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Choreographer Tina Landon is one of Hollywood’s best kept secrets. Her sensual and provocative moves have become the landscape for popular music
dance choreography for the last 10 years. The signature grooves of artists like Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera,
Britney Spears, Tina Turner, Marc Anthony, and Shakira are just a few ways to describe Tina’s envied style.The gorgeous, vivacious, talented choreographer/dancer is well on her way to stardom. While instructing an audition for Ricky Martin’s “Shake Your Bon Bon”, Landon sensually demonstrates the tummy movements she requires from the dancers appearing in the video. Dance hopefuls desperately try to follow suit. Determined to move in unison with her troop, Landon comes across as a fellow mate rather than a captain of her ship. But she is very much in control. “I feel like I am telling a story with my dancing,” she explains. “If the audience can’t understand all the lyrics, they are going to understand it through my movements.” Tina’s love and passion for dance began as early as she can remember. Her Mother of Mexican-American heritage made sure that her children would fare better by mandating dance lessons in their household. “My parents had me going to dance lessons at the age of 3 and I simply loved it”. Tina’s dedication to dance would not end in her adolescence. Committed to the growing appreciation she would leave her nest in Lancaster, California and embark on the Hollywood fast track. Auditioning for various dance ensembles in Los Angeles, Tina would learn that her cheerleading prowess would come to play when she landed a gig as a Laker Girl. She was well on her way, but what could be considered a big break would be just the beginning when Tina was booked as a principal dancer for Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” music video. Tina’s hard work and commitment would prove to be beneficial when fellow Laker Girl, Paul Abdul would cast her for Janet Jackson’s “What Have You Done For Me Lately” music video. Although that video familiarized Janet with Tina, she still had to prove her worth through several auditions. Tina’s big opportunity with Janet occurred when her talent was recognized and she was asked to join her Rhythm Nation Tour that was dominated by mainly male dancers. During the tour, Janet asked Tina to help her with some moves for the cleavage-heavy “Love Will Never Do” video. Up until then, Janet avoided the sexual image. When she wanted to make that change she asked Tina for a little coaching. “We’re both tomboys,” recalls Landon. “I could understand certain things that would make her feel uncomfortable. She also trusted me enough to know I wasn’t gonna let her go out there looking foolish.” Janet embraced her new found sex-symbol image and again turned to Landon to choreograph “If”. Tina delivered with a high-energy mix of sassy twists and crotch-grabbing antics that only helped to propel Janet’s new image to the forefront of the music world. Landon admits that working with Janet, who graciously spotlights her team of movers and shakers, has been key to bringing attention to herself and other dancers/choreographers. “With Janet,” Landon explains, “She doesn’t just keep her dancers in the background. A lot of celebrities are intimidated by having either talented or good looking people around them. With Janet, it only makes her that much more confident.” Tina went on to choreograph Janet’s “The Velvet Rope Tour” which put her work center-stage around the globe. Her work with Janet also opened doors to other high-profile artists. She is currently at the front-line of the latest Latin explosion with clients including Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, and Marc Anthony to name a few. From the television screen to the stage she has them all performing her steps. All of Tina’s talent, hard work, and determination have resulted in many awards and accolades. As a five-time MTV Choreography Award nominee, more than Janet and a few artists have recognized Landon’s efforts. Award nomination committees have taken notice as well. The MTV award recipient for Michael and Janet Jackson’s “Scream” and for Ricky Martin’s “Livin La Vida Loca,” Tina has also become an Emmy nominee for her outstanding work on the Velvet Rope Tour, which was an HBO special. The Recipient of Dance Masters of America’s 115th Choreographer of the Year Award, the recent 2000 nominations from the MVPA (Music Video Production Awards) and the Special ALMA Achievement Award. “When you’re a performer,” says Landon, “There is no one way to do it.” |
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