6 Powerful Concept Videos You Need to Watch Right Now

April 10, 2017

Why limit dance to the stage? Dance and film are made for each other—and these days, technology allows choreographers to create pretty incredible things for the camera. We’ve rounded up 6 of our favorite dance concept videos for your viewing pleasure.

1. Without The Lights – Philip Chbeeb

Philip Chbeeb directed, choreographed and starred in the music video for Elliot Moss’s “Without the Lights.” He represents of violence in an abusive relationship, tainting the image that dancer Erica Klein has of herself. “Without the Lights” was released in October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

2. Let It Go – Talia Favia

Talia Favia’s choreography to James Bay’s ‘Let It Go’ portrays the emotions a couple experiences while breaking up. Danced by Chaz Buzan and Courtney Schwartz, the choreography is athletic, innovative, and emotionally relatable. We spoke to Favia and director Tim Millgram about the making of this video in our April 2016 Issue.

3. Unsteady – Tyce Diorio

Though this video began production before the mass shooting in Orlando in June, it was released as a tribute to the 49 people who lost their lives that day. Choreographed by Tyce Diorio, it features Will Johnston and Kent Boyd as a couple who care for each other deeply but might be ending their relationship. This video was Diorio’s way of exploring love as a vulnerable and brave thing to commit to.

4. Nightdare – Jaja Vankova

You know Jaja Vankova from Season 12 of “So You Think You Can Dance”: She was labeled a Street dancer in the Stage vs. Street format, but constantly blew us away when she was challenged with a more technical dance. Her concept video, “Nightdare,” explores the nightmares and terrors of a child. The choreography seems to be a collaborative effort between Vankova and her dancers—a majority of whom are fellow “SYT” alumni.

5. Kids – A’Drey Vinogradov


A’Drey Vinogradov’s video to OneRepublic’s song, “Kids,” takes place in an urban setting with a group of young dancers. The paint gives the whole thing a nostalgic, carefree feeling, which matches the vibe of the track.

6. Easy – Tom Richardson

In this video, set to “Easy” by Son Lux, choreographer Tom Richardson chooses a pretty simple setting and lets the dancing do the talking. As the song repeats, “Pull out your heart to make being alone easy,” Richardson explores how we’re supposed to move forward after we’ve been hurt.