Choreographer Vincent Paterson reflects on working with Michael Jackson

Choreographer Vincent Paterson has shared reflections on his 15-year professional relationship with Michael Jackson. Paterson, 76, contributed to several of Jackson’s most iconic performances and visuals, including the Bad tour, the Super Bowl halftime show, and the ‘Smooth Criminal’ music video.

Paterson described the experience as an honor, noting that Jackson encouraged him to create original concepts that the world had never seen before. He highlighted the ‘Smooth Criminal’ music video as a career high point, recalling how Jackson was impressed by the creative ideas presented during production.

In comparing his experiences, Paterson noted the different working styles of Jackson and Madonna, observing that while Madonna worked collaboratively in the room, Jackson would often retreat to practice movements individually until they became a seamless part of his performance.