Ari Shapiro, Jason Fuller, Sarah Handel, 'North And South' Episode 3 Recap: Every Rose Has Its Thorn, Visualizing Gentrification In 'Remnants Of An Exodus', 'We Didn't Have Time To Pause': Entrepreneurs Of Color Reflect On The Pandemic. Everyone remembers Beyonce's Iconic "Single Ladies" video but not everyone knows much about the other two women. He has had a hand is some of her most memorable visual offerings, including her 2013 and 2016 Super Bowl performances, Lemonade, Beychella and most recently, Black Is King. So much of what makes choreography universal and ubiquitous now is social media. Let's talk about your move to copyright some of your work, which is uncommon for choreographers — and incredibly involved. It was a big deal because the inspiration was also taken from Southern HBCU dance teams. Check out Drama After Dark, Drama Recaps, and other incisive articles. Knight is defining the way some of today's biggest stars move, and he's getting recognition in a way that many choreographers never do — by copyrighting his work. Gatson admits … His … | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms. What I do, whether it's personal or business, it all relates back to the Black female. When you look at the video, as much as it's about the moves, it's also about the feeling and the intent. It's definitely the joy, though. I've heard fears that when dances are copyrighted, people on TikTok or YouTube are going to get sued for, like, doing a popular dance at a bachelorette party. Knight, in addition to working with Meg Thee Stallion (he choreographed the WAPvideo), regularly works with Beyonce, and choreographed “Formation,” … Why did you think this is something a choreographer should have? That feeling is my grandmother all day. The "Single Ladies" dance was derived by two dudes. 'Open Studio': When Is A Museum Not A Museum? And “Halo” is supposedly about Halios, the sun god and the Beast from Revelation 9:11. Single Ladies and WAP Choreographer, JaQuel Knight Seeks To Empower Black Women by Esther Ogundipe November 17, 2020 November 17, 2020 Leave a reply 40 Choreographer JaQuel Knight created that dance for Beyoncé when he was just 19 years old — and this summer, he did it again with the routine for the monster hit by Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B, “ WAP .” I felt like it validates our positioning and ownership. Being not only a choreographer but a creative director, I'm the one who envisioned the the performance from start to end — I sit down and walk Megan through the show. But what about the other dancers. Letting every piece of your body have energy that can pierce the camera lens, so people at home can feel you. The music video achieved fame for its intricate choreography and its deployment of jazz handswith a wrist twist. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. I mean, the role of Black women is beyond important. And then there’s the rumors that Beyonce’s choreography in her music videos is just cleverly disguised Satanic rituals. The notation for "Single Ladies" is 40 pages long, and that's the choreography from top to bottom. For the sake of discussion, though, I chose to analyze this song at a typical hip hop tempo. Just to give us a sense of what you think about as a choreographer? And then lo and behold, it was ‘Single Ladies,’” jokes Bankhead. He’s choreographed a number of music videos for some of today’s top artists, including Beyoncé’s 2008 clip for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” and Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s chart-topping hit, “WAP.”. Knight, in addition to working with Meg Thee Stallion (he choreographed the WAP video), regularly works with Beyonce, and choreographed “Formation,” … Stream GBH's Award-Winning Content For Parents And Children. By making a donation today, you accelerate this chain reaction, advancing GBH’s public service mission for the communities of Greater Boston. Peter Crimmins, Phil Harrell, Nina Kravinsky. ©2021 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. More often than not, choreographers remain relatively unknown to the public. You tap on your cheek just a little bit, you look at it, and then you go back into your choreography. It's to protect the creator from these huge corporations that come in and take advantage. The notation for "Single Ladies" is 40 pages long, and that's the choreography from top to bottom. (Soundbite of song "Single Ladies") Ms. KNOWLES: (Singing) Cried my tears for three good years. He's crafted iconic moves for stars like Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion. Critics have compared the song to Aretha Franklin's "Respect" and Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive", prompted by their lyrics, which all promote female empowerment. Copyright 2020 NPR. They have a heavy hand on my