Capturing the Magic: Collaborating with the Next Generation of Dance Sensation
During the pandemic, the world became enamored with the infectious energy of three young sisters—Yarah, Norah, and Rosa—dancing their hearts out on the streets of Europe. Their vibrant performances quickly took the internet by storm, earning them spots on The Ellen DeGeneres Show (not once, but twice!) and collaborations with artists like Anderson .Paak. With over a million followers on Instagram, these sisters are a testament to the power of authentic expression in the digital age.
This summer, I had the incredible fortune to run into them at the Ladies of Hip-Hop Festival during their NYC visit. The moment felt serendipitous. Their tight-knit family dynamic and genuine attitude made me appreciate their artistry even more.
During our conversations, they mentioned their inspirations—icons like Notorious B.I.G. and Lauryn Hill. I loved reliving the 90s-2000s hip-hop era through their eyes. One of the biggest influences on our video shoot was Lauryn Hill's "Doo Wop (That Thing)," directed by Andy Delaney, Big T.V., and Monty Whitebloom, which won the MTV VMA for Best Music Video in 1999. Inspired by “Doo Wop” I aimed to utilize the structured composition and dynamic angles in our work.
When I asked the sisters about their favorite part of New York, their enthusiasm was infectious—they simply loved the excitement of the entire city. That’s why I offered the LES skate park as a potential location, and they were all in. The Manhattan Bridge became a fourth character in our shots, framing the dance with its strong foundation and the rich textures provided by graffiti artists.
This spot holds a special place in my heart; it’s where I first fell in love with New York’s vibrant culture. When I moved to NYC and was exploring its neighborhoods with my camera the skate park was one of the discoveries I accidentally stumbled on. I wanted to share this part of the city with them too. :-)
Special thank you to my crew ELIZABETH SPEAR and Marleen Moise for behind the scenes coverage and assisting directing me on set.