Fatima Robinson On Choreographing For Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Beyoncé, & Still Lounge

Why It Matters

Robinson’s blend of iconic choreography and dance‑as‑therapy reshapes how the industry values artistic resilience and cultural healing, influencing both mainstream productions and emerging creators.

Key Takeaways

• Robinson overcame imposter syndrome, crying on set, then delivered iconic choreography.
• She credits collective energy and soul music for joining Still Lounge project.
• Aaliyah’s humility and “softness” set her apart from today’s harder personas.
• Longevity and reinvention define true superstars, exemplified by Snoop Dogg.
• Robinson treats dance as therapeutic “choreotherapy,” shaping her lasting legacy.

Summary

The interview spotlights Fatima Robinson, an Emmy‑nominated director and choreographer whose résumé spans Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” video at age 21 to recent collaborations on the Still Lounge project with Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg. She reflects on her early confidence, the pressure of high‑profile gigs, and the raw moments—like crying in the bathroom before a shoot—that fueled her resilience.

Robinson emphasizes the power of collective energy, noting that soul‑music playlists sparked her involvement in Still Lounge. She recounts working with Aaliyah, describing the late singer’s “angelic voice” and humility as rare qualities that resonated deeply. She also highlights Snoop Dogg’s ability to reinvent himself across music, film, and commentary, framing longevity as the true hallmark of a superstar.

Memorable quotes include, “I went to the bathroom to cry, wiped my tears, and counted 5, 6, 7, 8,” and “Aaliyah hit certain chakras in your body.” She also likens choreographing Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour to “pushing a gigantic boulder up a hill,” underscoring the collaborative effort required for large‑scale productions.

Robinson views dance as more than performance; she calls it “choreotherapy,” a therapeutic practice that helps participants reconnect with their bodies and emotions. Her commitment to mentorship, cultural preservation, and exploring dance as medicine signals a lasting legacy that will shape future creators and the broader entertainment ecosystem.

Original Description

Legendary choreographer Fatima Robinson sat down with Complex News' Jillian Hardeman-Webb to discuss working with everyone from Michael Jackson to Aaliyah to Dr. Dre on his Super Bowl Halftime show. Robinson serves as the choreographer for Still Lounge and she talked about her experiences on that show as well.

00:00 Introduction

00:34 Working with Michael Jackson on "Remember The Time"

03:38 Working on Still Lounge with Dre and Snoop

04:20 Remembering Aaliyah

05:50 Why Snoop Dogg and Teyana Taylor are modern superstars

08:33 The 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show With Dr. Dre

11:22 Her role on Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour

13:38 The Impact of TikTok and Social Media on Dancing

15:14 Impressive Dance Sequences and "The Color Purple"

16:48 Her concept of Choreotherapy

18:16 Advice for Aspiring Creators

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