He has also choreographed videos, routines and live performances for … Jones is a natural songwriter and storyteller; her lyrics rooted in existential angst or failed romances that grow into retrospective anecdotes. 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. [Laughs] Yes. Beyoncé's 'Single Ladies' choreographer, JaQuel Knight, has obtained a copyright registration for the famous dance routine. After all the work, all the pain, all the troubles they deal with, they steadily continue to rise up and show out. You can't get mad at me, 'Cause if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it. So why was it important to you to get copyright protection? So much of what makes choreography universal and ubiquitous now is social media. Inside 'Single Ladies' Choreographer JaQuel Knight's Quest to Copyright His Dances. Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. That video was a launchpad for Knight, and it also made him realize the importance of ownership. It has been credited with starting the "first major dance craze of both the new millennium and the Internet", triggering a number o… This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Why did you think this is something a choreographer should have? Where Are The "Single Ladies" Dancers Now? Just to give us a sense of what you think about as a choreographer? So why was it important to you to get copyright protection? 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. "I'm from a small town in North Carolina where we frequent family reunions, family cookouts, on the weekends. 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. And all things don't require movement: Choreography isn't only about "move, move, move, move," and "5, 6, 7, 8." The outcome of Knight's attempt to register his work could potentially be a huge moment for dancers. ", "For me, it was all about tapping into my upbringing," Knight says. A film composer gets a superheroic second chance. The inspiration for the single ladies choreography has been discussed since the beginning. 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." More often than not, choreographers remain relatively unknown to the public. Even if you don’t know JaQuel Knight’s name, you certainly know his work. Thats why he/she doesnt get alot of "zooming" in the video. Your donation makes possible the GBH programs you know and love. For the sake of discussion, though, I chose to analyze this song at a typical hip hop tempo. Hum a few bars of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)," and your hand might start flipping back and forth on its own. He’s choreographed a number of music videos for some of today’s top … Letting every piece of your body have energy that can pierce the camera lens, so people at home can feel you. Read on for an edited transcript. 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. Stream GBH's Award-Winning Content For Parents And Children. “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. They have a heavy hand on my life — my mother, I have a sister. The one that's dark black, it is beyonce's choreographer. Inspired by Bey’s classic video, meant to be performed on the floor at the club with ya girls. When you look at the video, as much as it's about the moves, it's also about the feeling and the intent. 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." The dancing of the song, ‘Single Ladies’ was inspired by choreographer and director Bob Fosse. At the same time, gentrification can be both pervasive and personal. Read the full cover story: http://blbrd.cm/Dy5xIKi 'Single Ladies' JaQuel Knight becomes first choreographer to land the cover of Billboard Magazine November 12, 2020 Choreographers JaQuel Knight … There's Something You Don't Know About the "Single Ladies" Video 1. 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. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our 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. There are certain hit songs that are almost inseparable from the dance moves that go with them. With almost 650 million YouTube views, "Single Ladies" remains, nearly a decade since its birth, one of the most iconic music videos ever created. Copyright 2020 NPR. And then lo and behold, it was ‘Single Ladies,’” jokes Bankhead. Knight landed his breakthrough gig at 18 years old for Beyoncé's iconic video "Single Ladies". Why … Beyonce confirmed that Single Ladies video was indeed inspired by Broadway choreographer Bob Fosse - YouTube. The notation for "Single Ladies" is 40 pages long, and that's the choreography from top to bottom. 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 … Everyone’s tried Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’ dance routine one way or another, and now it’s time to learn it for real! You tap on your cheek just a little bit, you look at it, and then you go back into your choreography. Knight, 31, has been working with Beyoncé since he was 18 years old. I mean, the role of Black women is beyond important. Along with JaQuel Knight, choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. worked... 2. The All The Single Ladies video is replete with dance moves honoring The Winged Serpent. Ari Shapiro: For non-dancers, will you break down some of the movements in the "Single Ladies" video? 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. 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.". By making a donation today, you accelerate this chain reaction, advancing GBH’s public service mission for the communities of Greater Boston. He's crafted iconic moves for stars like Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion. Tell me about how you incorporate video, music, movement, stillness and speech to create something that is more than just entertainment. 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