Flying high on high heels

She is behind Beyoncé's stage shows: Dana Foglia, choreographer, dancer and Beyoncé's movement coach from L.A. With her electrifying, self-confident and sexy dance moves, the power woman contributes to the resounding success of pop star Beyoncé.

Dana Foglia, you've just come out of the studio where you spent two months working with Beyoncé for her current "Formation World Tour". You are also Bea's personal movement coach. What is it like to work with such a big star?

Working with Beyoncé is a great pleasure - and I am very grateful! But it's also very time-consuming and intensive, and the days are usually very long. But that's why she is who she is.

How did this collaboration come about?

I was a dancer at the audition for Beyoncé's 2003 tour in 2003 and then took part in the "Experience" tour. Beyoncé later saw one of my choreographies and from then on we started working together on this level.

How long does it take Beyoncé to learn the steps and moves for a new song?

Sometimes it takes her less than a day, but sometimes it takes longer, especially if we change the song or the choreography.

Does Beyoncé learn 1:1 from you or are there also discussions? Does she change steps that you suggest to her?

Beyoncé is very practical, she knows what looks good on her and which moves work. We often discuss the choreography of a piece together. Sometimes, while I'm teaching her something, we spontaneously adapt certain moves so that they suit Beyoncé better.

You have developed an energetic and sexy dance style that can be seen in Beyoncé's stage shows, but is also recognizable in her videos - such as "Crazy in love", "Grown Woman" and "Haunted". What do you call this dance style?