BEST OF "I'M JUST KEN" DANCE TREND

Hi Barbie fans!

Can you feel the Kenergy? We just can’t get Kenough of the latest dance trend to this hot single from the 2nd highest grossing film of 2023 Barbie. As of August 21st, “I’m Just Ken” has generated over 47MM streams on Spotify and inspired over 100,000 TikTok video. The hashtag #kenergy has been viewed over 375MM times, #imjustken over 457MM times, and #kenough over 495MM times. It’s safe to say there’s never been more interest in Ken than now as indicated by the fanfare around Barbie brand owner Mattel’s roll out of the new “Faux Fur Coat Ken” doll inspired by Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of the character in the film.

The resurgence or perhaps first ever excitement for Ken dolls is largely due to the popularity and talent of Mr. Ryan Gosling. Star of blockbuster favorites like La La Land, The Notebook, and Drive, Ryan Gosling infuses sex appeal, humor and humanity into the longtime known but misunderstood Ken character. He also brings a skill few leading men in cinema can offer, and that is dance ability. Any title that’s tapped Gosling’s skills as a dancer has benefited from his talents, and Barbie is no exception.

Fans of Gosling and the Barbie movie have gone on to speculate that some of the iconic moves from “I’m Just Ken” (choreographed by London based choreographer Jennifer White) may have been inspired by the long time viral video of Gosling’s 1992 dance recital. In the video, Gosling, who was 12 years old at the time of the taping, wears a satin purple shirt, shiny hammer pants, and a confident smirk as he effortlessly executes the jazz meets hip hop routine. He performs front and center surrounded by a sea of girls in purple two pieces clearly undeterred by being in the spotlight when it comes to dance.

12 year old Ryan Gosling dancing in a 1992 dance recital

Since the release of the Barbie movie in July, creators have taken to TikTok and other platforms to put their own spin on the Ken dance routine. DanceOn combed through the many “I’m Just Ken” videos so you don’t have to, and we’re here to share our favorite renditions from the imaginations of some very special creators who are Ken enough for us!

Thanks for your Kenspiration:

@nathanlust

@rafayejazz

@fsacappella

@denniscoghene7879

@michaelquinnnnn

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AMAZING DANCE VIDEO TO HALSEY'S I AM NOT A WOMAN, I'M A GOD

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Continuing the impressive content roll out for Halsey’s new album — If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power — DanceOn presents our latest Artist Request for lead single, “I am not a woman, I’m a god”. Nicole Kirkland’s exciting choreography comes to life as Director Ryan Parma takes us inside a boring office setting that’s about to get a whole lot more interesting. Nicole is joined by dancers Yai Ariza, Donovan Gibbs, Bailey Pina, and Tristan Edpao in this exciting, dance-fueled fever dream. Check out the video and exclusive interview with choreographer and featured dance influencer Nicole Kirkland.

What is the Artist Request video for “I am not a woman, I’m a god” about?

Nicole Kirkland (Choreographer and Featured Dancer): This video is about a woman being ignored and looked over in the workplace. She uses her new superpower to get the men at her work to do what she wants.

How did you use choreography to tell the story?

NK: I used choreography to tell the story. In the beginning we used simple hand movements to show the men not listening to me while a meeting was taking place. Towards the middle of the video the main female character is having fun with her powers as she controls the men. This is my favorite part of the choreography because it shows dancing mixed with “human” movement.

How did you find the dancers for this project?

NK: All the dancers I picked for this video I have used before on other projects. I trust them to get my vision across. Yai Ariza was in my viral “Wap” video. Donovan Gibbs, Tristan Edpao and Bailey Pina I have used on many different concept videos on my YouTube channel like “Whoopty” and my #SavetheChildren video.

What does the song “I am not a woman, I’m a god” mean to you?

NK: The phrase “I am not a woman, I’m a god” reiterates the power women have. Sometimes with all the pressures of society we can forget our power and our strength. This phrase reminds us of that!

If you could do any future collaboration with Halsey, what would it be?

NK: I would love to help create a music video or live performance for Halsey. I have always been a fan of her work, and I think we could make some really cool art together.

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF NICOLE’S CHOREOGRAPHY AND PERFORMANCE?

TELL US IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

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DUNCAN LAURENCE MAKES AN ARTIST REQUEST

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By now, you've probably heard the unforgettable song "Arcade" by singer-songwriter Duncan Laurence. Laurence first stepped onto the world stage when “Arcade” won the coveted 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. In the almost three years since, “Arcade” has gone on to rack up billions of streams worldwide, creating new fans of Duncan Laurence wherever it goes.

