A world renowned dancer, choreographer, and creative director, she has worked with global superstars like Beyonce, Tinashe, Justin Bieber, Jennie, J Balvin, and Becky G. Her work has captivated audiences worldwide, from viral choreography to her recent work on Jennie’s “Mantra.” In this interview, she shares her creative journey, process, and advice for aspiring choreographers.
Q: Can you share your journey with dance? Was there a defining moment or experience that made you fall in love with it?
JoJo: Absolutely! My journey started at a very young age. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t dancing. It’s always been a part of me. I was the kid who couldn’t sit still, constantly moving to any music that played. The defining moment, though, was probably when I started choreographing in my teenage years. That’s when I realized that dance wasn’t just about movement. It was about storytelling, emotion, and connecting with people in a way words never could. Once I started creating, I never looked back. The more I choreographed, the more I understood how deeply movement could impact both the performer and the audience.
Q: Your choreography is known for its boldness and emotional depth. How did you develop your unique style, and what influenced you the most in shaping it?
JoJo: I had some really amazing mentors, and I trained so much. In high school, I would travel on weekends to dance conventions like The Pulse and Monsters of Hip Hop. Those conventions really educated me on commercial dance. Before that, I was mostly learning studio choreography, which I loved, but once I was introduced to commercial choreography and training for music videos, I completely fell in love with the idea that I could do this for a living. I developed my style by surrounding myself with people who inspired me, mentors like Brian Friedman, Bobby Newberry, Kevin Maher, and Cheryl Murakami were huge influences. They each taught me something valuable, from musicality to storytelling to commanding a room. As I got older, life experiences also shaped my movement. I think growing up, going through different experiences, and learning to express myself through dance made my style what it is today, a mix of my training, my mentors, and my personal journey.
Q: Looking back, was there a specific moment when you knew dance would be your career?
JoJo: I think it was when I met Cheryl Murakami and Bobby Newberry. I really give all my mentors their flowers because it was being in their presence and learning about everything they had done that made me realize this was the path I wanted to take. Before I had even signed with an agent or moved to LA, I was just so inspired by them. Seeing how incredible they were and everything they had accomplished, I knew I wanted to live a life like that. That inspiration alone pushed me to chase this career with everything I had.
Q: You’ve performed alongside some incredible artists like Justin Bieber, J Balvin, Becky G, and more. Is there a particular performance or project that stands out as especially memorable?
JoJo: My most memorable job was actually my first job ever—working for Beyonce. I was still in high school when I got booked for the “Let’s Move!” campaign with Beyonce and Michelle Obama. I remember skipping school to go to rehearsals, and it felt so surreal to be in the same room as Beyonce, watching her work and learning from her presence. That experience showed me the level of professionalism, work ethic, and dedication required to make it in this industry. It was a dream come true and set the tone for the kind of career I wanted to build.
I’ve never had an ounce of professional dance experience before that, so I had to internalize that feeling so fast I couldn’t even really take it in. I just had to lock in. That was something I’ll never forget—I was thrown into a really, really iconic position before I even felt ready or thought I could do it. And my parents got to be there as my chaperones since I was underage, which made it even more special. Not a lot of people can say that Beyonce was their first job.
Q: Your choreography for Ginuwine’s “Pony” went viral and even caught Channing Tatum’s attention. How did that recognition impact you?
JoJo: That was such a surreal moment. I never expected it to blow up the way it did. To have Channing Tatum acknowledge it, especially given “Magic Mike,” was crazy. It gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and solidified the idea that when you create from an authentic place, people feel it. That moment opened so many doors for me and led to opportunities I never could have imagined. It also showed me the power of social media and how dance can connect people in unexpected ways. One moment, I was just creating something I loved, and the next, it was being shared across the world.
Q: “Mantra” for Jennie is a fan favorite. What was your vision for the choreography, and how did you bring that vision to life with Jennie?
JoJo: First of all, Jennie is so iconic in so many ways. But when we met, she became even more iconic to me because of how kind she is. My number one goal as a choreographer is always to bring the artist’s vision to life. And with Jennie, I wasn’t given much direction at all, she just sent me the song and said, “Do whatever you think.” That kind of trust is rare, and it meant so much to me.
Even though I was given complete creative freedom, I didn’t approach it thinking about what I would do. I really studied Jennie—her movement, her essence, what makes her her. I wanted to make sure that the choreography was true to her energy and message while also bringing my own perspective. The song is about positivity, blocking out negativity, and uplifting one another, and I wanted the movement to embody that. It was the perfect collaboration because we truly understood each other. I felt like I was able to bring her message to life in a way that honored her artistry while also allowing my creativity to shine.
Q: What is your process for creating choreography? Do you follow a specific method or structure?
JoJo: My process is different every time, but one thing is constant. I listen to the song over and over and over again. I let it sink into my body until movement starts to flow naturally. Sometimes, the choreography comes to me in one night, like with “Mantra,” and other times, it takes days. I start by creating alone in front of my mirror in my tiny little space, then I bring in my assistant, Alyssa. Seeing the movement on someone else helps me refine it. Alyssa has been my assistant for two years, and she’s incredible. She brings a fresh perspective and helps shape the final piece. Also, fun fact, I always have a latte when I choreograph. It’s my creative fuel. Something about that little ritual helps me get into the zone.
Q: The dance world is both rewarding and demanding. How do you stay inspired and balanced amidst the pressures of such a fast-paced industry?
JoJo: Balance is something I’ve really had to learn over time. In my 20s, I was go, go, go, never stopping. And that served me well. It got me to where I am today. But now, at 31, I understand the importance of rest. I make time for my friends, my family, and my own personal growth. I’ve realized that I create my best work when I’m happy and well-rested. The hustle is important, but so is taking care of yourself. Now, I’m learning to listen to my body and give myself space to recharge, which has made a huge difference in my creativity. Dance is my passion, but it’s also important to have moments away from it to come back even stronger.
Q: What advice would you give to dancers who aspire to become choreographers?
JoJo: Be yourself. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s the truth. I went through an identity crisis when I transitioned from assisting to choreographing because I thought I had to imitate my mentors. But over time, I found my own voice. It’s okay to be inspired by others. That’s part of the process. But always aim to develop your own style. Train hard, stay dedicated, be a sponge, and don’t be afraid to put in the work. Authenticity and passion will set you apart in the long run. And don’t rush the process. Growth takes time, and every step matters.
Q: What are your upcoming plans or goals?
JoJo: Right now, I’m traveling a lot, which is a huge milestone for me because I used to have a fear of flying. I just got back from Greece, I’m heading to London, then Shanghai. Meeting and dancing with supporters all over the world is incredible. Also, I’m taking vocal lessons and exploring singing, which is so exciting for me. I’m always looking for new ways to express myself creatively, and this feels like a natural next step. Stay tuned.
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