Dance Moves in Fortnite: Choreographer Sues Sony

Julia Wagner · 2026-04-06

### The Legal Battle Over Dance Moves in Video Games A choreographer who worked with NSYNC has taken legal action against Sony. The dispute centers on the use of the iconic "Bye Bye Bye" dance in Fortnite, specifically tied to Deadpool's character. This case raises big questions for dance professionals everywhere. If you're a choreographer or studio owner, you might wonder: can you protect your original routines when they show up in a video game? The answer isn't simple, but this lawsuit could change things. ### What Happened? The choreographer claims Sony used their work without permission. In Fortnite, players can purchase and use emotes—short dance animations—for their characters. One of these emotes features moves that look a lot like the famous NSYNC routine. - The dance became hugely popular after it appeared in a Deadpool movie. - Fortnite added it as a purchasable emote. - The choreographer says they never agreed to this use. This isn't the first time dance moves have caused legal drama. But it's one of the biggest cases involving a major artist and a massive game like Fortnite. ### Why Copyright Matters for Choreographers Copyright law can protect choreography, but it's tricky. A dance routine must be "fixed in a tangible medium"—like video or written notation—to qualify. Even then, simple steps or short sequences might not be covered. "The law is still catching up with digital media," says legal expert Maria Lopez. "Choreographers need to document their work carefully." For dance professionals, this case is a wake-up call. If you create original routines, consider: - Recording your choreography on video. - Registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office. - Including usage rights in contracts for performances or recordings. ### What This Means for Dance Studio Owners If you run a dance studio, you might license choreography for classes or shows. This lawsuit shows how valuable original dance moves can be. It also highlights the need to protect your intellectual property. Think about your own routines. Do you have a signature style that sets your studio apart? That could be worth something. And if a game or movie wants to use it, you should have a say—and get paid. ### The Future of Dance in Digital Spaces Games like Fortnite have made dance a huge part of pop culture. Emotes are big business, with players spending real money—often $5 to $20—on a single animation. That adds up fast. - Fortnite has over 400 million players worldwide. - Emotes can generate millions in revenue. - Choreographers rarely see a cut of that money. This case could push for better protections. If the choreographer wins, it might set a precedent. Other artists could then seek compensation when their work appears in games. ### Practical Steps for Dance Professionals Whether you're a choreographer, teacher, or studio owner, here's what you can do: - **Document everything.** Keep videos, notes, and timestamps of your work. - **Understand contracts.** When licensing your choreography, spell out where and how it can be used. - **Stay informed.** Follow legal developments like this case to know your rights. - **Join professional groups.** Organizations like the Dance/USA or the Choreographers Guild offer resources and advocacy. ### Final Thoughts This lawsuit is more than a celebrity spat. It's about recognizing the creative work behind every dance move. For those in the dance world, it's a chance to think about how you value and protect your art. As digital platforms grow, the line between performance and product blurs. Choreographers deserve credit and compensation when their work reaches millions—even in a video game.