And now, the song has its own stunning contemporary dance video as part of DanceOn's "Artist Request" series. Directed by Ryan Parma and choreographed by Jan Ravnik, "Arcade" beautifully comes to life through the movement and storytelling ability of Jan Ravnik and dance partner Madison Alvarado. A beautiful, heart-wrenching glimpse into the dilapidated remains of a relationship past, the Artist Request for "Arcade" perfectly visualizes Laurence's poignant lyrics. The duet takes us physically and emotionally through what’s left of the home and life the couple once shared.

Check out the video below and let us know what you think!

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SNAKE EYES MOVIE DANCE BY THE KINJAZ

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DANCEON NEW RELEASE ALERT!

Paramount's new feature film SNAKE EYES: G.I. Joe Origins releases this Friday July 23, 2021 and they are KICKING off the premiere with an innovative vertical dance video featuring The Kinjaz. Check out the video here:

One of the most revered characters in the G.I. Joe franchise, Snake Eyes was last portrayed by Ray Park in the ’09 & ’13 live-action feature films. In the upcoming film, Henry Golding stars as Snake Eyes, a member of the G.I. Joe team who is known for his relationships with Scarlett and Storm Shadow, as well as his mastery of Martial Arts and hand-to-hand combat.

This newest installment of the franchise serves as an origin story. Centered around a mysterious, lone fighter —known only as “Snake Eyes“ — Golding is welcomed into and trained by an ancient Japanese ninja-warrior clan called the Arashikage. However, loyalties are tested when secrets from his dark past are revealed, which eventually leads him on the path to become the famous G.I. Joe hero fans around the world have come to know and love.

Check out the latest trailer for SNAKE EYES: G.I. Joe Origins

Who are The Kinjaz? A crew and "artist's brotherhood" founded in 2010, the Kinjaz are known for their signature intricate choreography style and creative storytelling through dance and new media. Kinjaz frequently release original dance videos across their channels on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Among their many viral successes, they created this concept video to Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” which garnered over 9 million video views on YouTube:

The Kinjaz are made up of a number of well known dance influencers you can follow on Instagram and other social platforms. Check them out here:

Anthony Lee
Vihn Nguyen
Mike Song
Bam Martin
And more!

What's your favorite Kinjaz video? Let us know in the comments below:

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PERMISSION TO DANCE

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DanceOn trend alert! BTS dropped their new single PERMISSION TO DANCE July 8th 2021, and we are unapologetically grooving to it. If you are looking for a good time, look no further than the official music video:

The choreography includes international sign language signaling ‘fun’, ‘dance’ and ‘peace’. Check out the especially smooth execution of Jungkook’s pencil turn around 2:14. The original choreography to the full track can be viewed here in BTS’s official rehearsal dance video:

Despite the strong connection to dance in the song lyrics and music video, no choreographer is listed in the music video’s credits. Full credits in screenshots below!

We searched online and could find the name of nearly every talent involved but no mention of the choreographer in any press story or posting. We’ve reached out to the creative team and hopefully will update this post soon with information on the choreographer(s) identity and work!

If you are looking for a way to learn the official PERMISSION TO DANCE choreography, there’s an excellent breakdown and tutorial created by YouTube dance influencers Ellen and Brian. Check it out here:

Learn the dance and join the BTS Army by posting your own version of the routine. Shout out to @Chisaakiii for her joyful take of Permission to Dance on TikTok. Over 3 million views so far and counting! We’ll see you out there on the virtual dance floor!

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NETSKY AND ALOE BLACC - SNITCH - OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

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Netsky and Aloe Blacc’s Snitch is the latest in a recent trend of official music videos that feature dancers instead of the music artist(s). We’ve seen this strategy with iconic dance centric music videos like Sia’s Chandelier and Justin Bieber’s Sorry. Propelled by music artists and the music industry, dance has entered into a new era that puts dancing and dance artists in the spotlight. Now more than ever, music artists are focusing on collaborations with dance artists to bring creative visuals and incremental fans to new music releases - a point recently highlighted at the VMA’s during Missy Elliott’s moving speech thanking the dance community.

For Snitch, Republic Records and DanceOn tapped director Donovan Okimura and choreographer Dana Alexa. The cast (aside from Dana who plays the teacher) is made up of 8 dancers - all of whom you should know! - Sammy B, Tahani Anderson, Jadyn Hernandez, Kelly Sweeney, Sophie Santella, Liv Simone, James Herron, and Reif Howey.

