Tyrik J Patterson is aware of what it takes to show pop choreo into the principle act. The Dallas, Texas–born dancer and choreographer has labored on music movies, Netflix specials, model collaborations, and live performance productions with main stars like Beyoncé and Zara Larsson. First discovering motion in highschool earlier than becoming a member of an area troupe, he grew to become a dance main at The College of Texas at Austin with no prior technical expertise. “I used to be a late bloomer within the pool of dance expertise—I didn’t come out of the womb doing a two-step!” he jokes. After transferring to Los Angeles in 2018, he landed his first skilled gig within the music video for Olly Murs’ “Strikes,” that includes Snoop Dogg.
Quick-forward to 2026, and Patterson is among the business’s most in-demand abilities, constructing what he describes as an exciting “arc of choreography” whereas drawing inspiration from Black tradition, structure, and language. Right here’s how he’s leaving his mark on levels the world over.
What’s your course of in terms of choreographing for a pop star?
It has to begin with commentary and actually learning the person who I’m working with: Who’re they as an individual? The place is their quirk? What are the totally different intricacies of their character that we will deliver out throughout the motion? Second, it’s a matter of watching—with Zara Larsson, as an example, how her physique naturally strikes, and [asking], “How does that present up bodily, the place there’s a stability of diva and the humanness that she possesses?”
The dancer roll name throughout Larsson’s Midnight Solar tour has been in all places. What’s the story behind that interlude, for which you additionally wrote the lyrics?
The primary day we acquired [to rehearsals], Zara talked about how she needed to create a transition for the dancers to be highlighted, and he or she gave us this backbeat. My affiliate, Taya Lee, and I heard the beat, and we have been like, “Ought to we simply write the lyrics?” We freestyle-rap on a regular basis—that’s one thing that I like to do—so let’s not be shocked if I do come out with a rap profession years from now! We despatched movies to the ladies to get their takes on it, and so they beloved it.
How has it been to see dancers in your tasks be acknowledged as particular person abilities in their very own proper?
Extremely rewarding. I’ve all the time been vocal as a choreographer throughout the course of for there to be area to rejoice these individuals which can be additionally a part of the world the artist is making an attempt to construct. I don’t suppose they’re simply extensions of them. They echo the identical grit, ardour, and vocal prowess, nevertheless it’s bodily for them.
You labored as a choreographer on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour, which continued sure motifs from the Renaissance tour. What was your method?
It was a technique of wanting on the template and context of the three-part large image [of Renaissance, Cowboy Carter, and Beyoncé’s next album]. Not solely are we wanting on the context, music, and artwork path, we’re learning the cultural footprint that was left with Renaissance. You’re making an attempt to determine the proper amalgamation between that, in addition to who Beyoncé was in previous eras, in a manner that also champions the present.
You additionally labored with Doechii as she was breaking via to the mainstream. How do you collaborate with an artist who’s discovering their dance vocabulary for the primary time?
It’s in regards to the play. With social media lately and the way more and more we now have to be product-forward, it nearly feels as if we now have to be completed earlier than we even permit ourselves the possibility to have a course of and query issues. One factor I get pleasure from about Doechii is that she is so “course of.” I’m fairly a holistic artistic, so although I’m right here to offer the motion, I do wish to be within the music room to grasp what’s happening with the content material.
Do you may have a favourite undertaking that’s been notably impactful?
[For the running brand] On, with Zendaya. We had 40 dancers from many alternative walks of life, which means we actually championed range, ethnicity, background, dance types, means, and physique kind. It was so cool to have the ability to create motion that represented a marketing campaign that “Collectively, we’re one.”
What’s subsequent in your checklist of profession targets?
I’m constructing a manufacturing firm [That’s Fire Entertainment]. Prior to now I’ve been an impartial contractor who pulls a seat to many different individuals’s tables. Metaphorically, I’m rather more now in creating my very own desk, which will probably be a secure area. I wish to make sure that it’s one thing that individuals wish to return to, the place we will create tales with autonomy.
