Parris Goebel: she’s got that hip-hop swagg

***Rachel Khoo would like to thank all the inspiring people who helped make the Khoollect studio a hive of creativity. Although the Khoollect studio’s doors have now closed, you can keep up with Rachel’s newest adventures on RachelKhoo.com and on Rachel’s Instagram and Facebook pages – and, continue to enjoy the Khoollect website’s stories and recipes, which will remain available.***

At just 24 years of age, New Zealand-born hip hop dancer and choreographer Parris Goebel has a resume that could blow just about anyone out of the water. Recently crowned the International Choreographer of the Year in the World of Dance Industry Awards, Parris has worked with big name pop stars Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson and Nicky Minaj, and choreographed and danced in music videos for Justin Bieber (among others). She has awards and accolades too many to list, and is in hot demand across the music, movie and dance industries for her signature Polyswagg style.

Parris got her big break when her all-female dance crew ReQuest dominated the World Varsity Hip Hop Championships in 2010 to become the best adult crew in the world. She tells Khoollect what it’s like to live the dream.

A Day in the Life of Parris Goebel

How did you get into the world of professional dancing and choreographing?

Dancing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, so when I was 15 years old I left school to pursue a career in dance. I was choreographing for my crew ReQuest then opened my own studio and it became full time.

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Your job is pretty amazing – what are the best and worst bits?

Travelling the world is amazing and getting to work with various artists has truly made this a dream job. Inspiring and creating pathways for the dancers in my studio has also been a real motivation for me.

The hardest part is being away from my family and really having zero social life, but it comes with the job. At least I wake up and get to do what I love every day.

Tell us about some interesting projects you’re working on right now?

The big one for me is launching my own music – hopefully this coming May. You all aren’t ready …

What’s your biggest achievement to date?

The most exciting project I just finished was creating 13 dance videos for Justin Bieber in 22 days. It took everything I had (with no sleep), but the results were incredible with all the dancers I know coming and sharing their talent.

Can you share your rituals or routines for staying fit and keeping up with the latest dance moves?

I try to eat as healthy as I can but it’s tough when you’re always traveling and working. I like to hit the gym when I’m home and do Cross Fit.

Can you please tell us which songs you’d have on your ultimate Spotify dance list?

My songs constantly change so I don’t have an ultimate list. I love what I hear today and am always listening to new artists and new music.

Best tip for not looking like an idiot on the dance floor or stage?

Perfect practice makes perfection. It’s that simple – there is no secret. Working hard in the studio will ensure you don’t mess up on the stage.

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Best Kept Secrets

I khoollect a few … 

Shoes and jackets.

What’s your favourite item in your khoollection? 

My makeup.

Favourite international stage to dance on?

The Movement Lifestyle studio in Los Angeles.

Any secret tips in the kitchen?

I can’t cook at all.

Who’s your #khoollectcrush?

The dancers in my studio

Urban Favourites

Where do you call home?

Auckland, New Zealand.

What do you love most about it?

My family lives there.

Your favourite place for getting a dance fix?

1885 Britomart.

Ideal lazy Sunday?

Sleep into 2pm, have lunch with friends, catch some sun then spend time with my family.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBwGyAhCWc6/?taken-by=parrisgoebel

Where do you find your calm? 

Home.

Best green park or garden space?

New York, Central Park

If not Auckland, where would you live?

New York

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WRITTEN BY:
Bex Shannon

Hailing from far away New Zealand, Bex is into music, travel and everything vintage and retro. She h...

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Visit Parris Goebel’s website.

Find Parris Goebel on YouTube – Instagram – Facebook – Twitter.