Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming. In addition, she stepped into the literary world with her autobiography, Young Queen, documenting her eventful and accomplished life. You can take her lessons on Creativity in Choreography on Masterclass if you aren’t convinced she has mastered movement.
She has accomplished so much and continues to grow her legacy. She is not only a pillar in the dance community, but with her hand in these iconic creative moments, she is becoming an essential figure in pop culture.
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