The creative force behind Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” video and Jennifer Lopez’s Super Bowl halftime show, Parris Goebel is a dance powerhouse. Now the award-winning choreographer breaks down her approach so you can harness your own creativity. Learn how iconic performances are made—and how to develop and polish routines, direct videos, and exude confidence every step of the way—as Parris opens up like never before.

Syllabus

Meet Your Instructor

World-renowned choreographer Parris Goebel introduces herself and gives an overview of what she’ll teach you. She shares her story, her history as a choreographer, and how she became a global phenomenon.

My Journey

Parris reveals her secrets to building self-confidence. She shares stories from her childhood and her early career when she was full of doubt, and she explains the tools she has used to evolve into a confident leader and a master of her craft.

How to Unlock Your Creative Spirit

Parris helps you discover how to let your spirit go free and find your own unique voice. She describes the creative being who lives inside of her and shares how she invites her to come out and play.

How to Work With Music

Parris explains her process for selecting music and how she forms a connection with it that inspires her choreography.

Building Blocks of Dance Choreography

Parris demonstrates how she comes up with her signature style of choreography. She shares her creative process, from filming herself and her dancers freestyling to layering moves she loves until an entire routine has been choreographed.

Fundamental Dance Formations

Parris demonstrates how she comes up with basic formations that dictate where her dancers should stand and walks you through how she uses shapes and symmetry to inspire her.

Adding Emotions and Dynamics

Parris shows how her choreography goes from basic to amazing. She breaks down some key special effects she uses that are now world-famous: the Curtain Effect, the Surprise Effect, and the Mirror Effect.

The Finishing Touches

Parris shares the importance of polishing a performance by showing how she tweaks and perfects her choreography. She explains why you should assign leaders to small dance groups and provides tips for giving constructive feedback.

World of Dance 2015 Case Study

Parris reviews her championship-winning performance from the 2015 World of Dance. She points out all of the techniques and lessons she has discussed so far to demonstrate how her process comes to life.

How to Develop a Music Video

Parris breaks down how she prepares for music video direction. She walks you through her process of designing a visual treatment, casting dancers, and working with artists who may not have a background in dance.

Directing Dance for the Screen

Parris reveals the nuts and bolts of directing a music video, from figuring out the perfect camera angles and getting the best performances out of her dancers to managing all of the little details on her own.

Leading a Successful Shoot

Parris shares one of the most important parts of being a great choreographer and director: being a great leader. She explains how she is able to inspire respect and run a successful set.

Justin Bieber “Sorry” Music Video Case Study

Parris reviews one of her most famous pieces of work, Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” music video. She breaks down how she created such an iconic piece of work, from the aesthetics to the choreography.

Ciara “Level Up” Music Video Case Study

Parris gives a behind-the-scenes account of her work on Ciara’s “Level Up.” She shares how she came up with unique camera moves, how she dealt with scheduling restraints, and how she got her dancers to give dramatic performances for the camera.

Build Your Brand

Discover Parris’s process for building a brand that’s unique, authentic, and relevant. Parris shares concrete ways to tap into an inner voice and lessons about the importance of breaking all the rules.

From Good to Great

Parris leaves you with the philosophy that she lives by: never settle. She imparts how crucial it is to always strive for greatness and offers steps to make that a reality in your own life.