04/21/2026
48 hours. A living room mirror. Madison Square Garden.
David, the executive producer, called me Sept. 5th at 8pm: "We need choreography for Michael's solo tribute — pick a song, get your dancers, and you have TWO DAYS." (David was not the most patient person, lol)
BEAT IT, came to my brain instantly. That night I turned to my choreo partner for help. I was told I was crazy, that this would never happen — and they left.
I was alone. Give up or do this myself.
I slowed my breathing and remembered why this song meant so much to me. As a kid I was bullied constantly. Bloody noses every day, afraid of my own shadow. My grandmother introduced me to Taekwondo at 8. I joined with my cousin Karen and it changed everything — discipline, focus, and the confidence I never had.
"Beat It" was never just about gangs. It was always about the inner struggle. The choice to elevate.
My greatest strength was my ability to take a risk even when terrified. To do what martial arts taught me — DO YOUR BEST. So I stayed up that night alone and created. I pulled from my martial arts training — I wanted futuristic martial arts characters. And selfishly, I kept the original chorus for myself. The first dance I ever taught myself in the 80s. The one I dreamed of doing beside Michael.
Taught the dancers the next day. Third day, Michael came in and loved it. Even the moment where a female gang member (the incredible Nina Lafarga) gets accidentally stabbed.
What followed was the true gift, 4 precious hours alone with Michael at SIR Studios, creating and dancing together. A quantum state I'd never felt before. He gave me advice I'll never forget and keep buried in my heart.
The night everyone said it couldn't happen — I beat it.
"Do Your Best"
