Black Celebs Who Started as Backup Dancers for Pop Icons

Before they became household names in music, film, and television, many Black celebrities began their careers in the background supporting other major stars. These talented individuals used their rhythm and stage presence to land gigs as backup dancers for some of the biggest pop icons in history. Their journeys often started on tours, in music videos, or on popular dance shows like ‘Soul Train’ before they found their own spotlight. This list highlights twenty-five famous figures who paid their dues on the dance floor before achieving global fame.

Tupac Shakur

One of the most influential rappers in hip-hop history started his career in a much more supporting role. Tupac Shakur originally joined the Oakland-based group Digital Underground as a roadie and backup dancer. He appeared in their music videos and performed on stage with them during their tours in the early 1990s. This early exposure to the music industry helped him secure his own recording contract and eventually launch his solo career.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox is now a celebrated actress and producer, but her entertainment career began on the dance floor. She gained early television exposure as a regular dancer on the hit show ‘Soul Train’ during the early 1980s. She also appeared in the music video for the hit song ‘Meeting in the Ladies Room’ by Klymaxx. These early gigs helped her transition into acting roles in soap operas and eventually blockbuster films.

Rosie Perez

Rosie Perez burst onto the scene with her energetic dancing in the opening credits of Spike Lee’s film ‘Do the Right Thing’. Before that breakout moment, she was a dancer on ‘Soul Train’ and worked as a backup dancer for artists like Bobby Brown and LL Cool J. Her unique style led her to become the choreographer for the Fly Girls on the sketch comedy show ‘In Living Color’. Her background in dance was the catalyst for her successful career as an actress and activist.

FKA Twigs

The eclectic British singer and songwriter FKA Twigs spent her early years in London working as a professional backup dancer. she appeared in music videos for major pop stars including Jessie J, Kylie Minogue, and Ed Sheeran. Her appearance in the video for ‘Price Tag’ by Jessie J is one of her most notable early credits. She eventually stepped out of the background to release her own critically acclaimed music that blends various genres.

Columbus Short

Columbus Short is best known for his acting roles in films like ‘Stomp the Yard’ and the series ‘Scandal’. His career began as a professional dancer and choreographer for pop superstar Britney Spears. He served as a backup dancer and eventually the choreographer for her Onyx Hotel Tour. This high-profile work in the dance world provided the visibility he needed to transition into acting.

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor has always been a triple threat with skills in singing, acting, and dancing. She gained early attention as a dancer and choreographer for Beyoncé on the ‘Ring the Alarm’ video. Pharrell Williams also recognized her talent and signed her to his Star Trak label after seeing her dance skills. She continues to incorporate intricate choreography into her own music videos and live performances.

Kat Graham

Best known for her role as Bonnie Bennett on ‘The Vampire Diaries’, Kat Graham started in the industry as a backup dancer. She performed behind major artists such as Missy Elliott, Pharrell Williams, and Jamie Foxx. At just fifteen years old, she was a background dancer for Bow Wow at the BET Awards. This early immersion in the music world helped launch her dual career as an actress and singer.

Laurieann Gibson

Laurieann Gibson is a world-renowned choreographer and creative director who started as a backup dancer. She rose to prominence after training at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and dancing for Mary J. Blige. She became a familiar face on reality television through ‘Making the Band’ where she utilized her dance background to train aspiring stars. Her career has since evolved to directing world tours for the biggest names in pop music.

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland made history as the first African American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Before reaching that pinnacle, she gained mainstream attention touring as a featured dancer for Prince. The music icon personally selected her to perform with him during his Welcome 2 America tour. This collaboration helped introduce her incredible talent to a wider audience beyond the classical ballet world.

Zendaya

Zendaya is now one of the biggest movie stars in the world, but she began her career as a child model and dancer. One of her earliest professional gigs was as a backup dancer in a Sears commercial featuring Selena Gomez. She later joined the Future Shock Oakland dance group which further honed her performance skills. These early experiences paved the way for her role on the dance-centric Disney show ‘Shake It Up’.

Jermaine Dupri

Jermaine Dupri is a legendary producer and songwriter who shaped the sound of Atlanta hip-hop. His entry into the business was as a young dancer for the hip-hop group Whodini. He performed on stage with them during the Fresh Festival tour in the 1980s. This early exposure to the touring lifestyle inspired him to become a producer and discover acts like Kris Kross.

RuPaul

The world’s most famous drag queen and television host started his career in the underground club scenes of Atlanta and New York. RuPaul achieved early mainstream visibility as a backup dancer in the music video for ‘Love Shack’ by The B-52s. He appeared in the video dancing in full drag during the party sequences. This appearance was a stepping stone toward his own music career and eventual global empire.

Omarion

Omarion became a teen heartthrob as the lead singer of B2K, but his roots are in dance. He started his professional career as a background dancer for the R&B girl group Before Dark. His skills in the background caught the attention of music executives who were forming a new boy band. His dance ability became a signature element of his solo career and performances.

Flex Alexander

Actor and comedian Flex Alexander began his career in entertainment as a professional dancer and choreographer. He spent three years touring as a backup dancer for the hip-hop trio Salt-N-Pepa. He also worked with Queen Latifah and choreographed for Mary J. Blige. These experiences in the music industry helped him transition into acting roles on television sitcoms.

Jody Watley

Jody Watley is another star who began her journey as a regular dancer on the television show ‘Soul Train’. She was selected from the show’s dancers to become a founding member of the R&B group Shalamar. After enjoying success with the group, she launched a massive solo career that included a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Her style and dance moves remained central to her image throughout her career.

Fatima Robinson

Fatima Robinson is one of the most sought-after choreographers in the music industry. She started her career as a dancer and gained fame for her appearance in Michael Jackson’s ‘Remember the Time’ video. Her distinct style in that video led to more work and eventually a transition into choreography. She has since directed routines for the Super Bowl and major motion pictures.

Fred Berry

Fred Berry is best known for his role as Rerun on the sitcom ‘What’s Happening!!’. Before his acting fame, he was a member of the diverse dance troupe The Lockers. The group performed on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and supported various musical acts during the 1970s. His dance background was frequently incorporated into his character on his hit television show.

Alfonso Ribeiro

Alfonso Ribeiro is famous for playing Carlton Banks, but his career began on Broadway and in commercials. He gained massive exposure as a kid dancing alongside Michael Jackson in a Pepsi commercial. He also released a dance instruction book and starred in ‘The Tap Dance Kid’ on Broadway. His early training as a professional dancer is still evident in his hosting and comedic work today.

We hope you enjoyed learning about these stars’ humble beginnings on the dance floor! Let us know which celebrity transformation surprised you the most in the comments.