Dance Choreography to 'Stand Up' by Cynthia Erivo // Black Lives Matter Dance Tribute

#StandUp #BlackLivesMatter #DanceForTheMovement
When I heard the lyrics to "Stand Up" by Cynthia Erivo from the movie Harriet, I knew it was something I wanted to choreograph a dance to. One of my favorite lines was: "I do what I can when I can while I can for my people". Harriet Tubman is a great example of someone who did what she could for her people. We have the same power today: whether it be through voting, donating, educating ourselves, or providing a listening ear to people we know are hurting. Dancing is something I've enjoyed since I was young, especially when I can use it to tell a story. I encourage you to find the things you enjoy and use them for the #BlackLivesMatter movement as well: dance, sing, write, whatever your heart desires. Together we will Stand Up.

Lyrics
I been walkin'
With my face turned to the sun
Weight on my shoulders
A bullet in my gun
Oh, I got eyes in the back of my head
Just in case I have to run
I do what I can when I can while I can for my people
While the clouds roll back and the stars fill the night

That's when I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going
To a brand new home
Far across the river
Can you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
I can feel it in my bones

Early in the mornin'
Before the sun begins to shine
We're gonna start movin'
Towards that separating line
I'm wadin' through muddy waters
You know I got a made up mind
And I don't mind if I lose any blood on the way to salvation
And I'll fight with the strength that I got until I die

So I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going
To a brand new home
Far across the river
Can you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on

And I know what's around the bend
Might be hard to face 'cause I'm alone
And I just might fail
But Lord knows I tried
Sure as stars fill up the sky

Stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going
To a brand new home
Far across the river
Can you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on

I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going
To a brand new home
Far across the river
Do you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on

I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going
To a brand new home
Far across the river
I hear freedom calling
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
I can feel it in my bones

I go to prepare a place for you
I go to prepare a place for you
I go to prepare a place for you
I go to prepare a place for you

[emilymccallum]

I still stand with you to this day. Stop silencing black voices and realize they’re treated differently to this day. BLACK LIVES MATTER

[MagnoliaPoppy]

Yes yes yes. I see every muscle working in this dance. This piece matches the song and mood seamlessly. It's vulnerable... showing both the weariness and eagerness to power through a challenging journey and mission. Thank you for sharing this ❤️.

[sherrellharrod]

oh i forgot to tell you that cross the river move is BOMB! GO GIRL!!!

[dahliac]

I’ve rewatched this so many times... ugh you’re amazing 😭❤️❤️❤️❤️

[lindajohnson]

This still moves me! That river part is so smooth… you jump off the screen in this dance! Comp consideration

[aishaj]

I got chills all over my body from legs to my arms no joke. Your so amazing I’m gonna do this dance for my dance class 💕

[sherrellharrod]

The fact you done this Solo was very Amazing you give me inspiration to help my daughter with choreographing to this song you Nailed it GIRLFRIEND KEEP DANCING KEEP INSPIRING

[cmedennis]

This is the best body of movement that I have seen to this song. Beautifully interpreted... the lines, the fluid movement, technique, just beautiful! Thank you❤️.

[christii.f]

Most fitting dance I've seen to this song so far wow

[GMAMEC]

Such a beautiful interpretation that embraces the true meaning of the son. My face 😧 @3:19 ❤️❤️❤️

[quayb]

You always have been a beast at turns. Great job!!!

[alishaedwards]

I’m choreographing this song for my schools dance ensemble thank you for giving me inspiration!!!

[sophieturner]

goosebumps!!! the song, the beauty and the strength, , , those turns !!

[arquitetoigorribeiro]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 muito bom! Você passou emoção com sua dança.

[kavehreasco]

brothers and sisters we must continue our march for racial equality #BLACKLIVESMATTER all lives cant matter till black lives matter

[Sonia-mrcs]

I don't understand what the dancing exactly represents but looks amazing I understand how it feels to be black I'm black i have been called a black brat and a black disgrace:((

[graceskelton]

Like the choreo and technique, not the concept