VOGUE

At last night’s American Music Awards, Megan Thee Stallion hit the stage with a raucous performance of her new song “Body,” complete with dance moves that qualified as a full-body workout. Though the impressive set had spontaneity and a sense of fun that brought attendees at the Microsoft Theater to their feet from the moment Megan stepped onto the stage, it was the result of weeks of careful planning and practice. The high-energy dancing and ultra-glamorous visuals came courtesy of choreographer and creative director JaQuel Knight. As the man who gave the world the now-iconic routine from Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” music video and the viral sensation that was the choreography of “WAP,” he set the bar high for the AMAs. With an audience of millions watching at home, Knight saw the show as an opportunity to show the word Megan’s superstar potential. “I wanted to use my experience in the creative space to elevate her,” he shared on the phone from Los Angeles. “Not only is she a rapper, but she’s a performer who can dance incredibly well, so it was always just about perfecting the aesthetic. My goal is for Megan to leave her stamp as someone who is here for the long run.” 

Knight knows a thing or two about going the distance. A presence in the music industry for 12 years, he’s been pushing artists towards their full potential since he was 19 years old. After moving to L.A. from Atlanta in 2008, he threw himself into workshops and began honing his craft. Eventually, his talents caught the eye of Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams and choreographer Frank Gatson Jr., who were in search of dancers for Williams’s Unexpected album. Knight quickly moved from the background to become an assistant choreographer and eventually lead during the record’s promotional tour, an early break that would eventually introduce him to Beyoncé. For Knight, each experience along the way—from being a member of his high school’s band to starting his own dance team—led him to where he is today. “Everything I did back in the day eventually became a skill that I use daily,” he says. “Being a musician, leading a group of people, it’s all part of the job.” In addition to dance, Knight handles all aspects of a performance, from its look to how the music is arranged. “I work hand in hand with the music director, create the concepts, make sure the video edits are right,” he says of his multifaceted work behind the scenes. “Everything is aligned.”