The Visionary Behind Grammy Performances: Inside Jasmine ‘JB’ Badie’s Creative Journey
- By: Adriana Bolanos Falconi
From the Grammys to global stages…
In the world of choreography, few names resonate as powerfully as Jasmine ‘JB’ Badie. From the high-energy stages of the Grammys to the iconic “Beychella” performance, her signature style blends storytelling, passion, and precision in a way that captivates audiences worldwide. But before she became one of the most demanded choreographers in the industry, JB’s journey was deeply rooted in music, culture, and the enduring influence of the artists who shaped her early years.
“My love for music sparked my passion for movement,” JB reflects. Growing up surrounded by legends like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Prince, her love for music began at an early age. Her house was filled with their iconic tunes, and the way these artists moved and performed on stage left a mark on her. “I fell in love with their stage presence. Learning about Fred Astaire, Sammy Davis Jr., and seeing the works of Alvin Ailey, my love for movement grew and grew,” JB recalls. It was through these performers and their mastery of storytelling through dance that JB first discovered her own creative voice.
She credits her move to Los Angeles as the incentive for her growth as a choreographer. “I came across some of my favorite creatives—Jamie King, Debbie Allen, Gil Duldulao, and so many more,” she says. “The influence was so present, and the knowledge was endless.” Surrounding herself with minded individuals, including her close collaborators JaQuel Knight and Sean Bankhead, JB found her artistic family, a group that continues to inspire her to this day.
When asked about her creative process, JB emphasizes the importance of collaboration and understanding the artist’s vision. “It all depends on who I’m working with and what the job calls for,” she explains. “Knowing who your artist is and the true purpose of the performance helps shed unnecessary distractions.” For JB, each performance starts with music and the foundation of her choreography. It’s from this initial spark that the movement begins to take shape.
She draws inspiration from both theater and film, constantly searching for ways to capture the cinematic magic of a movie on stage. “How can I make you feel the same way on stage that you would with an overhead shot in a movie?” she asks. It’s this fusion of visual art and storytelling that elevates JB’s choreography, turning each performance into an unforgettable experience.
There’s an undeniable pressure that comes with choreographing for some of the biggest stages in music, especially the Grammys. For JB, however, the pressure goes away when she enters the creative zone. “The pressure comes on the day of the show, but not while creating,” she says. “It’s all about trusting the process and focusing on what I can control. My emotions, my intentions, and whether or not I love what I’ve created.”
But the stakes are high, especially when the whole world is watching. “What matters is whether my artist is happy and if we’ve accomplished the goal having a great fucking show!” JB laughs. “When I hear crickets, then we have a problem.” It’s this unwavering commitment to delivering a performance that resonates with both the artist and the audience that has cemented JB’s reputation as a choreographer who delivers, no matter the pressure.
One of JB’s most talked-about achievements is her role in choreographing Beyoncé’s legendary “Beychella” performance. The project was a challenge in itself, bringing together the rich history of HBCU culture and Black culture into one cohesive show. “There are so many gems, and you need more than just an hour to get them all out,” JB explains. “Choosing the most important and iconic moments was tough but exciting!” Collaborating with fellow choreographers JaQuel Knight and Chris Grant, JB was part of a team that delivered a performance that went down in history.
“Working with Beyoncé has always been amazing,” she adds, reflecting on the her precise vision for the performance. “She knows what she wants. That’s the Queen!”
JB has had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of artists, each with their own unique style and persona. Whether choreographing for Beyoncé or another icon, JB adapts her approach to match the artist’s brand while still infusing her own creative signature. “When it comes to movement, I pride myself on my pocket of how I hear music,” she shares. “I always bring a little bit of my sauce in there where I see fit.”
She views each artist’s movement as an opportunity to enhance their artistry. “I see where they are in how they move, their confidence, their voice, and I build off of that,” JB explains. “My signature is the pocket and how I develop and better their skill.”
Not all unforgettable moments happen on stage, some take place behind the scenes. One such moment came during the rehearsal for “Beychella,” when JB found herself teaching Beyoncé and her dancers the “Onion Booty” to the song “Gone to the Moon” by Future. “I literally had to show Beyoncé and the rest of these amazing girls how to do the Onion Booty!” JB laughs as she recalls the moment. “And Beyoncé just laughed and said, ‘If we can’t do it like that, then we can’t do it!'”
It’s these fun, unexpected moments that create a sense of joy among the dancers and choreographers. But ultimately, it’s the energy and connection that makes these performances truly unforgettable.
Looking to the future, JB sees a shift in the world of choreography. One that embraces freedom, individuality, and authenticity. “I think the biggest change is in the intention behind the movement,” she observes. “People are focused too much on validation and fame, but the craft should be about creativity, imagination, and self-expression.”
JB hopes to inspire the next generation of dancers and choreographers, especially those who look like her, to pursue their dreams unapologetically. “I want the little girl who looks like me to see and believe she can do the same thing,” she says. “I see stage performances heading toward more freedom, thinking outside the box. I believe it’s already happening.”
As for JB’s own future, the dream projects are many. “I can’t wait to choreograph a Broadway show and create one!” she says. “I’d love to choreograph a Super Bowl or any live show/award show I’ve performed on. It’s all about pushing the boundaries and proving to myself that I can do anything.”
With a vision that extends beyond the stage, JB Baddie’s journey is far from over and we can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
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