Fatima Robinson

By Sheron Neverson-Diggs

Ever wonder what possibilities are available for a club kid. How essential could street dance skills honed in "18 and over clubs" be? What good could come out the dance contest craze that accompanied Bell, Biv, Devoe’s reign on the music charts, besides the promise of $500 to the winner? Just close your eyes and imagine the possibilities, traveling worldwide, creative direction of chart climbing hip hop, R&B, and pop artists, seeing other club kids mimicking your flavor on the dance floor, playing a major role in the success of a video, tour and blazing hot single.
Now open your eyes and meet Fatima Robinson
 
The gap between the fun loving club kid to the talented video and tour choreographer was bridge by an audition in a small hotel room. While other dancers’ complained about the restrictions of the carpeted floor and the poor quality of the scratchy cassette player, Fatima busted out her "smooth out, hip-hop, street style of dance. Going in to show her wares for a part in a video, Fatima’s flavor and adaptability snagged her the role of choreographer. The world of video is unpredictable. You never know what conditions the dancer will encounter. Be it smoke, shoes that don't’ fit, costumes that bind or trip, mother natures whims, the show must go on. Fatima explains," Choreography is more that making up steps, it’s also about giving the directors what they want.

Fatima is satisfying more than the directors. Ask the Fans of Michael Jackson, Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, Aliyah and the Backstreet Boys. She brought new life to Michael Jackson’s, "Remember The Time" video with visions of a huge cast of dancers executing the masterful blending of Egyptian hieroglyphics, hip-hop moves and classic King of Pop Moves. She allowed the Gangsta Rapper Dr Dre. to seduce fans in to a trance like state with her Tango inspired choreography. Fatima reflects on Busta Rhymes’ transformation during rehearsals for "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See". After observing the dancers’ rehearsal, Busta yells, "YOU WANT ME TO DO THAT!!!! ". After a rehearsal with Fatima herself, he changes his tune. While throwing his cell phone and pager across the studio Busta yells, "YO! I’M MICHAEL JACKSON!!!! This video went on to be nominated for Best Video.

As for Alliyah’s Flamingo inspired choreography Fatima is that somebody who researched the Flamingo vibe and blended it with Timberland’s challenging beats. Fatima grins when she sees today’s club kids mimicking her cool moves when the hot single ‘Are You That Somebody" is spinning. "I guess they like me." The forces that be respect Fatima. She is part of the creative force behind Aliyah. Her presence is requested in the recording studio, she collaborated with fashion director on that long skirt which featured an equally long slit.

(How else could you see those smooth moves).
So what’s next for Fatima Robinson? Check her out in Lenny Kravitz’s new video, "Fly Away." And don’t be surprised when she changes her title from choreographer to director. Fatima has been a student in many classrooms. Clubs, video set, recording studios, and the N.Y. Film Academy just to name a few. Some of her work may be featured in a theater near you. Go Girl! You better Work!!