What is Commercial Dance?
If you’ve watched a pop concert, a music video, or a TV dance competition, you’ve probably already seen commercial dance, you just might not have known what to call it.
Commercial dance is a broad term for choreography created for the entertainment industry. It’s the style that backs up artists on tour, fills music videos with energy, and appears in commercials, TV shows, and award performances.
What sets commercial dance apart is that it isn’t one fixed style. Instead, it’s a mix of influences — often combining elements of jazz, hip hop, street dance, funk, and even contemporary. The goal is to create routines that are dynamic, visually appealing, and suited to a stage or camera.
Where is Commercial Dance Most Popular?
The term “commercial dance” is used a lot in places like London, where there’s a big industry for TV, theatre, and live performances. In Los Angeles, dancers often talk more specifically about the substyles they train in — one of the best-known is jazz funk.
What is Jazz Funk?
Jazz funk is especially popular in LA studios and music videos. It combines the strong technique and clean lines of jazz with the grooves, power, and attitude of hip hop. You’ll see it in performances by artists like Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Janet Jackson — sharp, precise, and made to stand out on stage.
Some of the most influential choreographers in jazz funk include Brian Friedman, Tricia Miranda, Yanis Marshall, Janelle Ginestra, Kiel Tutin, JoJo Gomez, and CJ Salvador.
Notable Commercial Dance Choreographers
These choreographers have shaped what commercial dance looks like today:
Fatima Robinson — Aaliyah, The Black Eyed Peas, major live shows.
Hi-Hat — Missy Elliott’s iconic videos and stage performances.
Marty Kudelka — Justin Timberlake’s signature groove and staging.
Tessandra Chavez — Combines contemporary and commercial styles for TV and tours.
Jamaica Craft — Usher, Ciara, Ne-Yo, and creative direction for major artists.
Parris Goebel — Known worldwide for her distinctive style and work with Justin Bieber and Rihanna.
Who is Commercial Dance For?
Commercial dance is for anyone who wants to build versatility and stage confidence. Classes focus on picking up choreography quickly, performing with energy, and adapting to different styles.
Whether you want to train for the industry or just dance for fun, commercial dance is a great way to expand your skills, express yourself, and enjoy performing.
Get into the studio and join our weekly Commercial Open Level class for dancers 12+ and adults!