Tanisha Scott has given us over 25 years of iconic performances! She has choreographed and danced with just about anybody in the industry, and now it’s time to shine the spotlight on the talented woman who has owned the industry for years.
She is renowned for her exceptional choreography and has made indelible contributions to the music industry through her collaborations with icons such as Drake, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Sean Paul, and Beyoncé.
Due to her unique skills, Tanisha Scott typically shines as brightly as the stars she is working with, and her 2016 collaboration with Drake on the iconic “Hotline Bling” video was the stuff of legends.
That video not only catapulted her back into the spotlight but it also demonstrated her versatility and enduring dance skills.
The video, directed by the renowned Director X, showcases Drake’s moves and puts Scott’s choreography at the forefront, marking her triumphant return to the music video scene after years of legendary work with top artists like Beyoncé and Neyo.
After the Drake gig, Scott’s popularity shot up even more when she worked with Cardi B, as creative director in 2018.
Scott revealed the behind-the-scenes magic that brought “Hotline Bling” to life and shed light on her unexpected cameo in the video during a 2015 interview with Complex.
“The backstory is that my manager, Taj, is Director X’s manager too,” Scott explained. “He contacted me about the opportunity to work with Drake on the video, and I was like, ‘Uh, duh, yeah!'”
However, what truly set “Hotline Bling” apart was its spontaneous and unscripted nature. Contrary to expectations, the video wasn’t meticulously choreographed; instead, it was a free-flowing expression of Drake’s personality and energy.
“I was just a coach,” Scott disclosed. “Nobody was going to expect him to dance, and we were like, ‘This entire video has to just be you.'”
And dance he did. From his mesmerizing “bubbling” skills to his impromptu moves inspired by Pulp Fiction, Drake embraced the moment with confidence and charisma.
Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Scott has gotten three nominations for the prestigious MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
Scott, who has Jamaican roots, has since forged a flourishing career that extends beyond the realm of dance performance, venturing into film and television.
Collaborating with esteemed directors including Spike Jonze, Jodie Foster, Noam Murro, Lance Acord, F Gary Gray, and Jason Moore, she has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
A recent post on Instagram by @darkskinwomen about Scott’s immense contribution to the music video industry elicited a barrage of positive responses as users reflected on her standout performances.
@jen_rebelfleur posted:
“THE UPDATE I DIDN’T KNOW I NEEDED! ❤️ I have no clue what Sean was doing in that video. I only remember HER! She need to sell dance tutorials for those of us who didn’t receive the blessing of rhythm.😩🙏🏾”
Another user commented:
“The mother of an entire generation 👑👑”
Yet another user also recalled her epic performance in a music video with Neyo:
“She did that E P I C booty bounce in Neyo 1st video”
Currently serving as the Creative Director & Choreographer for Lizzo, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the musical and visual identity of the acclaimed artist.
Additionally, she shines as a star in the Prime Video series ‘Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls.’ In this captivating show, viewers follow the journey of the Truth Hurts singer as she seeks out confident and talented dancers to accompany her on global stages, showcasing their remarkable talents to the world.
Shine on Tanisha Scott!
