James Vu Anh Pham: Choreographer for Madonna & FKA twigs

Sarah Jenkins · 2026-01-31

You know that feeling when you watch a music video and the movement just... clicks? It's not just dancing—it's storytelling through the body. That's the magic choreographers like James Vu Anh Pham create. He's the creative force behind some of the most iconic visual moments for artists like Madonna and FKA twigs, and his journey is one every dance professional should know about. Let's be real. The path from dance studio to working with global superstars isn't a straight line. It's more like a complex, beautiful improvisation. James's story reminds us that technical skill is just the beginning. What really matters is developing a unique artistic voice—something that makes directors and artists sit up and take notice. ### From Studio Sessions to Global Stages So how does a choreographer build that kind of career? It starts long before the big stages. Think about your own teaching or choreography. Are you just teaching steps, or are you cultivating artists? James's work shows a deep understanding of musicality and character. He doesn't just make dances; he creates movement languages that amplify the artist's message. That's the shift we need to make in our own studios. Moving from teaching combinations to developing choreographic thinkers. Here's what we can learn from his approach: - **Musicality First:** His work is deeply connected to the music's texture, not just the beat. - **Character Development:** Each movement tells us something about the performer's story. - **Visual Storytelling:** He understands how movement reads on camera, which is crucial today. - **Collaborative Spirit:** Great choreography serves the artist's vision, not just the choreographer's ego.  ### Building a Sustainable Choreography Career Let's talk about the business side, because talent alone doesn't pay the bills. Working with artists like Madonna means understanding industry standards, contracts, and professional expectations. Most choreographers I talk to struggle with pricing their work appropriately. They either undervalue their time or don't account for all the unseen hours—concept development, rehearsals, revisions. One studio owner told me recently, "I was charging $500 for a full competition routine that took me 40 hours to create. That's barely minimum wage!" We have to do better. Your creative work has value beyond the hourly rate. Consider the years of training, your unique style, and the results you deliver. > "The best choreography feels inevitable—like it was always meant to be there in the music." That's the feeling James Vu Anh Pham captures. It's not about the flashiest tricks; it's about movement that feels essential. As dance educators, that's what we should be striving for in our students—helping them find movement that feels true to them, not just technically correct. ### Applying These Lessons in Your Studio So what does this mean for your Monday morning beginner jazz class? Everything. Start small. Instead of just teaching a combo, ask your students: "What story does this movement tell?" Encourage them to make small changes that feel more authentic to their bodies. Build their choreographic muscles alongside their technique. For those teaching advanced students or professionals, consider how you're preparing them for the real world. Are you discussing industry rates? Teaching them how to communicate with directors? Showing them how to protect their creative work? These practical skills are what separate hobbyists from professionals. James's success isn't just about talent—it's about professionalism, persistence, and a clear artistic point of view. Those are things we can all develop, whether we're teaching toddlers their first plié or coaching aspiring Broadway performers. The principles remain the same: clarity of vision, dedication to craft, and the courage to bring something uniquely yours to the floor. Your next great piece of choreography might not be for Madonna (yet!), but it could be the routine that changes everything for one of your students. That's the real power of what we do—one movement at a time.