In The Heights | ¡Wepa! The Choreography of In The Heights | HBO Max

Celebrate where dance lives. Get an inside look on how Christopher Scott (choreographer), Jon M. Chu (director), and the entire cast and crew created the dance sequences that brought "It the Heights" to life. The Latin dance culture featured in "In The Heights" incorporates flexing, popping, breaking, Litefeet, Salsa on 2, Caleño and more. #InTheHeights
From the Director of “Crazy Rich Asians,” comes the highly anticipated film “In The Heights.” Now playing in theaters and on HBO Max, streaming only on the ad-free plan in the US only for a limited time.
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In The Heights | ¡Wepa! The Choreography of In The Heights | HBO Max

[@Gabriel.Villaruel]

Oscars should start having a category for Best Choreography...

[@angelaphsiao]

Choreography also includes fight and action scenes so that could increase the pool enough to make it a category

[@jozayzay9079]

I think it would be a genius idea. Choreographers don’t get enough recognition. It’s hard work.

[@timscott6081]

@@jozayzay9079 I agree..

[@funkydong5315]

@Smarty Pants did you read the comments? action and fighting scenes are coreo too

[@vacationvideos7346]

Absolutely!

[@hummersd]

Not only diversity in the ethnic backgrounds, the dance styles, but noticed in the movie the diversity of body types! Kudos to casting for making sure representation mattered.

[@danceoffice7366]

I noticed that and I was soooo happy that there are different body types in this movie

[@fupalover]

They only had 3-4 plus sized women. No plus sized men.

[@gabriels.9382]

@@fupalover look closer into the background..I saw plenty of big men

[@dani0479]

Not for others. Just recently it was criticized for not having enough representation (lack of afro-latinos and afro-latinas and black people) even though the second main characters are. America just could never be satisfied.

[@youarein1ov3]

@@dani0479 They could never be satisfied. God I hope their satisfied.

[@lexis4490]

Let’s see an In The Heights Behind the Scenes documentary please.

[@vacrn127]

Yes and a Sequel

[@elizabeth_k_m]

Obviously different vibes than the movie, but would definitely recommend the PBS Great Performances documentary about the original musical's move to Bway! It's up here on YT (in 6 parts)

[@blkbarbie2671]

@@elizabeth_k_m oh that’s sick! which channel?

[@elizabeth_k_m]

@@blkbarbie2671 it semi-recently got taken down, but Dayane Dias has most of it up in one part (missing my favorite bit of course 😢). It's called In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams

[@jaymichelle8357]

The choreography was insane!!! fantastic movie, fantastic job

[@ladyphoenix9752]

💯👾👍

[@danceoffice7366]

100% agree

[@magdafranco1966]

i would literally watch a movie just about the preparation

[@broadwaybrook2319]

I know right! I'm partially just watching this so I can go and re-watch it later and try and copy the dance moves

[@elizabeth_k_m]

Obviously different vibes than the movie, but would definitely recommend the PBS Great Performances documentary about the original musical's move to Bway! It's up here on YT (in 6 parts)

[@mariovalentinbanuelos8727]

I would pay for that too.

[@Bklyngurl85]

I feel like that tilting firescape brought back the feeling of musicals from the 40's & 50's, like signing in the rain, that used real sets and talent. This movie/musical was so much fun to watch.

[@jazleyfaith]

You know it's real when they have Eddie Torres Jr. working on choreo. His dad, Eddie Torres, is known as the Mambo King in street salsa styles. I loved seeing titans of the Latin social dance scene casted & PAID for their skill & artistry. When dance is something people 'have to do,' that often doesn't come with a pay stub to support it. The authenticity & representation of these styles of dance is incredible, and I'm so thankful to be a witness to it in my lifetime.

[@Musicals4us]

4:38 I love how Olga Merediz is actually like Abuela Claudia and takes care of the ensemble members🥺

[@SDUBNation]

In the Heights is a fantastic film. Great job guys

[@carolburton6092]

Love Christopher Scott… such an excellent choreographer and smart to bring in associate choreographers who knew the authentic dances!

[@omar_catano]

I'm from Cali, Colombia, when I saw the ''Caleño'' Cali salsa style with the Colombian flags in the back, I didn't know whether to cry or dance in the cinema 😭🤯💛✨ This movie was so great, the fact I was in an Irish cinema so far from home listening to Salsa and Merengue, blown my mind, thank you so much for this, made me feel noticed and so connected with my Latino community despite the distance.🙌🏼✨

[@juliaearp2500]

was anyone else just thinking about how difficult it must've been to dance in the water lol

[@broadwaybrook2319]

I know right! It blew my mind when I saw this movie in theatres, seeing the complex choreography they were doing in "96,000."

