“Choreographers are the new DJs”: The Art Behind Viral Dance Trends

From the distinctive arm movements accompanying Zara Larsson’s Lush Life to the angular formations in PinkPantheress’s Girl Like Me, it is likely you have encountered—and perhaps even attempted to replicate—these popular dance sequences. Clips of enthusiasts mimicking these steps to tracks by both artists have amassed millions of views across the internet. But what drives these specific routines to become viral sensations? According to Luam Keflezgy, a choreographer who has worked with icons such as Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Kelly Rowland, the secret often lies in spontaneity: the most effective move is “often the first thing that comes out.”

Keflezgy recently spoke with BBC Newsbeat ahead of PinkPantheress’s headlining performance at Alexandra Palace on Friday. The 25-year-old artist is currently promoting Fancy That, her British-themed album, following the release of the Girl Like Me music video. The visual features iconic UK imagery, including royal foot soldiers, London Underground signage, and Mini Coopers. However, it is the striking symmetry and precise sequencing, crafted by Keflezgy, that have captivated audiences online.

“My goal when I put on the music is let me do the coolest shapes in the sassiest of ways,” Keflezgy explains. She posted her inaugural TikTok video in early May, showcasing PinkPantheress dancing backstage to the track. With the official video set to drop the following day, there was limited promotional material available at the time. The clip has since garnered 2.5 million views. Keflezgy emphasizes the importance of crafting a narrative that resonates with the audience. For Girl Like Me, PinkPantheress requested a “canon sequence,” a technique where dancers execute identical movements in a staggered formation. “In different sequences you can see the differences. In each step the geometry should be beautiful,” Keflezgy notes, adding that the Brit Award winner was highly involved in the creative process to foster a deeper connection with fans.

This dynamic mirrors the recent resurgence of Zara Larsson’s 2016 hit Lush Life. The song has experienced a renewed popularity, largely attributed to a new dance routine not present in the original music video. The viral arm swings and hip circles were devised by choreographer Lola Beckers, who has been collaborating with the Swedish star on her Midnight Sun tour. Speaking to Dutch media last year, Beckers revealed she invented the routine “on the spot in the studio.” “The dancers and I had a lot of fun,” Beckers said, noting that the group’s enthusiasm was evident.

Larsson, 28, told the BBC that she enjoys seeing more people engage with her artistic world. The Lush Life segment of her live shows has become highly anticipated, with fans occasionally selected to perform the choreography alongside her. Kayleigh Sloat, a 20-year-old fan chosen to dance with Larsson at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, described the experience as “surreal.” “I wanted to share the moment with Zara,” she said. Sloat believes musicians have a duty to cultivate relationships through their live performances. “It’s important for artists to actually try and involve the fans because it makes people want to go to the shows.”

While professional dancers created the routines for Girl Like Me and Lush Life, it is increasingly common for fans to invent their own steps. A notable example is Charli XCX’s 2024 hit Apple, where a fan-created dance sparked a broader cultural phenomenon. Although artists leverage these viral moments, girl group Flo insists that authenticity is paramount. In the video for their track Leak It, members Jorja Douglas, Renée Downer, and Stella Quaresma perform a high-energy routine that has spread across social media, aiding the song’s chart performance. “You can’t predict virality,” Douglas tells Newsbeat. “You just have to be really confident with what you put out.” Social media expert Vicky Owens feel

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-29 11:47:40 UTC