Taking to the stage in front of legends like Paula Abdul and Liza Minnelli, Kiwi choreographer Parris Goebel had to pinch herself while accepting the Dance Innovator Award at the glitzy Industry Dance Awards Gala of the Stars in Beverly Hills.
The 32-year-old Kiwi has choreographed many music videos for Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber and Missy Elliot, performed at awards shows, starred in movies, fronted Nike campaigns and won an Emmy for her work with Rihanna. Yet she’s shocked to be recognised as an icon.
“I feel like I have so much more work to do!” the 32-year-old tells Woman’s Day. “When I think of the word ‘icon’, there are so many people who come to mind. I don’t consider myself one. Maybe that’s a bit of the New Zealand mentality creeping in! It’s weird to be acknowledged, but it is such an honour.
“Leaving everything behind at home and taking a risk to chase my dreams, all I ever wanted was to make a name for myself. This is one of those moments where it’s like, ‘Wow! People really do respect me as an artist.’”
At a young age, Parris got hooked on dancing, winning countless talent contests before founding Auckland’s world-famous Palace Dance Studio. Most recently, she spent four fabulous days filming a J’adore campaign with Rihanna at France’s Palace of Versailles.
“To be in such a historical place, watching the sun rise and shooting with someone who’s an icon, was so special,” she says about the experience.
Such success hasn’t come without cost, though.
“I’m mentally unwell in life,” she shares. “But I think every creative is. Dance is my therapy. It has helped me stay sane and feel like I belong on this Earth. I’m not a neurotypical person, but the imbalances in my brain have helped me be unique and have a different perspective, so I’m not ashamed of that. Being an artist has saved my life.”
Explaining the continually unpredictable nature of her career has tested her mental strength, Parris continues, “I can go from working crazy hours every day to waiting for an opportunity. It’s hard to expect my brain and body to find a sense of solitude when my life’s so up and down. That has taken its toll on me, but at the same time, I love the chaos.”
Parris admits her Kiwi upbringing has helped her stay grounded. However, she adds, “Growing up in a place that doesn’t have many dance opportunities was challenging. Once I got my foot in the door here, it was easier because Los Angeles is the place you can do anything.
“I realised if I met the right people, worked hard and put myself out there without being scared, anything was possible.”
Parris arrived at the Dance Awards with actor/singer Jeremy Pope, a Grammy and Golden Globe nominee who introduced Parris on stage, commending her “impact on the global dance community that’s been nothing short of completely revolutionary”.
Collecting her trophy, Parris said, “I feel really taken aback… I grew up in New Zealand and my only gateway to the entertainment industry was MTV. Still, I remember watching those music videos every day. I was obsessed! It’s cool because some of the people that created those videos are in this room today.”
Parris also thanked her family, saying, “They’re my rock all the way in New Zealand. Every day they blow my phone up and make me feel like I can fly.”
The same day as the awards, The New York Times published a glowing article on Parris. It featured praise from Rihanna and rapper SZA, who described her work as “visceral, ethereal, intelligent and alive”.
Yet it’s J.Lo, 55, who earns the dancer’s top plaudits. Parris says, “I owe her everything. I’ve known her 12 years, so we’ll always keep in touch and have love for each other.”
But the performer is now keen to steer away from famous faces.
“People associate me with celebrities, but I’ve so many ideas I haven’t brought to life as an artist, woman and as a storyteller. The next chapter of my life will see me focus on telling my own stories.”
Parris describes herself as “very single” and spends her downtime hanging with her dogs. She says it was her mum LeeAnnn and dad Brett who taught her hard work “never goes out of fashion”.
She smiles, “My dad taught me how to be a beast and that it doesn’t matter how many things I’ve achieved – I still need to work as hard today as I did 10 years ago. I’m in competition with myself, so I always want to outdo myself.”
The Dance Awards Gala raised money for charity I’m A Dancer Against Cancer. Having lost her aunt to the illness, the evening reminded her of how lucky she is to pursue her dreams.
“My auntie was such a big supporter of my dance career,” tells Parris. “She was always at my talent quests and shows. Cancer’s tragic and it can happen to anyone. Just being able to move your body is a blessing, so it’s something I don’t take for granted.”