Dancer Who Choreographed Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘stupid song’ Music Video Says Singer’s ‘Kindness’ Matches Her ‘Talent’ (Exclusive)

Tiler Peck, a principal dancer at the esteemed New York City Ballet, has made waves by choreographing and starring in Olivia Rodrigo’s latest music video for the track titled “stupid song.” Featured on Rodrigo’s new album, *You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love*, this collaboration has been particularly special for Peck, who aimed to present ballet in an authentic light while blending it seamlessly with the pop music genre.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Peck expressed her enthusiasm for the project, recalling her excitement upon receiving the call to work with the Grammy-winning artist. “I was so thrilled at the thought of collaborating with her,” she said. “I love her music, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to showcase ballet in a realistic and accurate way.”

Peck highlighted the professionalism of Rodrigo’s team, complimenting their decision to bring in a bona fide ballerina for the choreography. The experience was further enriched by Rodrigo’s kindness during filming. “It was wonderful to meet someone whose kindness matches their talent,” Peck said. She recounted how Rodrigo surprised all the dancers by sending them bouquets of flowers post-shoot, despite the demanding production schedule.

The music video shoot extended throughout the night, concluding at dawn. Peck noted that the dancers had performances to prepare for later that evening, making Rodrigo’s thoughtful gesture even more significant. “I initially thought the flowers were just for me,” she recalled, “but I then discovered she had sent a bouquet to each and every dancer involved. That was truly touching.”

Peck describes Rodrigo as not only sweet but also dedicated during the shooting process. “There was one moment when we had to push against her,” she shared. “We were unsure how hard to push, and she insisted we really go for it to make the scene look genuine.” According to Peck, Rodrigo’s grounded personality created a warm and collaborative atmosphere on set.

Choreographing this music video was a natural extension of Peck’s career, as pop music has long influenced her passion for dance. She reflected, “I didn’t grow up just as a ballerina. The music that I loved, which inspired me to dance, was often lyrical and from jazz performances.” For Peck, integrating her ballet expertise into pop music allows her to connect deeply with the lyrics, adding layers of emotion to the choreography.

This project melded two worlds for Peck, enabling her to return to her roots while presenting ballet properly to a wider audience. She shared fond memories of her early experiences in the industry, revealing that she appeared in a Fiona Apple music video at the tender age of eight. “I never imagined I’d be choreographing one myself, so this really feels like a full-circle moment,” Peck explained.

Her time on the set of Rodrigo’s music video left a lasting impression. She stated, “I have never been on a set where I enjoyed the collaboration with the director and crew so thoroughly.” Peck praised the professionalism and kindness of everyone involved, noting that there was a genuine respect for the dancers’ contributions.

Director Mitch Ryan played a crucial role in making the experience enjoyable for Peck. “He gave me the freedom to create in a way that was truly collaborative,” she said. “He trusted me while also allowing me to express my ideas creatively.” This level of confidence from the director contributed significantly to the positive atmosphere on set, according to Peck.

As she reflects on this fulfilling project, Tiler Peck expresses gratitude for the opportunity to merge her ballet background with contemporary music and dance. It appears that her collaboration with Olivia Rodrigo not only furthered her career but also enriched the realm of dance, introducing ballet to a new audience in a unique and relevant way. The positive response to the music video could open up even more opportunities for Peck as she continues to innovate within her art form.