There is only one dancer and choreographer Fatima Robinson — an architect of the genre and a defining force of our coming‑of‑age years.
From Aaliyah to Michael Jackson, from the Backstreet Boys to Beyoncé, Fatima Robinson has been the quiet storm behind some of the most culture‑shifting visuals in mainstream pop. We grew up seeing her fingerprints everywhere — in music videos, award shows, halftime spectacles, and the choreography that shaped an entire generation’s idea of movement, cool, and swagger.
In a new sit‑down with TODAY’s Sheinelle Jones, Fatima opens up about her legendary three‑decade career, her self‑taught beginnings, and the spiritual connection she’s always found in dance.
For the last thirty years, Fatima Robinson has danced her way through some of music’s greatest cultural moments, from Super Bowl halftime shows to era‑defining videos. She came up in the Los Angeles hip‑hop scene and quickly became the go‑to visionary for the biggest names in the industry.
When Sheinelle plays a word‑association game, Fatima fires off instinctive, affectionate descriptors: Pharrell — “multi‑talented.” Aaliyah — “angel.” Mary J. Blige — “fierce.” Rihanna — “powerhouse.” Prince — “one of one.”
Her career began in the 1990s, when she choreographed Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” at just 21 years old — a staggering fact she recalls with humility and awe. “That was when music videos were an event,” she says, remembering families gathering around the TV to watch premieres together.
From Dreamgirls to Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour, Fatima has held a front‑row seat to the rise of icons. She praises Beyoncé’s unmatched work ethic — “a beast when it comes to work” — and credits that intensity with inspiring her own drive to “grind and figure it out and make it happen.”
A self‑taught club dancer, Fatima learned by recording music videos and teaching herself the steps. “That was my classroom,” she says. Her mother didn’t approve at first, believing art couldn’t support a life. But Fatima followed the feeling anyway — “this is where I feel closest to God” — and dance became her church.
Today, she’s a three‑time Emmy‑nominated icon and a pioneer of hip‑hop choreography. She remembers when the style wasn’t respected, dismissed as a passing fad. Now it’s taught everywhere — YouTube, TikTok, studios across the world — and she proudly claims her place in that lineage: “I am one of the pioneers of that dance.”
Recently honored with the Arthur Mitchell Visionary Award, presented by her friend and mentor Rosie Perez, Fatima continues to be celebrated for her originality, confidence, and undeniable cultural impact.
Before the interview ends, Sheinelle asks for a few pointers — and Fatima delivers. She guides her through movement, energy, and connection. “You feel connected to the universe,” she says, explaining the spiritual electricity of dance. When Sheinelle nails the steps, Fatima beams: “You can dance, dance.” And Sheinelle nearly melts at the compliment.
Fatima Robinson is a trailblazer. A blueprint. A cultural architect. And this conversation is a reminder of just how deeply her work shaped the soundtrack — and the choreography — of our youth.
Watch Fatima Robinson Reflect on Three Decades of Iconic Choreography
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