Choreographer, creative director, and former MTV “Becoming a Popstar” judge, Sean Bankhead can truly do it all. The Atlanta superstar is behind some of pop culture’s biggest moments of late, from dancing alongside Usher at this year’s Super Bowl Halftime show to choreographing Lil Nas X’s “J Christ” and “INDUSTRY BABY” videos to working with Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B for their iconic “WAP” Grammy’s performance — and even he admits that he’s checked all of his collaboration dreams off of his bucket-list. So what’s next? We speak with Bankhead himself to find out.

Read the interview…

Hi Sean, thanks for chatting with us. Could you start by telling us a bit about your artistic upbringing and who some of your earliest influences were?
From a young age, I was deeply into the arts. I loved being part of the band, playing instruments, and obviously dance was my true passion. Growing up in church, listening to soul and gospel music played a huge role in shaping my dance style.

As I got older, I began choreographing for my high school dance team and participating in talent shows across Atlanta. When I was signed by an agency, that’s when my career really started to take off. My biggest dance inspirations included legends like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Usher, Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Britney Spears, and Nsync.

How do you prepare for such a big presentation like the Super Bowl? And what excites you the most about these opportunities?
Performing at the Super Bowl was a huge achievement for me, especially since I had hung up my dancing shoes a few years back. Getting ready for such a massive event meant I had to get in shape physically, mentally, and spiritually. It involved six weeks of intense rehearsals, during which I was completely focused on this one gig. I cut off contact with the outside world except my family because I wanted to keep my involvement a secret.

What excites me the most about these opportunities is the chance to fulfil a long-held desire. Top of the list is dancing with Usher. I had the chance to join his tour when I was around 21, but sadly, I couldn’t make it. I haven’t had the chance to work with him since then. Fast forward to today, and I’ve built a successful career in choreography. Now, I’m finally dancing with Usher on what’s arguably the biggest stage in the world, which is absolutely iconic for me.

Lil Nas X’s video for “J CHRIST” has been one of the biggest topics in the pop culture world so far this year. Could you share a bit about your first reaction when you heard about the project?
As mostly everyone knows, I absolutely adore Nas. He is like a little brother to me and I believe wholeheartedly in any creative vision that he ever wants to produce. I watched him sit and create these treatments for music videos scene by scene. When he talks to me about the reasons why he wants to execute certain visuals, it all makes sense to me. I always applaud any artist that goes there creatively and has a message behind the art no matter if the world gets it or not.

What’s your starting point when choreographing a project with so much personality like this one?
The starting point always starts with the music. How does it make me feel? Do I want to dance? Do I want to choreograph a big dance scene or do I want to incorporate intimate moments with just artist development with Nas? So the first thing always starts with the song. The second point is the actual treatment and the vision. What are we trying to portray? When he said: “Yeah, I want me and my dancers to dance like we’re walking on water after the flood.” My reaction is like ok let’s make that work.

What would you say is your signature when choreographing? How do you want to leave your mark?
My choreography has a few signature elements. First off, it’s just enjoyable to watch — it looks like the dancers are really having fun with it. Another key aspect is my musical background; I grew up playing instruments, particularly the drums, and reading and writing music. This makes my choreography very musical — you can actually see the music, the percussions, and the rhythms in the movements. Lastly, I strive to make my choreography inclusive. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or not, I always include parts that feel approachable and doable for everyone.

You were also a judge for “Becoming A Popstar”. What do you personally look for in new talent when supporting their art?
I absolutely loved working on “Becoming a Popstar” because I have a real knack for spotting talent, especially those hidden gems. For me, the first thing that catches my attention is a person’s personality and energy. Whether it’s walking into a room, a dance studio, or an audition, the way someone carries themselves really stands out. It doesn’t matter if they light up the room or bring a quieter energy—I can sense it. First impressions, energy levels, and passion are key. I can always tell who’s giving their all, no matter what they’re doing, and those are the people I gravitate towards.

Looking ahead, where do you see yourself taking your artistry?
Looking ahead, I plan to channel my artistry back into my own aspirations. This year, I’m prioritising my dreams and desires, dedicating more time and energy to myself. I’ve invested a lot of artistic vision and creativity into the careers of others, and now it’s time to focus that same effort on my own goals.

Do you have a dream collaboration? Who’s someone you’d love to choreograph for?
It’s interesting, but I don’t really have any dream choreography collaborations left. Honestly, I don’t have many choreography dreams these days. I’ve achieved everything on my bucket list — I’ve choreographed for the VMAs and danced at the Super Bowl. Apart from possibly working with Janet Jackson, I don’t really envision collaborating with anyone else. These days, my aspirations are more about building my personal brand, rather than focusing solely on choreography.

What are you most excited about in 2024?
I’m looking forward to dedicating time to myself, focusing on my mental health, enjoying some downtime, exploring other ventures, pursuing additional aspirations, and nurturing my relationships and family connections.