'Choreographers are the new DJs': The art of the viral dance routine
'Choreographers are the new DJs': The art of the viral dance routine2 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleJasmine SandharandNaomi de Souza , Newsbeat Getty ImagesSingers PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson have...
Key developments are emerging from the global stage. 'Choreographers are the new DJs': The art of the viral dance routine2 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleJasmine SandharandNaomi de Souza , Newsbeat Getty ImagesSingers PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson have provided the soundtracks to viral dancesWhether it's the arm swings of Zara Larsson's Lush Life or the geometric shapes of the PinkPantheress song Girl Like Me, chances are you've seen - and maybe even tried - the dance routines. Videos of fans copying the moves to hits from both artists have racked up millions of views online. But what makes sequences like this go viral?
According to one choreographer to the stars, the best move is "often the first thing that comes out". Luam Keflezgy has created routines for greats including Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland and now also the history-making PinkPantheress. She spoke to Newsbeat ahead of PinkPantheress headlining Alexandra Palace on Friday night.
The Details
The 25-year-old artist has recently released the music video for Girl Like Me, a single from her British-themed album, Fancy That. The video features some notable British imagery including royal foot soldiers, London Underground signs and Mini Coopers. But it's the symmetry and striking sequencing - choreographed by Keflezgy - that has been going viral.
"My goal when I put on the music is let me do the coolest shapes in the sassiest of ways," she says. Getty ImagesLuam Keflezgy describes PinkPantheress as having a "very clear" vision for her choregraphyKeflezgy posted her first ever TikTok at the start of May - a backstage video of PinkPantheress dancing to the song which now has 2. "The dance, the video was about to release the next day," she says.
"There wasn't much material out there on it yet. "She explains that it's important to try and tell a good story which resonates with fans. For Girl Like Me, PinkPantheress wanted the piece to have a canon sequence, Keflezgy says, which is where dancers perform the same movement but in a staggered way.
What Experts Say
"In different sequences you can see the differences. In each step the geometry should be beautiful. "Keflezgy adds the Brit Award winner was "very intentional and involved" in building the dance to create a connection with fans.
Getty ImagesThe video for Girl Like Me sees PinkPantheress song dance through a London-themed setIt's been a similar connection in the past year for Zara Larsson's hit Lush Life. While it was first released in 2016, the tune's had a new lease of life partly down to a fresh dance routine associated with the song. The rhythmic arm swings and hip circles that have now gone viral weren't in the original music video - but have now spread everywhere thanks to the creative touch of choreographer Lola Beckers.
Beckers has been working on the Swedish star's Midnight Sun tour, and she told Dutch media last year that she came up with the routine "on the spot in the studio". "The dancers and I had a lot of fun," said Beckers, adding: "That enthusiasm is palpable.
The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.
