The music industry is notoriously and historically male dominated. And with the men in power, holding the mics, standing in front of the cameras, and writing the history, the women in the background and foreground are often overlooked. But in this Information Age, we can do better. It’s time to sing the praises of the women who’ve shaped and defined culture. The list is long. We could list these names forever. Today, we’re looking at some of our favorite art pieces from choreographer, creative director, and Fatima Robinson. After graduating high school early, Robinson attended cosmetology school and danced in the clubs after hours. From there, she was discovered by John Singleton, who promised to put her in his films. Singleton did a lot more than that. He provided Robinson with her first big break in the music industry.
Remember the Time – Michael Jackson
Robinson was only 20 when Singleton tapped her to create the moves for Michael Jackson’s now iconic “Remember the Time” music video. At nine minutes long, the project was dubbed a short film. Set in Ancient Egypt, the short film came complete with star-studded talents like Eddie Murphy, Magic Johnson, Iman, and more. The video was an event and eventually became iconic due in large part to Robinson’s choreography. It was crisp, fresh, and something entirely new for Michael Jackson. It worked and allowed her to walk into any room.
Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See- Busta Rhymes
This incredibly visually stunning video pays homage to the movie Coming to America, complete with a replication of the iconic ballroom dance scene. But Robinson modernized it. The dancers did something like the heel toe. They popped and stomped to this infectious beat.
Backstreet’s Back- Backstreet Boys
1997 was a lucrative year for Robinson. The same year she choreographed Busta Rhymes, she also worked with Backstreet Boys for what is likely their most popular song to date, “Backstreet’s Back.” With an extended intro and mid-song breakdown, there was plenty of time for the group and the dancers to perform Robinson’s moves in the group’s horror-themed video.
More Than a Woman- Aaliyah
Robinson worked with the late Aaliyah on a few occasions, including on her last video, “Rock the Boat.” While the work on both is impressive and timeless. The moves in “More Than Woman” are more intricate and visually enticing. I remember standing in front of the TV, trying my best to get these steps and body rolls down.
Family Affair – Mary J. Blige
Who can forget how Mary J. Blige’s blunt cut wigs swang and bounced when she kicked, stomped, and slid in the “Family Affair video. In addition to a banging hit song, the dance moves showed a lighter, more fun, and playful side of Mary. As much as Mary grooves on stages today, we hadn’t seen her bust a move like this since her “Real Love” days. The video aligned with the lyrics in that it marked the fact that Mary was back.
Dreamgirls
The movements of the Dreamettes are soft and subtle. But if you pay attention, the women were moving, moving across the many stages they graced throughout the film. In reflecting on her career, Fatima got emotional speaking about this project specifically. The eldest of three girls, she could see herself and her sisters playing dress up in their mother’s clothes, performing around the house. Watching the film, Robinson said, “It was almost like I was born to do that movie in that way.” She was definitely the woman for the job.
Lackawanna Blues
Few things are more authentically Black than a good ole fashioned fish fry, with good food, good drinks, and even better dance moves. Robinson accurately captured the energy and spirit of these shindigs with the choreography she provided for the period piece Lackawanna Blues.
Save the Last Dance
Today, there’s been some debate about whether or not Sarah’s Hip-Hop/ballet dance moves would have earned her a spot in Juilliard. But you can’t deny the flyness of the dancing from Derek and his peers in the club scenes. The movements, especially in the ending credits, were aspirational. Those kids were cool and made many of us wish for the days when we could hit the club.
The Wiz Live (2015)
If you’re going to remake something as iconic and culturally monumental as “The Wiz,” it has to be tight from top to bottom. And in 2015, a very talented group of Black folk, including Robinson, pulled it off beautifully. The live production of the musical in 2015 introduced this classic piece to a new generation while reminding us what we loved about the original play and film. Robinson was tapped to do choreography, and she infused the dance numbers with new moves without being too cheesy.
Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 BET Awards Performance
Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright,” is a Negro Spiritual. It’s a protest song. A reminder to remain hopeful amid dark and bleak times. The piece is important. So when he graced the stage at the 2015 BET Awards, he had to capture all that energy and bring it to the people. Robinson’s expertise helped make that possible with the moves she gave to the performers on stage and in the audience. The moment, with its uptempo, smooth, and military moves, was a beautiful reminder.
Renaissance World Tour – Beyoncé
We can’t end this list without including the event that had the entire country in a tizzy throughout the summer. The clips from this tour were the topic of conversation. Beyoncé switched some things up, had different dancers, and worked with Fatima Robinson again to bring her vision to life. Fatima worked with a team of choreographers to get all of this together. The tour simultaneously spotlighted ballroom culture different body types, and more flawlessly.