Vincent Paterson, a prominent figure in the world of choreography, recently reflected on his extraordinary career, which has seen him collaborate with two iconic musicians: Michael Jackson and Madonna. The acclaimed director and choreographer shared his experiences during the Dancers Against Cancer Gala of the Stars, held on October 22, 2026, where he was honoured with the Vanguard Award.
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At 76, Paterson has built a legacy, having worked closely with Jackson for over 15 years. His notable contributions include choreographing the Bad Tour, the Super Bowl halftime show, and the memorable music videos for “Smooth Criminal” and “Blood on the Dance Floor.” In his conversation with PEOPLE, Paterson expressed that the creative process during his collaborations with Jackson was exhilarating, as the King of Pop consistently urged him to push boundaries and create choreography that had never been seen before.
Reflecting on his time with Jackson, Paterson said, “When you create something, you’re in the moment and you never think about the future of what’s going to happen.” He elaborated, stating, “You just want to do the best job you possibly can at the moment.” This mindset fostered an environment where Paterson felt free to explore innovative ideas, leading to memorable visual moments, such as the iconic opening sequence of the “Smooth Criminal” music video, where Jackson flips a coin that lands in a jukebox, triggering the music.
Paterson recounted the excitement that the concept generated within the creative team, noting that even Jackson was “blown away” by the idea. “It was a great, great moment. Everybody in the room was very excited about that,” he shared, emphasising the lasting impact of their collaboration. Nearly four decades later, Paterson still feels a deep sense of pride when he sees the ongoing appreciation for their work. “I’m just so happy that even today, people are still talking about and writing me about it and having the joy of sharing their kids’ joy with the video,” he said.
In addition to his work with Jackson, Paterson also recalls his experience working with Madonna during her transformative 1990 Blonde Ambition World Tour. He described their collaboration as more of a partnership but founded on an intense timeline. They had just 21 days to create 18 pieces, a challenge that required a high level of commitment and adaptability.
“She didn’t really have a lot of time to make any suggestions. I came in every day, and I taught a new dance daily,” he explained, praising Madonna for her ability to adapt quickly to the demanding schedule. He noted that while Jackson typically preferred to master a movement in private, Madonna was an active participant throughout the entire process.
Despite the distinct differences in their working styles, Paterson emphasised the common thread of artistry running through his collaborations. He stated, “I’m supposed to be invisible, and my work’s supposed to be invisible. It should look as if it came out of their mind, their body, and that’s my dream always.” This perspective showcases Paterson’s commitment to making sure the artists he works with shine, blending their unique expressions with his choreography to create a seamless performance.
During the Gala, where his contributions to dance and music were celebrated, Paterson expressed surprise and gratitude for receiving the Vanguard Award. “I was a little bit shocked by the honour since I am accustomed to giving awards away rather than getting awards,” he admitted. The moment was particularly moving for him, as he found himself feeling nervous despite his extensive experience in the industry. “I can’t believe I’m nervous with everything I’ve done and all the major people I’ve dealt with. I’m never nervous, but for some reason, I feel like I’m about 12 right now,” Paterson remarked.
Looking back on his illustrious career, Vincent Paterson’s stories of working with musical legends highlight the creative processes that shaped some of the most iconic performances in pop history. His reflections not only underscore the importance of collaboration in the world of dance but also serve as a reminder of the lasting influence that these icons continue to have on culture and artistic expression.