L.A. Times
Coachella showcased the power and joy of dance
Choreographer and show director Jemel McWilliams runs through Janelle Monae's "I Got the Juice" with her cast of Coachella dancers in a Burbank studio. Photos: Carolyn Cole/ Los Angeles Times
Janelle Monáe, at the start of her performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Friday, appeared alone at the top of a tiered, white pyramid-like structure.
She wasn’t alone for long, though. After a few bars of the Prince-esque “Crazy, Classic, Life,” dancers would emerge. And as the set progressed, she would be joined by a small army of 18 performers, all dressed in black and white checkered bodysuits and red jackets, and all choreographed to reflect the tone of her music — femininity at its most powerful, celebratory and individualized.
The dancers were a constant presence and force throughout the 50-minute set, a group of best friends, her personal hype-women and a real-life embodiment of Monáe’s “black girl magic” message.
“Dancers are so integral because they’re extensions of the artist on stage,”
said Monáe’s choreographer and show director, Jemel McWilliams. “They are the visual voice for the artists.”
