Because that is what dance does, it changes the world
Parris Renee Goebel (MNZM*) also known professionally as Parris, is a New Zealand choreographer, dancer, singer, director and actress. She is the founder and main choreographer of the dance school “The Palace Dance Studio” in which groups such as: ReQuest, Sorority, Bubblegum and The Royal Family stand out, the latter has won the World Hip Hop Dance Championship three times in a row, becoming the first group in history to achieve it.
Goebel has worked with artists including Ciara, Ariana Grande, Little Mix, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Big Bang, 2NE1, CL, Taeyang. Her work has included choreographing routines and starring in music videos and movies. One of her notable successes was her work choreographing the music video for Justin Bieber’s 2015 song “Sorry” which as of January 2020 is the 8th most viewed video on YouTube with more than 3 billion views. The video later won the “Video of the Year” award at the 2016 American Music Awards. Goebel went on to choreograph and direct all thirteen of Justin Bieber’s Purpose: The Movement videos.These videos have totaled over 5.3 billion views combined as of January 2020.
Goebel is known for her particular style, known as Polyswagg. As she describes it, her style is based on hearing, breathing and living the music, being passionate while dancing and transmitting feelings. She also draws on music inspirations from the DanceHall style.
These days I am attending her masterclass at www.masterclass.com. Where Goebel teaches her techniques for bringing a vision to life and her approach to owning your creativity („Parris Goebel
Teaches Creativity in Choreography“, https://www.masterclass.com/classes/parris-goebel-teaches-creativity-in-choreography )
There are in total 16 video lessons within this masterclass (duration between 5 and 10 minutes each). One of them is “How to unlock your Creative Spirit” where Parris helps students to discover how to let spirit go free and how to find your own unique voice. She describes the creative being who lives inside of her and shares how it invites her to come out and play. She says she tries to stay in touch with that part of herself, to be playful, to have fun, not to worry about what people think and about judgements. She speaks about how it is important to trust your creative side, then you are fearless and free. She works on this connection with her creative spirit on a daily basis, so when she has to work, she is able to remove the noise and be productive and creative.
She also suggests having a Dream Board, you have to know your vision, your goals. What is a big picture of you? (Dream Board is a collage of images that captures your dreams and desires). She also suggests having your own creative space, your creative haven. It should be a comfortable, where you can brainstorm and be creative. Be open to be creative. You never know when the idea will come. She always has pen and paper with her, to capture moments of inspiration.
She felt like an outcast, never looked like commercial dancer. She took it and make it her superpower. It is about looking at yourself and thinking: „What makes me unique?“ And once, you discover it, appreciate it and put it out to the world. Then, you are really using your voice.
“I really believe that it is about understanding what is within, understanding what you stand for. Understanding how you want to change this world. Because that is what dance does, it changes the world. You can change the world”, that is her message.
* New Zealand Order of Merit
Sources:
https://www.masterclass.com/classes/parris-goebel-teaches-creativity-in-choreography