Check out the official music video to Snitch, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

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Unbraced: a film by Cara Scott

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DanceOn is proud to announce the premiere ‘Unbraced’, New York-based Cara Scott’s gorgeous and inspiring directorial debut.

‘Unbraced’ was created out of a mission to empower and encourage a sense of community among those affected by scoliosis. 

The StraightForward Scoliosis Foundation collaborated with director, Cara Scott, by reflecting on her personal background as a dancer prior to undergoing a spinal fusion surgery. Given the director’s background and Foundation’s combined goal of promoting scoliosis awareness through art, they gathered a group of dancers ranging from 19-40 years old to share their personal struggle with scoliosis through movement. It was important for them to capture the movement of other dancers who have experienced, lived with, and have continued to move with scoliosis in the expression of their art form. In further developing this project, they received an outpour of individuals sharing similar stories for the first time, including the musical artist of this song, Emeryld. 

This film is a token of appreciation for the strength and vulnerability of the women in this film and the greater scoliosis community. 

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Best Old Town Road Videos

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Lil Nas X’s OLD TOWN ROAD featuring Billy Ray Cyrus is the song of the summer 2019! According to Billboard, the track led the Songs of the Summer chart for 14 weeks straight. The ranking is calculated based on cumulative streams, air plays and sales between Memorial Day and Labor Day - all of which was likely spurred on from “Old Town Roads” trending videos across social media. To celebrate Old Town Road’s record breaking success, we’ve rounded up our Top 10 Old Town Road videos. Giddy up Old Town Road fans! Let us know you favorites below.

#10

We’re kicking this off with an adorable dance video filmed on an actual horse ranch and starring Tinie T.

#9

Coming in at #9, we present to you the smooth moves of 15 year old influencer Yvng Homie. Check out his thumbnail - we love it!

#8

It’s the Old Town Road line dance you’ve been searching for! With 1MM views and counting, we are very impressed with 5, 6, 7, 8’s Line Dance Class.

#7

The sketch at the beginning is a little cheesy, but stay with it and you will experience a routine that is absolute #squad goals. The video was created by YouTube stars Poonam and Priyanka and features a cover version of Old Town Road by Jatavia Akiaa featuring Simmi Singh.

#6

Quite possibly the sexiest version of Old Town Road out there, it ALMOST doesn’t matter that the featured dancer of the video is the super talented, major music artist Halsey. Wait WHAT?!

#5

The official dance video for Old Town Road according to Billboard features queen of twerking Lexy Panterra.

#4

We challenge you to find a cuter father daughter dance to Old Town Road than this amazing routine created by Cole and Everleigh of the famous LaBrant Family!

#3

By far the most viewed Old Town Road dance video with over 23MM views so far and growing, Matt Steffanina and Josh Killacky’s rendition is full of life and features some of the best young dance talent on the rise.

#2

Proof that Old Town Road has trended far beyond borders, we love 1 Million Dance Studio’s video featuring choreography by Enoh.

#1

And #1 of course goes to Lil Nas X himself! This video of his live performance for a gymnasium full of screaming, dancing elementary school kids is the stuff dreams are made of. This is a moment this artist and these kids will remember forever, and thanks to digital video, we get to share in the fun too!

#BoysdoBallet

“Good Morning America” had the online dance community talking about them today. In case you missed it, here’s what went down.

First GMA’s host Lara Spencer reported on British royal Prince George’s upcoming academic curriculum. Subjects outside of the basics, she reports, include religious studies, computer programming, poetry and ballet. She then went on to laugh at the idea of Prince George taking ballet saying “we’ll see how long that lasts” and leading the live audience to laugh along with her. Check out the video below:

Lara Spencer’s remarks struck a chord with dancers everywhere who took to social media platforms to express their disapproval:

I saw a clip from @goodmorningamerica this morning and I was pretty surprised by the tone of some comments towards dance. My initial response was disappointment. For a brief moment it brought up old unpleasant memories of being mocked and laughed at for being a boy who danced. Fortunately that feeling dissipated quickly in knowing that the climate of dance, especially for young men in this generation is thriving more than ever, celebrated and appreciated . A young boy training in an athletic art form that requires an insane amount of discipline, strength, agility, flexibility, speed, dedication, awareness of mind, body, soul and creativity doesn't seem like something to laugh about . I understand that comments like the one made here on television were probably light hearted and just a little banter. I get it. I know everyone at gma including @lara.spencer and I'm sure the intention wasn't to be hurtful. But I also just think we are in a new era and time, especially for dance and it's perception. The tone and mockery towards dance is just dated, old and not relevant anymore. Those who mock don't understand. I'm proud to be a dancer and I strongly encourage any, who would like to try. So if there are any young kids out there who have a passion to pursue dance, don't be discouraged by those who might laugh or make fun, tease or taunt. Follow your passion, take a chance on yourself and remember, that when you are courageous enough to listen to your inner voice rather than the voices (that only you can allow) to tear you down, you will always win. Follow your bliss and you will always have the last laugh:) Nothing but love and encouragement 🙏🏼#dance #encourage #create #dontHate #community

