Knowing a bit about where a dance style or step came from can help inform your understanding and performance of the movement. And, copyright issues aside, today’s “greats” pay homage to those legends that came before them.

Take a look at Beyonce’s “ Single Ladies” (2008) and “ Mexican Breakfast” (1969)-a trio choreographed for Gwen Verdon by her husband (one Bob Fosse) for The Ed Sullivan Show almost forty years prior. Yet, many of these iconic steps were not so innovative-In fact, they date back to the hullabaloo-inspired jazz funk of the 1960s. But did you know that one of her top music videos, “Single Ladies,” draws inspiration from another dance “king?” We all memorized the awesome music video choreography when it aired on MTV nearly ten years ago. Most will agree that Beyonce is a queen herself-especially when it comes to dancing. He landed his first gig with her at 18 years old, but his most recent collaboration with her at Coachella left people speechless. Beyonce is blowing up social media with her stunning photograph posing with newborn twins, Rumi and Sir. JaQuel Knight has been doing choreography for Beyoncé for years.

Choreographer for beyonce single ladies