[@paigerodriguez1473]

it’s sad to see that they really worked hard to be diverse and make sure the representation was there and people still thought it wasn’t inclusive enough :/

[@CAbornTXraised]

Whaaaaat?! How! Also, I didn’t expect a story about a Dominican neighborhood to be much more diverse than the Caribbean islands…

[@TheRevanSentinel]

@@CAbornTXraised colorism

[@ludameri1384]

Yeah, When Lin got called out for "lack of representation" I was super confused. Now, of course I can't say that I know what that is like as a white person, but when I read the article some things (comments) just didn't seem necessary to me. But of course I always want to be educated about things that minorities go through based to skin color and more, so if anyone could explain I would be forever thankful

[@Aace00]

We got people like John Chu and Lin trying to break barriers, and we got people online complaining they couldn't do so perfectly.

[@adeposie]

@@ludameri1384 I’m going to reiterate what I said in another comment! I think the criticism is fair given that 1) the film is focused on a specific area, the people of that area should feel that they’re represented accurately and 2) there’s a very long history of erasure and discrimination (colorism) towards Afro-Latinos within the Latino community. That doesn’t mean the movie is evil or that you’re a bad person if you enjoyed it. People need to remember that critique is how we improve!

[@kaileebroadway7723]

The movie needs a freaking Oscar

[@MM-ox5go]

Sadly it wont happen. The movie was a flop a the box office. People prefer to are shitty super hero crap

[@PSYCHOV3N0M]

IF NO OSCAR, WE RIOT-DANCE UN CARNAVAL EN EL BARRIO! 😎

[@SharonasHill]

This movie was honestly INCREDIBLE! The choreography was absolutely insane! And the fact that they even showcast different body types YES 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@GabbyDario]

I NEED to see a Choreographer’s cut of some of these ensemble numbers!!! There’s just so much going on, I’d love to see MORE of it!!!!

[@Ineeee]

When I saw the movie I thought: I wonder if Christopher Scott is involved in this and... he was. He has done some of my favorite movie choreography. Then I also saw Emilio in Carnaval del Barrio and went "omg emilio!". This video was everything I wanted, thank you!!

[@fidellerosa]

Lin Manuel dancing feels like that one son from your Pinoy family who can't sing.

[@walterlvidal6640]

Who else got teary eyed watching this?

[@fionnaadeline7525]

Oh definitely me :")

[@naniii740]

NOW WE NEED A TUTORIAL FOR 96 000 PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE

[@broadwaybrook2319]

I'm totally with you on that! A "96,000" instructional dance-along is what we need!

[@missalyxlouise]

I'm tired of all the people who made Lin apologise for 'lack of diversity'. Ever hear of a foot in the door? HE IS MAKING IT HAPPEN.

[@lexis4490]

Especially since so many other Directors and producers don’t even care. You can tell they tried in this movie.

[@missalyxlouise]

Maybe...if it weren't open to comment.But I'm an Australian. Assumptions have been made> You don't see me complaining about lack of asexual, disabled, physically aneurotypical people. There's a lot more identities to be shown and explored in film, but to sound off on such a progressive film is a mistake.

[@streetlevelvideo]

I think this is great opportunity! The "foot in the door" approach is saying "wait your turn." Wait for what? It's not unreasonable to say "just do it"! Especially when you are representing a specific place on a map with an actual community that can be seen, heard and felt. As a lot have said, if this beautiful film took place in some fictitious place, there may have been no comments, but it is set in a REAL place. To be clear, I love this film! It's a vibrant expression of Latinx culture. The talent is exceptional. I love them all. BUT having said that, I am also happy that LMM has acknowledged that we can do more, we can do better. So now, all that's left is for us to do that. And then think about what an amazing legacy this film will have! Just my two cents.

[@MarcusRokk]

@@missalyxlouise easy for you to say. ​ @pris rodrz said it right. You are an Australian. If you don't know about lack of afro-Latinx representation on featured Spanish U.S. media like Telemundo and Univision for decades on end aside from everything else solely to rush to the defense of Lin with zero context and an unwillingness to learn about context, then no, you aren't qualified to comment. It's no better than many U.S. Conservatives pretending history doesn't exist then being "annoyed" and trying to demonize folks that are upset at nonsense that resembles that crappy history they want swept under a rug. Many U.S. Conservatives hate this film, by the way. Probably not the folks you want to be emulating.

[@MarcusRokk]

@@streetlevelvideo I had the same thoughts about deciding to do a piece on a real place that still exists. It should be as authentic as it can. One thought I had as well was that maybe there was pressure about the main cast from the movie company themselves to try to appeal to world audiences. Colorism is widely known to exist in marketing and advertising so it wouldn't surprise me if this was deliberate for mass appeal. Even if Lin was in the know, he can't necessarily turn and bash the company that funded the release and then come back looking for a sequel. He'd have to fall on that sword for the greater good.

[@herestia_photography]

I love the 1:26 moment of voguing with "Sonny" and "Graffiti Pete". It's too adorable!!

[@cgsoldier4196]

I think that might actually be “Tutting”. It’s similar to voguing, but tutting is more about using the arms to make angles and shapes, whereas voguing tends to use the whole body.

