Dancers Criticize Super Bowl Halftime Show For Hours Of Unpaid Work

The Super Bowl LVL halftime show is predicted to be one that fans will never forget as Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar hit the stage on Feb. 13. Participants are moaning about hours of unpaid rehearsals, despite the fact that great effort has gone into making this an unforgettable event.

The performance has attracted aspiring dancers, actors, singers, and musicians, but they have yet to be compensated for their efforts. The Super Bowl LVL halftime show has been chastised for pushing dancers and artists to rehearse for hours on end without being paid.

Taja Riley, a dancer and activist, has spoken out about the situation, as have other dancers such as Alyson Stoner and Heather Morris. Riley confronted halftime show choreographer Fatima Robinson, demanding that she speak up for better treatment of the performers. Riley addressed that in a live video.

I think that in a performance that is going to highlight predominantly African American movers, African American recording artists and African American culture – Inglewood stand up – I think this is the opportunity… to really step up and do something about this.

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Riley informed The New York Times that Robinson had blocked her on Instagram following her video and conveyed her disgust with the dancing icon. Riley has collaborated with artists including Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna.

Despite the fact that she did not audition for the Super Bowl performance, she chose to speak out after finding that Bloc LA, a renowned Los Angeles advertising firm, contacted clients offering them the opportunity to volunteer. Riley wrote in an email to a Bloc client who had been chosen for the performance.

Speaking with the casting manager, she asked if I knew anyone who would be open to the opportunity/experience and specified that she wanted ‘predominantly African American movers’.

The choreographer further stated that the call for professional dancers was made through major dance agencies in Los Angeles, and that the 400 field cast volunteers were found elsewhere. Riley has now stated her displeasure with all parties involved, claiming that 400 mostly unpaid Black labor is unacceptably high, particularly during Black History Month.

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