38k Likes, 1,061 Comments - Derek Hough (@derekhough) on Instagram: "I saw a clip from @goodmorningamerica this morning and I was pretty surprised by the tone of some..."

Lara has since issued an apology on her Instagram:

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Janet Jackson Day!

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"As we look to the future of keeping catalog relevant in a digital age, we find what resonates most are activations where we come to the fans. We want to engage fans at their points of natural consumption, appearing in fun ways on the screens and platforms they’re enjoying and making them fall in love with an artist’s legacy through a new medium and lens.” - Andre Torres, VP of Urban Legends (UMe)

DanceOn recently had the pleasure of hosting a Masterclass Event at Mihran K. Studios in Burbank, California in which Anthony Thomas and Tina Landon taught their original choreography for Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” and “If” respectively.

With a wide range of talent from kids to adults, dancers at every level were able to enjoy this celebration of iconic choreography and music. Alongside staples in today’s dance community like Gabe De Guzman and Samantha Long, two generations of dance came together, learning from the best and paying homage to the sounds and movements that have helped elevate dance to where it is today. Artists among the ranks of Janet are timeless icons in both dance and music. Some of Tina and Anthony’s students included Taylor Hatala and Kyndall Harris, dancers who have had first-hand experience dancing with Janet.

“I think Miss Janet has inspired me to be more of a performer. I’ve always been a dancer, but just watching her in rehearsal change from this sweet Janet that everyone knows to this fierce monster on stage, that inspired me to do the same.” - Kyndall Harris, currently on tour with Janet

Head on over to DanceOn’s Youtube page to relive the excitement and take in some of the experience and wisdom that was so graciously shared with us on this awesome day!

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Black Eyed Peas' Will.I.Am & India Love drop the 2019 bop of the spring, #PRETTY

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Black Eyed Peas frontman, Will.I.Am, teamed up with social media sensation, India Love, to bring us one of the catchiest songs of 2019.

The music video for #PRETTY feels like an awesome nostalgic fusion between the intro fo “Clarissa Explains it All” and something from the Lil Kim catalogue in the mid-90s.

Check out the music video and let us know what you think!

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Amazing Dance Video to Dean Lewis' "Be Alright"

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Some songs have the ability to transport us - telling us a story that’s all too familiar. Dean Lewis’ “Be Alright” is one of those songs. Inspired by Dean Lewis’ own relationship as well as some of his friends, he took the “bits and pieces from each experience and combined them into one song”. “Be Alright” tells the story of a person dealing with the end of a relationship, and while at times the lyrics are heartbreaking, the chorus is hopeful reminding us again and again that “it will be alright”.

Nothing captures the hurt and hope of “Be Alright” better than this amazing dance video choreographed by Jan Ravnick and Lonni Olson. What do you think of the choreography in the video? Tell us in the comments below!

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5 Times We Died Over a Maddie Ziegler Viral Video

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You know celebrity dancer Maddie Ziegler from Dance Moms, So You Think You Can Dance, and some of the most iconic music videos in recent years including Sia's Chandelier trilogy, but did you know that Maddie is a maven of casual appearances in viral videos? Don’t believe us? Here’s proof…

Maddie Ziegler starred in this concept video created in partnership with Portugal. The Man for their single “Feel It Still”. We love this video for the precision of Brian Friedman's excellent choreography, the retro-chic wardrobe styling and… the bunny of course!

We all have to take class to brush up our technique, but don't you love it when you happen to be taking class next to Maddie Ziegler?! Celebrities... they're just like us!

Normally shying away from the camera, Sia gets front and center for the making of Elastic Heart and is joined by her creative team, Shia Labeouf and of course... the one and only Maddie Ziegler!

