She’s the mastermind behind Lady Gaga’s electrifying Coachella performance, a whirlwind of synchronized movement that left audiences breathless. Parris Goebel, the powerhouse choreographer, is a name synonymous with fierce, innovative dance. But her artistic vision transcends the stage. In a captivating Vanity Fair interview, Goebel pulls back the curtain on her influences, from the dramatic grandeur of opera to the rebellious spirit of Alexander McQueen. She also addresses the persistent whispers about a potential collaboration with Rihanna, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Get ready to explore the multifaceted world of this dance visionary.
From Super Bowl Stages to Coachella’s Desert
Goebel’s History with Major Pop Stars
Parris Goebel, the New Zealand–born co-creative director and choreographer behind Lady Gaga’s Coachella performance, is no stranger to working with major pop stars. She was responsible for choreographing Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show in 2023 and Doja Cat’s headlining set at last year’s Coachella. She’s created some of the most memorable moments in live concerts, including Doja’s rendition of “Demons” at Coachella—during which the pop star was covered in muppet-like blonde hair—and in music videos, with Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” and “What Do You Mean?” And the way she brought Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball to the desert was no exception.
Analyzing Her Signature Style
Goebel’s choreography is characterized by a unique blend of technical precision and raw energy. Her dancers are known for their sharp movements, intricate formations, and captivating stage presence. Goebel’s work often features a strong sense of theatricality, incorporating elements of storytelling and visual spectacle.
Impact on Music Video Aesthetics and Live Performance Trends
Goebel’s innovative choreography has had a significant impact on music video aesthetics and live performance trends. Her signature style, with its blend of athleticism, precision, and emotional expression, has inspired countless other choreographers and artists. Goebel’s work has helped to elevate the status of dance in popular music, demonstrating its power to enhance storytelling and create unforgettable visual experiences.
Mayhem Opera House: A Theatrical Spectacle
The Genesis of the Coachella Concept
The genesis of the Coachella concept can be traced back to Goebel’s longstanding fascination with theater and opera. Goebel and Gaga frequently exchanged ideas and inspirations, exploring different concepts and themes that could bring Gaga’s artistic vision to life on a grand scale. The idea of an opera house emerged as a way to create a unique and immersive experience for Coachella attendees, transporting them into a world of spectacle and fantasy.
Breaking Down the Five-Act Structure
Goebel’s choreography for Gaga’s Coachella performance was structured as a five-act opera, each act representing a distinct thematic element or musical journey. The opening act, for instance, was a powerful and energetic celebration of Gaga’s hits, while the subsequent acts delved into more introspective and emotional themes, culminating in a grand finale that left the audience in awe.
The Significance of Incorporating Elements of Opera into a Pop Music Concert
The incorporation of opera elements into a pop music concert was a bold and innovative move, elevating Gaga’s performance to new heights. The use of dramatic lighting, elaborate costumes, and soaring vocals created a sense of grandeur and theatricality that was both captivating and unforgettable. Goebel’s choreography seamlessly blended with the operatic elements, creating a cohesive and visually stunning spectacle.
Behind the Scenes of Coachella’s Most Talked About Performance
The Tight Timeframe and High Pressure of Creating the Show
Unionjournalism spoke with Parris Goebel, the New Zealand–born co-creative director and choreographer behind Lady Gaga’s Coachella performance, about the intense pressure and tight timeframe involved in creating the show. Goebel revealed that the collaboration began later than ideal, with only about two months to prepare for the festival.
“Honestly, we started pretty late because we had the “Abracadabra” music video and her SNL performance. So I feel like we started later than we wanted to, about two months before Coachella, maybe even less,” Goebel shared with Unionjournalism.
This limited time frame meant the team had to work at an incredibly rapid pace to produce the elaborate production. The show’s complexity, featuring intricate lighting, custom-made costumes, and a large cast of dancers, only added to the challenge.
