Choreographer Parris Goebel has defended her use of Jamaican dancehall moves in a video clip for Justin Bieber's single, Sorry. Photo / File
Choreographer Parris Goebel has defended her use of Jamaican dancehall moves in a video clip for Justin Bieber's single, Sorry. Photo / File
Kiwi sensation Parris Goebel has taken to social media to defend her use of Jamaican dancehall moves in a video choreographed for Justin Bieber's hit, Sorry.
The video went viral after its release in conjunction with the singer's album Purpose in November, but it has also caused controversy.
Some online commenters took offence at the use of dance moves traditionally associated with Jamaican dancehall queens, calling it an example of cultural appropriation.
Goebel sent a message from her Facebook account to set the record straight, claiming her use of the dance style was simply out of "huge respect and passion".
"If you know me personally or have worked with me before you will know that I LOVE dancehall. A lot of my routines before Sorry have been inspired by dancehall, you can see all over YouTube," she wrote.
"A lot of my close friends are dancehall teachers and I took a lot of my year this year learning about it because I love it so much."
She felt people were reading too much into the video and many misunderstood the motives behind her use of the genre.
"When this Justin Bieber opportunity came along I thought it would be perfect to showcase dancehall inspiration in a commercial video clip to bring more LIGHT to dancehall."
Goebel was particularly keen to clear up any comments over the race of dancers who appear in the video.
Parris Goebel says she took inspiration from Jamaican dancehall moves because she's passionate about the genre. Photo / Getty
"I also didn't expect us to also be judged by the colour of our SKIN because to my understanding dance is one love and I believe it is what brings us together," she said.
"This is sad and disappointing. I could obviously go on and on and try to justify myself but that is a waste of time.
"Just know i have the most respect and love for Dancehall and I am sad to think people think I am using and stealing, which I am NOT."
The choreographer, who has worked with the likes of J-Lo, Niki Minaj and was named this year's TimeOut Entertainer of the Year, said she received threats and angry messages over the work.
Comments beneath the post continued the discussion and many offered opinions as to why it may have caused an uproar.
Maddie Jackson believed the backlash was a result of "frustration" within people who were deeply rooted in the origins of their culture.
She felt the issue was with a lack of real life acceptance of the dance style, which suddenly became welcome after appearing in a mainstream forum.
"Seeing dancehall in a Justin Beiber video praised vs in real life society downplays and ridicules it is frustrating especially given the state of society today and the way people perceive people of color," Jackson wrote.
"Being black I get it. But being an artist they don't get it. Music is one of the most powerful things in the world, and the beauty of it is that it's so universal - it's our escape from all of that. And we all play a role in its evolution, big or small.
"You're absolutely brilliant, and I hope none of the comments affect you negatively because there's nothing wrong with the decision chosen."
Asia Kapica sent her support from Poland, commenting: " No matter what the haters say your dancehall choreo in Sorry is simply amazing and inspirational.
"I love every second of it! I am addicted to that video because of your dance."