Bonus! If you haven't seen all the amazing times Maddie and Sia have collaborated in music videos, now's your chance:

2014: Chandelier

2015 - Elastic Heart and Big Girls Cry

2016 - The Greatest

2018 - Thunderclouds

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The Top 10 Dancers on YouTube

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YouTube is a game changing platform for the dance industry. Top dancers who were once nameless faces behind major music acts are now some of the world's biggest influencers thanks to social video platforms (most especially YouTube because of it's massive global reach and active music streaming audience).

At DanceOn, we are always tracking and collaborating with the dance influencers doing it best. Some of the names have been on the list for several years; others are relative newcomers. All are crushing the YouTube game scoring millions of views on average videos and tapping into a vast fanbase of dancers and non-dancers from around the world.

#10 NIKA KLJUN

Nika is not only a top 10 dance influencers on YouTube, she's also the official Slovenian Ambassador of Dance! Originally from Slovenia, she now resides in Los Angeles and is known for her incredible classes in a variety of dance styles.

Her top video has over 18mm views: 

Check out Nika crushing it in her DanceOn Class to Sia's Move Your Body: 

And this video set to Enrique Iglesias' El Bano:

#9 TRICIA MIRANDA

A long time top 10 influencer, Tricia is one of the most in-demand choreographers of this generation. Her #1 video to the tune of Rihanna's "Bitch Better Have My Money" has nearly 60MM video views:

And if you haven't seen her version of "The Water Dance", you are missing out!

Check out Tricia's DanceOn Class to Taylor Swift's Ready for it?

#8 YANIS MARSHALL

French choreographer Yanis Marshall took the world by surprise as the man who danced (really really well) in heels... 

He may have stolen your heart in one of these early viral videos…

This amazing Spice Girls mashup:

Or this Beyonce medley:

Check out the NYC DanceOn Class taught by Yanis:

Get to know more about what inspired him to dance in heels:

And just for fun, check out Yanis as the tough-to-please casting director in this super fun Too Faced brand video: 

#7 WILLDABEAST


Will Adams aka WilldaBeast is one of the most sought after teachers in Los Angeles. Often working in partnership with his long time partner Janelle Ginestra, this pair has created some of our all time favorite viral vids.

Check out some of their epic dance classes here:

Will and Janelle dance together in Tyce Diorio's Artist Request video: 

#6 FITNESS MARSHALL

Originally from small town Indiana, Caleb Marshall aka the Fitness Marshall is YouTube's most in-demand Dance Fitness Star.

Some of our favorite routines that will make you want to dance until you sweat:

Did you know DanceOn launched a reality series starring the Fitness Marshall, Life of a Fitness Pop Star!? Check out the trailer! 

And of course, Fitness Marshall got his very own DanceOn Class in LA: 

#5 NICOLE KIRKLAND

Nicole Kirkland has had quite a year. A long time YouTuber, 2018 brought her significant viewership and subscriber growth. Known for heels as well as hip hop, Nicole is a powerhouse choreographer who draws top digital personalities to her class. 

We love seeing Tessa Brooks get down in this Kirkland class: 

Check out Nicole Kirkland’s DanceOn Class:

#4 DYTTO

One of the best influencers at creating both dance-centric and lifestyle content on her channel, Dytto is currently the top female dancer on YouTube. 

Fall in love with her style here:

Ditto’s rendition of Barbie Girl is a must-see:

#3 JABBAWOCKEEZ

Known for winning Season 1 of MTV's America's Best Dance Crew and for their long running live shows in Vegas and Los Angeles, the Jabbawockeez can't help but win on every platform. 

Check out their top performing video filmed at the NBA's finals 2017 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA:

Throw back to one of the most amazing dance collabs of all time created in partnership with Coca-Cola to raise money and awareness for RED. This video features the Jabbawockeez, Les Twins, Harry Shum Jr, Ian Eastwood, Brian Puspos, Jasmine Meakin aka Megajam and more! 

#2 KYLE HANAGAMI

Leveraging his 3.3MM subscribers, Kyle created the #2 video ON ALL OF YOUTUBE in 2017!!!! Check it out here: 

Check out one of our early collaborations with Kyle. This concept video stars a young Larsen Thompson and features Charli XCX's new track Boom Clap: 

#1 MATT STEFFANINA 

Matt Steffanina reigns above all with over 13MM subscribers across 4 YouTube channels. His style is Hip Hop, and he's known for teaching and mentoring some of the most incredible young talent in the biz. His #1 video has over 70mm views: 

Check out Matt’s rendition of the beloved party track Watch Me Whip Nae Nae:

Matt has been a part of a variety of DanceOn original programs. Check out his choreography for our original series Boy Squad:

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