Podcast Summary: Toure Show – Amari "Monster" Marshall: I Dance For Beyoncé
Introduction In the February 9, 2025 episode of the Toure Show, host DCP Entertainment engages in an inspiring conversation with Amari "Monster" Marshall, a renowned dancer known for her exceptional work with Beyoncé. Amari shares her journey from her roots in Jacksonville, Florida, to becoming a pivotal figure in Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour and other high-profile performances. This summary delves into the key discussions, insights, and experiences Amari shares throughout the episode.
Defining a Great Dancer Amari begins by articulating her personal definition of what makes a dancer truly great. She emphasizes the importance of confidence, ability, and emotional connection with the audience.
“A great dancer to me is the ability to make people feel what you feel. The ability to bring that story of the song to life or whatever story you're trying to convey.”
— Amari Marshall [03:01]
She distinguishes between mere technical skill and the ability to convey emotions, stating that while many can perform intricate moves, few can evoke genuine emotions that resonate with the audience.
Working with Beyoncé and Previous Projects Amari recounts her extensive collaboration with Beyoncé, highlighting her roles in significant events such as Beyoncé’s Homecoming and Beychella, as well as Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show.
“I absolutely loved working with her because I'm a perfectionist too. I take my job very seriously.”
— Amari Marshall [13:37]
She speaks fondly of her experiences, describing Beyoncé as a perfectionist who pushes her dancers to excel while maintaining a supportive and down-to-earth demeanor. Amari also touches on her participation in Beyoncé’s 2016 project Baby Boy alongside her sister, further cementing her long-term association with the superstar.
Choreography and Creative Process on Renaissance Tour Amari provides an in-depth look into the choreography and creative direction of Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour. She explains the collaborative efforts with head choreographer Fatima Robinson and mentor Chris Grant to integrate elements of ballroom culture into the dance routines.
“We need the monster, we need the masculine. How can we bring all these different worlds together in the name of Beyoncé, making it something that's fresh, new, but still has that traditional Beyoncé flair in essence.”
— Amari Marshall [07:43]
Amari discusses the challenges and triumphs of incorporating diverse dance styles, ensuring authenticity, and maintaining Beyoncé’s signature style. She highlights the importance of freestyle performances, mentioning that she often improvises during solos to bring a unique and spontaneous energy to each show.
Representation and Diversity in Dance A significant portion of the conversation focuses on representation and diversity within the dance community. Amari stresses the importance of inclusivity, celebrating all body types, and ensuring that everyone feels welcome on stage.
“It was really good to break that and to show like, hey, everybody is welcome and everybody is appreciated and everybody is beautiful.”
— Amari Marshall [10:28]
She reflects on the impact of seeing a short, dark-skinned girl like herself on stage with Beyoncé, breaking societal norms and inspiring others to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams in the arts.
Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges Amari delves into her personal growth as a dancer, discussing how rigorous rehearsals, freelancing, and high-pressure performances have shaped her resilience and work ethic.
“I have tons of dancers from the South America community and my big, big dreams right now is creative directing.”
— Amari Marshall [53:38]
She candidly shares the physical and emotional toll of touring, including the exhaustion from multiple shows, intense rehearsals, and the loss of her brother during the tour. Despite these challenges, Amari remains committed to her craft, continuously pushing herself to achieve excellence.
Relationships with Other Dancers and the Team Amari highlights the camaraderie and strong relationships she has built with fellow dancers and choreographers. She speaks highly of the twins, Larry and Laurent, describing them as brothers who support each other both on and off the stage.
“They really, honestly became my brothers. Like, we really developed an emotional little brother, big brother, little sister type relationship.”
— Amari Marshall [21:30]
Additionally, she praises Honey Balenciaga and other members of the dance team for their dedication and innovative styles, contributing to the dynamic and vibrant performances that define Beyoncé’s shows.
Future Plans and Aspirations Looking ahead, Amari outlines her ambitions beyond dancing, including creative directing, interior design, and expanding her production company. She aspires to create her own dance experiences and mentor the next generation of dancers.
“Right now, I've been really building up my own businesses. I have my little Monster experience, which is like my kids classes, developing them.”
— Amari Marshall [53:38]
Amari expresses her excitement about relocating to New York, leveraging the city’s vibrant energy to explore new creative avenues and continue evolving as an artist.
Impact of the Renaissance Tour on Amari's Career The Renaissance tour has had a profound impact on Amari’s career, elevating her profile and opening doors to numerous opportunities. She reflects on how being part of such a monumental project has transformed her from being overlooked to becoming a sought-after dancer and creative professional.
“It changed my life completely. Just years of being overlooked to now you're the one they're looking at.”
— Amari Marshall [55:22]
Amari acknowledges the immense support she has received and remains focused on maintaining her authenticity while embracing the new opportunities that come her way.
Conclusion The episode offers a deep dive into Amari "Monster" Marshall’s journey as a dancer, her collaboration with Beyoncé, and her vision for the future. Amari's passion for dance, commitment to representation, and relentless pursuit of excellence serve as an inspiring narrative for aspiring artists. Her insights into the creative process, overcoming obstacles, and building meaningful relationships within the dance community provide valuable lessons for anyone pursuing success in the arts.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
On Defining a Great Dancer:
“A great dancer to me is the ability to make people feel what you feel.” — Amari Marshall [03:01] -
On Working with Beyoncé:
“I absolutely loved working with her because I'm a perfectionist too.” — Amari Marshall [13:37] -
On Representation:
“Everybody is welcome and everybody is appreciated and everybody is beautiful.” — Amari Marshall [10:28] -
On Career Impact:
“It changed my life completely. Just years of being overlooked to now you're the one they're looking at.” — Amari Marshall [55:22]
Final Thoughts Amari "Monster" Marshall's episode on the Toure Show encapsulates her evolution as a dancer, the significance of her work with Beyoncé, and her aspirations to influence the dance industry positively. Her story is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the power of representation in the performing arts.