The “Bad Rehearsal, Good Show” Phenomenon: Goebel’s Perspective on the Dancers’ Talent
Despite the tight schedule and numerous obstacles, Goebel emphasized the incredible talent of the dancers, attributing their performance success to their mastery of their craft. She described the rehearsal process as “a bit pushed for time,” with a single full dress rehearsal just the day before the first weekend of Coachella.
“Mayhem! We were all a bit pushed for time. A show on this level, you just never have enough time. It was such a highly produced show. The lighting, the styling. Every look was custom-made. It just felt like no matter how hard all the departments were working, we just didn’t have enough time. The day before was a rough run-through. Things were going wrong. I was like, Are we going to pull this off? And then everything just was so smooth. It’s one of those “bad run-through, good show” instances. The dancers are the best of the best. When you are working with people who are masters of their craft, when it’s show time, everything just falls into place,” Goebel explained.
Navigating Unexpected Challenges: The Microphone Mishap and Gaga’s Improvisation
Even with meticulous planning, unexpected challenges can arise during a live performance. During the second weekend of Coachella, a microphone malfunction occurred onstage, disrupting the flow of the show. However, Goebel commended Gaga’s quick thinking and professionalism in handling the situation.
“Well, you don’t expect that to happen. I don’t think we even thought of a backup plan. So yeah, I was gonna throw up as I was watching it happen. There was a stagehand in [Gaga’s] cage skirt. He’s there for safety. And there are back doors in the skirt, so he passed the microphone up to her really quickly. Gaga’s a pro. I loved how she played it off,” Goebel recalled.
The Legacy of a Showstopping Performance
The Impact of the Coachella Performance on Gaga’s Upcoming “Mayhem Ball” Tour
The success of Gaga’s Coachella performance has undoubtedly generated immense anticipation for her upcoming “Mayhem Ball” tour. Unionjournalism reached out to Goebel to learn how the Coachella experience might influence the tour, but she remained tight-lipped about any specific details.
“When asked how the tour and the now legendary Coachella set would differ, Goebel gave a resounding “no comment,”
Goebel’s Influence on the Future of Pop Music Choreography
Beyond the immediate impact on Gaga’s upcoming tour, Goebel’s work on the Coachella performance showcases her innovative approach to pop music choreography. Her ability to blend theatrical elements with high-energy dance routines has set a new standard for live performance in the genre.
Goebel’s reputation for pushing creative boundaries and collaborating closely with artists like Gaga has solidified her position as a leading force in shaping the future of pop music choreography.
The Lasting Impression of the “Mayhem Opera House” Concept on Fans and the Industry
The Coachella performance’s unique “Mayhem Opera House” concept left a lasting impression on both fans and industry professionals. The blend of theatrical grandeur, musical spectacle, and Goebel’s signature choreography created a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
This conceptual approach to live performance has sparked conversations about the evolving role of choreography in music, inspiring other artists to explore new and innovative ways to engage their audiences.
Conclusion
Parris Goebel, the woman behind Lady Gaga’s electrifying Coachella performance, defies easy categorization. Her artistry transcends the confines of dance, blending operatic precision with street-style swagger, all while steeped in the visual language of McQueen. Goebel’s influence is undeniable, shaping the cultural landscape through her innovative choreography and unwavering commitment to pushing creative boundaries. She isn’t simply a choreographer, but a storyteller, weaving narratives through movement that resonate with audiences on a visceral level. The article’s exploration of Goebel’s inspirations, from the grandeur of opera to the edgy aesthetics of McQueen, illuminates the multifaceted nature of her creative process. It’s a testament to the power of interdisciplinary influence and the boundless potential that arises when seemingly disparate art forms converge. As Goebel continues to collaborate with global icons like Rihanna and Gaga, her impact will undoubtedly continue to grow, pushing the boundaries of what dance can be and inspiring a new generation of artists to embrace the power of fusion. Goebel’s story serves as a potent reminder: true innovation arises not from adhering to conventions, but from daring to defy them.