Galen Hooks dedicated to helping dancers get recognition

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‍When megastars perform on the stage, few pay attention to the dancers behind.

“How sad it is that we are working our whole life as dancers, but there’s not really an end goal, there aren’t Oscars, there aren’t Grammys, there aren’t Olympics [for dancers], we are all working towards our personal goals,” said Galen Hooks, the dancer and choreographer who has been working in the entertainment industry since the age of seven.

During her two decades in the industry, the LA native has worked with over 60 artists, including Justin Bieber, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Usher and Ne-Yo. Besides personal achievements, Hooks also helps in the fight to get more recognition for dancers.

She has made several viral videos of her choreography, which was devised for celebrities, and even directed a short film featuring dancers.

She has been a frequent visitor to China in recent years, bringing the most authentic street dance culture from LA to China, as well as inspiring rising Chinese dancers.

Last year, her choreography for the song “River” by Bishop Briggs went viral online. Dancers from around the world, including China’s, are trying to imitate the way Hooks dances.

Galen Hooks teaching dancers in Beijing./Photo courtesy of Edelman

Her fame in China rose after she appeared in a variety show called “Hot-blood Dance Crew,” a web show featuring street dance in China. She choreographs for Chinese singer, William Chan.

Last month, she once again came to Beijing and this time sat down with CGTN to share her stories and insights about dance.

“Dance is born out of lifestyles in LA. You’ve got things like Krumping, you’ve got things like B-boying, you’ve got all these dance styles. And I would be really curious to see what dance styles can be born out of life experience in China,” Hooks said.

Director/Video editor: Li Jingjing

Cinematographer: Qi Jianqiang, Huang Yichang

Chief editor: Wang Xi, Pei Jian