You’ve seen his work. Even if you don't recognize the name Anthony Burrell immediately, you have definitely felt the impact of his movement. He is the guy who helped make Beyoncé’s Formation an era-defining cultural moment. He’s the one who stood toe-to-toe with Abby Lee Miller on Lifetime.
Basically, Anthony Burrell is a powerhouse who bridges the gap between the rigid discipline of Alvin Ailey and the high-glitz demands of pop royalty.
People usually search for Anthony Burrell movies and tv shows because they remember him as the "tough love" choreographer from reality TV. But his filmography is actually a weird, fascinating mix of prestige visual albums, cult indie films, and massive Hollywood blockbusters where he often works behind the scenes to make the stars look effortless.
The Reality TV Era: Dance Moms and Mariah’s World
Honestly, a lot of us first met Anthony through the chaotic lens of Dance Moms. He wasn't just another guest teacher; he was a disruptor. When he showed up to work with the Candy Apples (Cathy Nesbitt-Stein’s rival team), the energy shifted. He brought a professional, "Alvin Ailey" level of expectation to a show that often felt more like a soap opera than a dance competition.
He didn't stop there. If you haven't seen Mariah’s World on E!, you're missing out on some peak 2010s reality gold. Burrell served as the Creative Director for Mariah Carey. He wasn't just teaching steps; he was managing the "1 to Infinity" Vegas residency and the "Sweet Sweet Fantasy" tour.
🔗 Read more: Cry Havoc: Why Jack Carr Just Changed the Reece-verse Forever
Watching him navigate the high-stakes world of a global diva was a masterclass in industry survival.
Beyond those, his TV credits are surprisingly deep:
- Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition: He sat on the judging panel, often acting as the technical voice of reason.
- Raising Asia: He worked closely with Asia Monet Ray, pushing the young star toward professional-grade performance.
- Glee: He appeared in multiple episodes, contributing to the show's massive musical numbers.
- Empire: He brought his choreographic eye to Fox’s hit series, ensuring the musical performances felt authentic to the industry.
- So You Think You Can Dance: He appeared as a choreographer for the Top 24, proving he could handle any style thrown at him.
Anthony Burrell Movies: From The Skinny to Lemonade
When we talk about movies, we have to talk about Lemonade. It’s technically a visual album, but it’s filmed like a high-concept feature. Burrell’s work on "Formation" won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography. That wasn't just luck. It was the result of years spent as a principal dancer for Alvin Ailey, combined with a deep understanding of commercial appeal.
But his acting and dance roles in more traditional films are also worth a watch. In the 2012 indie film The Skinny, he played Kyle, a role that let him show off his acting chops alongside his physical talent. He also popped up in Semi-Pro (2008) and the dance-centric film Leave It on the Floor (2011).
💡 You might also like: Colin Macrae Below Deck: Why the Fan-Favorite Engineer Finally Walked Away
More recently, he’s been involved in massive projects like Disney's Haunted Mansion (2023) and even the Marvel Cinematic Universe via Hawkeye. It’s wild to see a guy go from a concert dance stage to a superhero set, but that’s the Burrell brand. He’s versatile.
Why He Matters (The "Ailey" Factor)
What most people get wrong about Anthony is thinking he's just a "commercial" guy. He’s not. He was hand-selected by Judith Jamison to join the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He performed Revelations for President Barack Obama.
That foundation is why his choreography for people like Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, and Katy Perry looks different. It’s grounded. It’s technically sound.
He eventually left the prestigious world of concert dance to join Beyoncé’s B’Day tour, a move he’s described as chasing a "bigger dream." Since then, he’s been the secret weapon for artists who need more than just "back-up dancers." They need a vision.
📖 Related: Cómo salvar a tu favorito: La verdad sobre la votación de La Casa de los Famosos Colombia
Current Projects and Legacy
Burrell hasn't slowed down. He founded the Anthony Burrell Center for Dance (ABCD) in Atlanta. He’s focused on training the next generation of BIPOC dancers, giving them the tools to navigate both the concert world and the commercial industry. He also joined the faculty at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee as an associate professor.
He’s basically the bridge. He connects the high-art world of New York dance to the high-dollar world of Hollywood.
If you’re looking to track down his work, start with Lemonade for the artistry, then pivot to Dance Moms for the drama. You’ll see two completely different sides of the same man.
How to Follow His Work Today
To really understand his influence, look at the credits of the biggest tours and music videos from the last decade. His "Formation" choreography is still being studied in universities.
- Watch: The Skinny (for his acting).
- Stream: Mariah’s World (to see him as a director).
- Study: The "Formation" music video (to see his peak choreography).
The next time you see a massive group of dancers moving with perfect synchronization on a stadium stage, check the credits. There is a very good chance Anthony Burrell had a hand in it.
To keep up with his latest projects, you can follow the Anthony Burrell Center for Dance or check out his recent contributions to major network specials and music industry awards shows. He remains one of the few creatives who can move seamlessly between a university classroom and a world tour.