Even if you don’t know JaQuel Knight’s name, you certainly know his work. He’s choreographed a number of music videos for some of today’s top artists, including Beyoncé’s 2008 clip for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” and Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s chart-topping hit, “WAP.”
Now, according to Billboard, Knight is looking to obtain legal ownership of his dance moves.
More often than not, choreographers remain relatively unknown to the public. “We’re left to the life of Instagram posts and Twitter to prove we did the work, which is sad,” he said to Billboard for their latest cover story. The article also documented that although there are few laws in place for choreography specifically, it can be protected under laws pertaining to copyrights.
Knight, 31, has been working with Beyoncé since he was 18 years old. He has had a hand is some of her most memorable visual offerings, including her 2013 and 2016 Super Bowl performances, Lemonade, Beychella and most recently, Black Is King.
The outcome of Knight’s attempt to register his work could potentially be a huge moment for the dance community, as it would finally see them get the credit that they very much deserve.
Photo credit: Columbia Records