Overview
#ParrisGoebel is the New Zealand choreographer who revolutionized commercial dance with her crew The Royal Family and ReQuest, choreographing for Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and creating the viral routines for Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII halftime show (2023).
Origin & History
Parris Goebel (born Parris Renee Goebel, October 29, 1991, in Auckland, New Zealand) is of Samoan descent. She founded her first dance crew, ReQuest, in 2007 at age 15, later creating The Royal Family and its sub-crews (Sorority, Bubblegum, MiniBabies).
World Hip Hop Dance Championship dominance (2013-2019):
- ReQuest: Won Adult Division three consecutive times (2013, 2014, 2015)
- The Royal Family crews: Swept multiple divisions (adult, varsity, junior)
- Established New Zealand as hip-hop dance powerhouse
Career Highlights
Justin Bieber - “Sorry” (2015):
- Choreographed iconic music video with The Royal Family
- 3.6B+ YouTube views (one of most-watched dance videos ever)
- Launched Parris into global choreography elite
Rihanna collaborations:
- Choreographed “Umbrella” throwback performance
- Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show (2023): Creative director and choreographer for Rihanna’s pregnancy-reveal performance, one of most-viewed halftime shows ever
Other major projects:
- Jennifer Lopez - “Ain’t Your Mama” (2016)
- Nicki Minaj - various performances
- Janet Jackson - live tour choreography
- Savage X Fenty fashion shows (Rihanna’s lingerie brand, 2019-2022)
Palace Dance Studio: Founded her own studio in Auckland, training next generation of dancers and maintaining connection to New Zealand roots.
Choreography Style
Signature elements:
- Polyswagg: Term she coined for her unique style blending hip-hop, Polynesian movement, and commercial dance
- Powerful femininity: Female-led crews with aggressive, confident energy
- Synchronized precision: Crews move as single organism
- Cultural fusion: Incorporates Samoan/Polynesian identity into mainstream choreography
Cultural Impact
Polynesian representation: Brought visibility to Pacific Islander dancers and culture in predominantly white/Black American dance industry.
Female-led crews: Challenged male-dominated hip-hop dance world with all-female or female-majority crews.
New Zealand on map: Made Auckland a global dance destination, inspiring tourism and international workshop attendees.
Crew-as-brand model: The Royal Family operates as professional dance company with multiple sub-crews, merchandise, and international presence.
Social media mastery: Used YouTube and Instagram to build global following independent of traditional media gatekeepers.
Awards & Recognition
- Multiple World Hip Hop Dance Championship titles
- Choreographed Emmy-nominated performances
- Named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 (Entertainment, 2017)
- Numerous music video choreography credits for Billboard chart-toppers
Related Hashtags
- #TheRoyalFamily (her main crew)
- #ReQuest (original crew)
- #Polyswagg (her coined style)
- #RihannaSuperBowl (2023)
- #JustinBieberSorry
Sources
- Billboard: “How Parris Goebel Became One of the World’s Most In-Demand Choreographers” (2019)
- The Guardian: “Parris Goebel: The New Zealand Choreographer Behind Rihanna’s Super Bowl Show” (2023)
- Forbes 30 Under 30: Entertainment (2017)
- YouTube: The Royal Family Dance Crew channel