Icons and Instincts: Choreographing and Directing Entertainment's Biggest Stars

(Hardback)

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For the first time, the choreographer of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Bjrk and many others reveals stage stories through his extraordinary journey.

Vincent Paterson began his professional dancing career late in life. It would take an exceptional turn when he became one of the lead dancers in Michael Jackson's Beat It music video. Through hard work, he rises to the rank of choreographer and director for the world's greatest singers, but also for cinema and musical comedy.

He tells with humility the fascinating universe of film sets, the rehearsal sessions where he had to orchestrate and synchronise dozens of dancers, life backstage where it is sometimes necessary to manage a few whims of the stars, his successes and his disappointments. It is a dive into the heart of the world of dance.

Reviews

Vincents work is always imaginative and exciting, from his choreography for pop stars to his direction of a production of Evita I saw in Vienna, for which he found heart

and nuance in the characters I hadnt seen before. I look forward to his

sharing some of his secrets in this book.

Stephen Schwartz, composer of Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell

The collaborations between Vincent Paterson and Michael Jackson and Madonna

are groundbreaking.

Toni Basil, choreographer and performer (Mickey!)

The impressive history of Vincent Patersons work and collaboration

with iconic artists is phenomenal and will last forever.

Barbara Mandrell

Vincents depth as a director created an inspiring adventure

on the creation of the opera, Manon.

Anna Netrebko, Opera Diva

Vincent Patersons ingenious style of dance captivated millions of people.

Paula Abdul

[The Way You Make Me Feel] surely is the best video ever made.

Steven Spielberg

I look at your work and think how wonderful it is

and how much you have given me and the picture (The Birdcage).

Mike Nichols

You are so talented and its always a pleasure to collaborate with you.

Madonna, The Blond Ambition Tour

Author Bio

Vincent Paterson is a world-renowned director and choreographer in film, theatre, Broadway, concert tours, opera, television, music videos and commercials. His iconic works include Michael JacksonsSmooth Criminaland the famous lean as well as MadonnasBlond Ambition Tour. He directed the operaManonwith Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon, Cirque de SoleilsVIVA! ELVISand Berlin's first original production ofCABARETthe longest running play in Berlin's history.Film choreographies includeThe Birdcage,Dancer in the Dark,EvitaandHook.He resides in California with his husband, Rene Lamontagne.