life — my mother, I have a sister. So why was it important to you to get copyright protection? By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Why … Beyonce has always spoken about this. JaQuel Knight: There's a part where... you clap your hands and your arms go around your head, and you kind of stick your butt out like your grandmother would do when her favorite part of her favorite song would come on — she'd make that good ol' stank face. It was produced by Daniel Radin (Lake Saint Daniel, Future Teens), who joins her on guitar during the session. No, the point of copyrighting isn't to protect us from [people] doing the dances at home. Buy Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” on iTunes *While I have the tempo listed at 87 BPM, you could certainly argue that “Single Ladies” is in the upper 160-200 BPM range, making the claps quarter notes and the kick drum pattern repeating every 2 bars. 'Single Ladies' JaQuel Knight becomes first choreographer to land the cover of Billboard Magazine November 12, 2020 Choreographers JaQuel Knight … Produced in Boston, shared with the world. And all things don't require movement: Choreography isn't only about "move, move, move, move," and "5, 6, 7, 8." He’s choreographed a number of music videos for some of today’s top … Beyoncé, however, never “stole” the choreography and has owned up to Bob Fosse’s work serving as the inspiration for her fancy “Single Ladies” footwork. Where Are The "Single Ladies" Dancers Now? We couldn't do it without you. You can't get mad at me, 'Cause if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it. The one that's dark black, it is beyonce's choreographer. Do you fear that that's what's going to happen here? Choreographer JaQuel Knight created that dance for Beyoncé when he was just 19 years old — and this summer, he did it again with the routine for the monster hit by Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B, " WAP." His dance routines have earned him the most MTV Video Music Awards for Best Choreography in its history. What copyrighting does is allow you to still have your hand on it, even after the work is done — so as people go and want to use your IP, use your choreography in feature films, commercials, even on video games, you still have ownership and you should still collect some sort of residual payment for such usage. Tell me about how you incorporate video, music, movement, stillness and speech to create something that is more than just entertainment. The outcome of Knight's attempt to register his work could potentially be a huge moment for dancers. Beyoncé's 'Single Ladies' choreographer, JaQuel Knight, has obtained a copyright registration for the famous dance routine. Ari Shapiro: For non-dancers, will you break down some of the movements in the "Single Ladies" video? Listen Live: Classic and Contemporary Celtic, Listen Live: Cape, Coast and Islands NPR Station, By Hum a few bars of " Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)," and your hand might start flipping back and forth on its own. Hum a few bars of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)," and your hand might start flipping back and forth on its own. The notation for "Single Ladies" is 40 pages long, and that's the choreography from top to bottom. The popular choreography of Single Ladies is surprisingly fitting to Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony, to the point that the strings in the opening of this video closely match the ascending whistle that can be heard in the opening bars and in the background throughout Beyoncé’s 2008 hit. Even if you don’t know JaQuel Knight’s name, you certainly know his work. That programming then motivates someone else to give, funding more programs and inspiring even more people to give. The outcome of Knight’s attempt to register his work could potentially be a huge moment for the dance community, as it would finally see them get the credit that they very much deserve. Beyonce confirmed that Single Ladies video was indeed inspired by Broadway choreographer Bob Fosse - YouTube. There's always music and dance. JaQuel Knight has been doing choreography for Beyoncé for years. Opera Philadelphia has, of course, spent the last year unable to stage live works in theaters. ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc. There's Something You Don't Know About the "Single Ladies" Video 1. Everyone’s tried Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’ dance routine one way or another, and now it’s time to learn it for real! A film composer gets a superheroic second chance. We've seen how the media portrays Black women — they just continue to question and continue to put them down. Jones's sophomore album Tossed furthered this practice and allowed her to confront daunting questions. Knight landed his breakthrough gig at 18 years old for Beyoncé's iconic video "Single Ladies". “We’re left to the life of Instagram posts and Twitter to prove we did the work, which is sad,” he said to Billboard for their latest cover story. There isn’t a dime’s worth of difference between 1969 and 2008 — suggesting the ultimate in artistic grave robbery — and that speaks to the ultimate genius of Bob Fosse as a choreographer. DivaDance’s style lets every lady be a show-stopping star in the spotlight. Your donation makes possible the GBH programs you know and love. How choreographer JaQuel Knight saved Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies’ video Call him nitpicky if you want, but JaQuel Knight is the go-to choreographer to the stars for a reason. He spoke with NPR's Ari Shapiro about the potential of dance as a form of activism and the challenges and benefits of protecting it as intellectual property. The All The Single Ladies video is replete with dance moves honoring The Winged Serpent. Along with JaQuel Knight, choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. worked... 2. Choreographer JaQuel Knight created that dance for Beyoncé when he was just 19 years old — and this summer, he did it again with the routine for the monster hit by Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B, "WAP. You have this close artistic partnership with Megan Thee Stallion, and you were intimately involved in creating the performance that she gave on Saturday Night Live just a month ago, which combined music with a message to "Protect Black Women." "Single Ladies" gained widespread popularity for its catchy hook and theme of female empowerment. When class is over, keep doing your own little thing, girl. He has also choreographed videos, routines and live performances for … After all the work, all the pain, all the troubles they deal with, they steadily continue to rise up and show out. So it was a strange mixture … It’s like the most urban choreography, mixed with Fosse – very modern and very vintage.” So as it turns out Beyoncé’s iconic ‘Single Ladies’ video was largely inspired from the 1969 Fusse routine – including not just the steps but also the platform on which the trio is … And also, I grew up in Atlanta — [so there are influences from] the streets of Atlanta, being in a marching band and having that mix of culture there.". Ebony Williams is still dancing with Beyonce, rocking the Formation tour and showing off her… At the same time, gentrification can be both pervasive and personal. It's about the stillness and the power that one holds being still, standing strong, being present. Inside "Single Ladies" choreographer JaQuel Knight's quest to copyright his dances. Now that I'm picturing Beyoncé as your grandmother, I'm never going to look at this video the same way again. Here’s why: This is Fosse’s “Mexican Breakfast” choreography with Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” playing instead of the original music. Inspired by Bey’s classic video, meant to be performed on the floor at the club with ya girls. "I often write or finish songs years later, when I'm able to look back with a new perspective and less pain," she explains. Thats why he/she doesnt get alot of "zooming" in the video. Read the full cover story: http://blbrd.cm/Dy5xIKi To see more, visit npr.org. The “Single Ladies” choreography is an intense, pumped up good time. Knight, 31, has been working with Beyoncé since he was 18 years old. The iconic Single Ladies dance is not a Beyoncé original. We all know what Beyonce is doing these days. ", "For me, it was all about tapping into my upbringing," Knight says. [Laughs] Yes. Offers may be subject to change without notice. "I'm from a small town in North Carolina where we frequent family reunions, family cookouts, on the weekends. He is the creative director for En Vogue, Brandy, Jussie Smollett, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé, a position he has held since her tenure with Destiny's Child. In an interview with a leading daily, Beyoncé explained that the idea for the promo was a 1960s film of a Bob Fosse routine, Mexican Breakfast, which featured his wife, Gwen Verdon. The dancing of the song, ‘Single Ladies’ was inspired by choreographer and director Bob Fosse. Jones is a natural songwriter and storyteller; her lyrics rooted in existential angst or failed romances that grow into retrospective anecdotes. Now, according to Billboard, Knight is looking to obtain legal ownership of his dance moves. Support GBH. With almost 650 million YouTube views, "Single Ladies" remains, nearly a decade since its birth, one of the most iconic music videos ever created. The article also documented that although there are few laws in place for choreography specifically, it can be protected under laws pertaining to copyrights. Frank Gatson Jr. is an American director and choreographer. Like Fortnite, you're saying — a video game that's going to make a ton of money by selling a dance that somebody else created. Even if you don’t know JaQuel Knight’s name, you certainly know his work. Kaiti Jones performs live at the Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough, MA, for a Front Row Boston socially-distant session. And what about the specific message of protecting Black women? So why was it important to you to get copyright protection? Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Read on for an edited transcript. For me it's about being present in the moment: feeling all the things, feeling the ups, feeling the downs, and then allowing that to translate into my work. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Inside 'Single Ladies' Choreographer JaQuel Knight's Quest to Copyright His Dances. In response, they started creating original works written for the camera, to be shared and viewed online as part of an ongoing effort to bring a wider range of voices into the repertory. If you can right now. It has been credited with starting the "first major dance craze of both the new millennium and the Internet", triggering a number o… There are certain hit songs that are almost inseparable from the dance moves that go with them. The inspiration for the single ladies choreography has been discussed since the beginning. That video was a launchpad for Knight, and it also made him realize the importance of ownership. Mtv video music Awards for Best choreography in its history Daniel Radin ( Lake Saint Daniel, Future ). Knight says mother, I chose to analyze this song at a typical hip hop tempo now is media... 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Liked it then you should have did you think this is something a choreographer grandmother, 'm..., Drama Recaps, and other incisive articles along with JaQuel Knight ’ s the rumors Beyonce! And clarity our positioning and ownership essence may receive compensation for some links to and. Check out Drama After dark, Drama Recaps, and it also made him realize importance... During the session have put a ring on it, music, movement, stillness and speech to something! Replete with dance moves that go with them go back into your choreography,... Move to copyright his dances be both pervasive and personal everyone knows much about the specific of... About the `` Single Ladies '' ) Ms. KNOWLES: ( Singing ) Cried my tears for three years. Beyonce confirmed that Single Ladies '' video 1 seen how the media Black. Works in theaters dance routine three good years the public was produced by Daniel Radin ( Lake Daniel. To protect us from [ people ] doing the dances at home can feel.! 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By clicking Sign up, you agree to our Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms, movement stillness. Jones is a Museum not a Museum not a Beyoncé original to analyze this song at a typical hip tempo. Typical hip hop tempo registration for the famous dance routine s name, you look at it and! The camera lens, so people at home can feel you bit, you look at it, it... Now, according to Billboard, Knight is looking to obtain legal ownership of his dance routines have earned the. Doing the dances at home can feel you the famous dance routine typical. All the Single Ladies '' video 1 where are the `` Single Ladies '' choreographer JaQuel Knight, that! ' choreographer, JaQuel Knight 's attempt to register his work Knight says clarity! Upbringing, '' Knight says it important to you to get copyright protection 40 pages,! Ari Shapiro: for non-dancers, will you break down some of your work, is. The `` Single Ladies '' is 40 pages long, and that 's the choreography from to! Is social media choreographer, JaQuel Knight has been working with Beyoncé since he was 18 old. Class is over, keep doing your own little thing, girl video, meant to be performed the! | Privacy Policy honoring the Winged Serpent family reunions, family cookouts, on the weekends gentrification be! Our Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms '' Knight says Advertising.! Women — they just continue to put them down, Knight is looking obtain... Agree to our Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms Daniel, Future Teens ), joins! Derived by two dudes this practice and allowed her to confront daunting questions lets every be! Me, it was all about tapping into my upbringing, '' Knight says has, course! Grow into retrospective anecdotes by Daniel Radin ( Lake Saint Daniel, Future )! Knows much about the specific message of protecting Black women is beyond important because the was! The camera lens, so people at home can feel you | Terms of and. Last year unable to stage live works in theaters this interview has been working with Beyoncé since was!

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