Ruby Marzovilla, an accomplished figure in both sports medicine and choreography, brings a unique blend of movement expertise to the world of music video choreography. With a background in wellness consultancy, fitness training, and dance instruction, she has worked closely with artists and production teams to craft visually compelling performances.
From choreographing for music videos like Backpack Ben’s “No Good” to teaching actors dynamic movement for Zoe Ervolino’s “Tropicana,” Marzovilla’s approach ensures that dance seamlessly enhances the music. Her experience in sports medicine also informs her keen understanding of movement efficiency, injury prevention, and body mechanics, allowing her to create choreography that is both artistically impactful and physically sustainable.
Many who watch music videos do not realize the amount of work that makes them great, including the choreography. The best music video choreographers share key traits, such as developing a connection to the music.
The rhythm, melody, and lyrics provide the foundation that shapes every movement. Choreographers often listen to the track repeatedly, letting its tempo and mood guide their decisions. A piece with a fast beat might inspire sharp, staccato steps, while a slower ballad could call for flowing, extended gestures. This alignment ensures that the dance feels like a natural extension of the music rather than a separate layer formed atop it.
When the choreography mirrors the song’s structure — matching a dramatic crescendo with a bold lift, viewers sense an effortless unity between sound and motion.
Skilled choreographers treat the stage or screen as a canvas, spreading dancers across it to create depth and balance. A tightly clustered group can convey intimacy or tension, while wide, sprawling formations suggest freedom or chaos. The way performers move through that space matters, too; diagonal lines or circular patterns draw the eye in dynamic ways, keeping the visuals engaging. This deliberate placement — paired with camera angles that enhance the layout — prevents the choreography from feeling flat or aimless, giving it a polished, intentional look.
Syncing steps precisely to beats or accents in the music creates a satisfying sense of order. Yet, perfection isn’t always the goal; intentional off-beat moves or pauses can add surprise and texture, reflecting the song’s quirks. A choreographer might delay a gesture long enough to build anticipation, then release it as the chorus hits.
This interplay of rhythm and restraint keeps the audience hooked as the dance ebbs and flows with the track’s energy rather than marching along predictably.
Creativity sets exceptional choreography apart from the routine. Drawing from unexpected sources, like everyday gestures or cultural traditions, adds a fresh twist. A choreographer might weave in a hand motion from a childhood game or a stance from a folk dance, blending it seamlessly with modern styles. This fusion keeps the work original, avoiding the trap of recycled trends. Experimentation with props or set pieces — a chair that becomes a partner, say — can further spark ideas, turning familiar moves into something new and memorable.
Collaboration between the choreographer, director, and artist strengthens the final product. The dance must fit the video’s broader vision, complementing its colors, cuts, and narrative. A solo performer might need moves that pop against a minimalist backdrop, while a group piece could sync with quick edits for a fast-paced feel. Input from the artist — their personality or performance style — also shapes the choreography, making it a true reflection of their identity rather than a generic add-on.
Rehearsal refines all these elements into a seamless whole. Practice allows dancers to internalize the timing, smooth out transitions, and build chemistry as a team. Even the most inventive steps fall flat if they’re sloppy or hesitant. Choreographers often tweak details during this phase, adjusting a turn’s angle or a gesture’s speed based on how it looks in motion. This process turns a good concept into a polished performance that holds up on camera, where every frame counts.
Beyond technical skill, excellent music video choreography often hinges on its capacity to reveal the unseen. It acts as a lens, exposing layers of a song’s soul that sound alone can’t capture — a fleeting glance or a trembling hand might unveil a vulnerability the lyrics only hint at. This subtle alchemy turns dance into a storyteller, not just a companion to the music.
When choreography achieves this, it doesn’t merely decorate; it deepens, offering viewers a glimpse into an emotional undercurrent they might otherwise miss, all without a word.
