Black girls rock everywhere we go, so it’s no surprise that the dance world is full of immensely talented Black women. Icons like Fatima Robinson, Laurieann Gibson, Tina Landen, Paula Abdul and the incomparable Debbie Allen are all names that have long been synonymous with greatness in the professional dance industry, but there are also a host of young ladies who are making their mark today. Here’s a look at 15 established and rising Black female dancers and choreographers who are currently killing the game.
A Seattle native who’s no stranger to the entertainment world, Helen Gedlu has shined on stage and in music videos alongside the likes of Ciara, Chris Brown, Kanye West, Trey Songz, Lloyd and Keyshia Cole, to name a few. She also landed a dance role in the 2014 film Beyond The Lights and recently snagged a spot on season 2 of Empire. She is currently on tour with Major Lazer.
North Carolina native Tasha B has emerged as one to watch in the dance world in recent years. Her impressive resume includes gracing stages with several major artists like Beyonce, August Alsina, Usher, Tamar Braxton, Tinashe and Kid Ink. Most recently, she appeared in Beyonce’s Formation video and season 2 of Empire. She is currently on tour with Beyonce.
Hailing from the city of sunshine and Hollywood dreams, 20-year-old Kaelynn Harris is living proof that big talent comes on small packages. With Laurieann Gibson as her mentor and a resume that includes a music video with Fergie and an appearance on Empire along with praise from Janet Jackson and Chris Brown, the sky is truly the limit.
Kyndall set the Internet ablaze in 2016 with the now-viral video of an incredible dance routine to Desiigner’s “Panda” alongside fellow dancer Taylor Hatala. Shortly after, the amazingly talented 13-year-old joined Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable Tour. She has previously appeared on America’s Got Talent, as well as the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and has garnered praise from the likes of Missy Elliot and Beyonce.
A proud North Carolina A&T grad, Desiree is on her grind and she’s not showing any signs of slowing down. In addition to spending much of 2015 touring with August Alsina, Desiree’s resume includes Beyonce’s Formation video and 2016 Super Bowl performance, as well as performances and music videos with artists like Ledisi, Robin Thicke and Pitbull. She’s also appeared on Empire, Black Girls Rock and The BET Awards.
Another dancer often seen at Beyonce’s side, Kimmie G is a Jersey girl who got her start in the industry as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers dance team. After landing a coveted spot as one of only 5 dancers chosen to accompany Beyonce on her I AM world tour in 2010, she has remained a staple in Mrs. Carters dancer crew ever since. Most recently, Kimmie was in Formation for Superbowl 2016 and appeared on season 2 of Empire. She also serves a mentor for young aspiring female dancers through her KiMMESTRY dance classes.
You’ll probably recognize Ashley as Beyonce’s right-hand dancer who’s graced countless stages, music videos, commercials, awards shows, Super Bowl halftimes and plenty more since getting her start as a back up dancer for Queen Bey at the tender age of 17. Since then, the fiery red head has gone on to work with everyone from Usher, to Tina Turner, to Robin Thicke, to Ciara, to Jennifer Lopez and even snagged a recurring dance role on last season of VH1’s Hit The Floor.
Originally from Norway, Mona Bernsten got her big break in the industry when she won So You Think You Can Dance – Scandinavia at the age of 18. She has performed alongside major artists like Chris Brown, Alicia Keys and Justin Timberlake and is currently on tour with Justin Bieber.
Princess is a powerhouse dancer whose impressive resume is only getting better. A proud Nigerian and graduate of UNC Greensboro, Princess has graced the stage and music videos with the likes of Tamar Braxton, August Alsina, Fantasia, Ne-Yo, Cee-Lo, Jason Derulo, T-Pain and many more. She also runs her own successful consulting firm for aspiring dancers and appeared on season 2 of Empire.
Kansas City, Missouri trailblazer Jamaica Craft is one of today’s most sought after choreographers who has built a rock solid resume in the dance industry. She got her start in the business as a back up dancer for MC Hammer and has gone on to choreograph for a laundry list of major artists like Ciara, Usher, Justin Bieber, John Legend, Nicki Minaj, Ne-Yo and TLC. Most recently, she was tapped as the lead choreographer for season 2 of Empire.
Danielle Polanco has been leaving her mark on the dance world for over a decade and her hard work has solidified her as a force to be reckoned with over the years. Most will remember her as the leading lady who held her own in Omarion’s 2007 “Touch” video, but her resume now includes doing choreography for major artists like Beyonce, Usher, Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, Eve and Jennifer Lopez. She’s also appeared in a host of notable music videos and has landed roles in several film and television spots including Step Up, Idlewild and The Wiz Live.
Luam is a tremendously talented familiar face in the dance world. She has choreographed for dozens of major artists including Beyonce, Kanye West, Rihanna, Robin Thicke, Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monae and Alicia Keys. Some of her most recent work was seen on the BET Awards Prince tribute, Black Girls Rock! 2016, The Today Show and Good Morning America.
A Memphis native and the originator of Hip Hop In Heels, choreographer Brandee Evans has made quite the name for herself in the dance and entertainment industry. Her resume includes choreographing for countless artists, high schools, colleges and NBA dance teams including the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies. She has also danced with the likes of Kelly Rowland, Usher, Monica, Diddy, Ledisi, Jamie Fox, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and LL Cool J, to name just a few.
Candace is a Queens, NY native and proud Jamaican/Trindadian who has lit up the stage with major artists like Ashanti, August Alsina, Alicia Keys, Diddy, Iggy Azaelia and Blake Shelton. She also made her Broadway debut as a dancer in the Hip Hop musical Holler If Ya Hear Me. She is currently on tour with Keith Sweat.
A rising talent in the professional dance world, Andranita Smith has performed alongside some of the biggest names in music including Janelle Monae, Pharrell, and Mya. She is currently on tour with Major Lazer.
