Who choreographed Bruno Mars
You've seen him on stage, right? That guy moves like he's got springs in his shoes. Bruno Mars and his slick dance moves – that's not just him being naturally awesome. There's a mastermind behind it all. Since 2010, Phil Tayag has been the guy calling the shots on movement. He's from The Squadron, this legendary dance crew. Basically, he's the reason Bruno looks so smooth doing pretty much anything.
Who is Phil Tayag, Bruno Mars' main choreographer?
Phil's a professional dancer from Vegas. Simple as that. But he's also a core member of The Squadron – a crew that mixes hip-hop, popping, and locking into something pretty wild. He met Bruno back in 2010, and boom – got hired for the "Just the Way You Are" video. Since then? Every major tour. "Moonshine Jungle," "24K Magic World Tour"... all him. He's the one behind those killer dance sequences in "Uptown Funk," "24K Magic," and "That's What I Like."
How did Phil Tayag shape Bruno Mars' dance style?
Tayag doesn't just throw moves together. He blends classic funk and soul with modern hip-hop. Think clean, sharp isolations and footwork that's almost too precise. He's big on "locking" – you know, that thing where you freeze and then move again? It gives everything this funky, rhythmic feel. There's robot stuff in there, popping too. But the real trick? Making it look effortless. Bruno sings live while doing this stuff. That's no accident. Hours of rehearsal, focusing on musicality – every move hits a beat or a lyric. It's not just dancing; it's storytelling through motion.
Who else has contributed to Bruno Mars' choreography?
Phil's the lead, sure, but he's got a team. Jasmine Badie (J. Badie) and Jaja Vaňková have been around for over a decade. They're the ones teaching routines to backup dancers, making sure everyone's in sync. And Bruno himself? He's not just a puppet. He's obsessed with Michael Jackson, James Brown, Elvis. He'll suggest moves, tweak sequences. It's a collaborative thing, but Tayag is the architect – the guy drawing the blueprints.
What is the most famous dance routine choreographed for Bruno Mars?
Look, it's "Uptown Funk." No contest. That routine became a global thing. Phil created it, and it's got these iconic moves – the "dickey do," the "shoulder pop," those synchronized group walks. It looks simple, but it's brutally tight. Perfect timing and attitude. That's it. It was so big, people made thousands of cover videos and flash mobs. The choreography just nails that high-energy, retro-funk vibe. It's timeless, honestly.
Key Choreography Credits for Bruno Mars
| Song / Project | Lead Choreographer | Notable Dance Style |
|---|---|---|
| Uptown Funk | Phil Tayag | Funk / Soul / Locking |
| 24K Magic | Phil Tayag | New Jack Swing / Hip-Hop |
| That's What I Like | Phil Tayag | Smooth R&B / Slow Groove |
| Finesse (Remix) | Phil Tayag | 90s Hip-Hop / New Jack Swing |
| Leave the Door Open | Phil Tayag | Classic Soul / Slow Drag |
How to learn Bruno Mars' dance moves?
Wanna try it yourself? Here's a checklist. Don't overthink it.
- Watch the official music videos in slow motion. Isolate each move. Pause. Rewind. Get obsessed.
- Search for "Phil Tayag tutorial" on YouTube. He's got official breakdowns for "Uptown Funk" and "24K Magic." Free stuff.
- Focus on the "groove." It's not just steps. It's the bounce. The attitude. Relax your body – you look stiff.
- Practice the "shoulder isolations" and "head pops" separately. These are the building blocks. Get them right.
- Use a mirror to check your alignment and timing. You'll look silly, but it works.
- Learn the count. Most routines are 8-count phrases. Master the count before you even play the music. Seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bruno Mars choreograph his own dances?
Not really the primary guy, but he's hands-on. He works with Phil to refine moves. He brings his own ideas – James Brown, Michael Jackson stuff. It's a collaboration, but Tayag does the heavy lifting technically.
Is Phil Tayag a backup dancer for Bruno Mars?
Yeah, he often performs live and in videos. He's a core member of the "Hooligans" – Bruno's backing band and dance crew. Spot him right behind Bruno during "Uptown Funk," doing the same moves. Perfect sync.
What dance crew is Phil Tayag from?
He's a founding member of The Squadron, a Vegas-based dance crew. They're known for precise, high-energy routines blending hip-hop, popping, and locking. Been on "America's Best Dance Crew" and worked with tons of top artists.
How much does Bruno Mars pay his choreographer?>
Exact numbers? Not public. But for A-list artists? Big money. Industry estimates say lead choreographers can make $100k to $500k+ a year, plus royalties from tours and videos. Phil's long-term gig with Bruno? Probably a sweet deal.
Short Summary
- Lead Choreographer: Phil Tayag, from the dance crew The Squadron, is the primary choreographer for Bruno Mars since 2010.
- Dance Style: A blend of funk, soul, locking, and hip-hop, designed to be performed live while singing.
- Key Routine: The "Uptown Funk" choreography is the most iconic, known for its simple but sharp moves.
- Collaboration: Bruno Mars is heavily involved in the creative process, working with Tayag and assistants like Jasmine Badie and Jaja Vaňková.