[@herestia_photography]

@@cgsoldier4196 Oh! Good to know! Thanks!! :D

[@malin434]

I love this movie/Broadway so much but there’s so much ignorance and colorism. It shows the subconscious racism and colorism that Latino people have. (They did do an amazing job though and it’s a step in the right direction, I know i the future it will be much better)

[@RizkymArifin]

Vanessa: Remember the Say Less Video? Usnavi: ha ha ha, I try to kiss you? Vanessa: Let's RE-CREATE That Scene.

[@Ill-informedart]

Damn it’s so crazy to see Eddie and Princess! Such great people I’m so proud of them!!!🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@livieloubelle]

The choreography in this movie stood out so much to me

[@andreaecheverria6953]

They freaking nailed it!!!! I think every single latin person out there felt identified with the music and dancing in the movie. I've even read a couple of comments from people from the Philippines saying that even though they're not latinos, they also felt represented. PS. Hell yeah! for whoever decided that Usnavi should be a dancer. I love you with all my heart and soul.

[@andrewwaller6395]

Chris Scott -> choreo genius ✨🙌🏽✨

[@StreamOnMax]

so true

[@heathers.9740]

The movie had great choreography! I really felt the energy through the screen!

[@amyboo2765]

I loved everything about this movie but the choreography blew it out of the water! Every piece was so complex and the shere about of dancers, of all different background and shapes, was completely awe-inspiring!

[@yorannycollado2028]

God how much I wish I could dance like that😩😍

[@LatinChickWithMedley]

All they talk about is representation and yet they are still getting backlash

[@andreanavarro2518]

Exactly

[@202mitch]

It’s impossible to please these days

[@jdcm02]

So? you think they did it cause of racism? that's BS, maybe they didn't even thought of that when they were casting, the only thing they were thinking about was the latin side, this movie (and the musical) was made as a celebration of that, of latin culture, to avoid the hollywood cliche of drugs and gangs, stop throwing trash to it, and stop complaining on everything, enjoy the movie

[@mosesallowit2824]

@@jdcm02 the lighter side of latinidad you mean

[@jdcm02]

@@mosesallowit2824 haahah no, this isn't about colors, to see my flag (I'm from Panama) hanging there in the RIGHT position, and people singing and dancing to salsa, bolero, cumbia, and doing it with such enthusiasm, joy and pride, that makes me happy, Im black, but I don't care for that tiny mistake, all I see in the movie is joy and excellent music, and I'm happy with it!

[@azflower7748]

Getting to see the move was a Father's day gift from our son and his special lady. WOW, WOW, WOW! I want to see it again. There is SO much going on in the dance numbers that it's impossible to take it all in in one showing. GREAT JOB!!

[@p0lyxena]

Everyone in the comments talking about "how dare people still think this isn't inclusive enough" is missing that the problem isn't cultural representation, it's colorism. It's not whining to take issue when you watch a movie like this and see YOUR history and culture, portrayed exclusively by light-skinned people. The choreographers did an amazing job representing, but the movie itself IS whitewashed. It's funny because the original musical actually did address colorism in the Latino community, but they took that out...

[@cassacassadilla6809]

more like light-washed, but yeah i see what you mean and i agree.

[@niks713]

how did they address it in the original musical?

[@p0lyxena]

@@niks713 In the musical, Nina's father refused to accept Benny's relationship with Nina despite Benny having grown up with Nina and worked for Kevin for years, bc Kevin thought Benny was inherently beneath them as a black person. But they cut that, watered down Nina and Kevin into model minorities (and fridged Nina's iconic mom), gave the racism storyline to Nina, and then didn't bother to include ANY black or dark-skinned characters aside from Benny...

[@nitawest3337]

Yes Emilio....from SYTYCD to here...so proud to see him and many others from SYTYCD in this

[@cgsoldier4196]

And don’t forget ABDC!!! He won season 6 with the original I.aM.mE crew

[@nitawest3337]

@@cgsoldier4196 yep...I miss that show so much

[@ennyathresia2475]

oh my god the choreographer is Hair in step up franchise. THAT IS A STEP UP

[@heatherlauture8056]

Yesss!! Wow! I would have never known the details of this without seeing this. Thank you for posting this. I really loved Carnival de Barrio, but now that I know how the different types of Hispanic dance culture came together makes me love it more!! The attention to detail that he choreographer had was crazy, even the breath she pays attention to. That is so inspirational. This movie is my favorite musical. Thank you!

[@hannahgrffin]

the choreography was straight 🔥🔥🔥!!!

[@hamel3344]

And yet the movie still got criticized for not having enough representation.....

[@MarcusRokk]

No one criticized the representation of the background dancers. It's obvious that was done well. But when you do a cultural piece centered on a specific area, shouldn't your main characters at least halfly, if not mostly reflect what's actually in that specific area?

[@cgsoldier4196]

Eddie Torres Jr. AND Emilio Dosal worked on ITH?!?!?

[@adorexmeli5219]

Wow as a dancer … these type of behind the scenes videos mean so much Thankyou

[@StreamOnMax]

💜

[@brandonmoore2237]

Love seeing Emilio Dosal in this! He's been making waves ever since his days on "America's Best Dance Crew" and "So You Think You Can Dance" and it's so great to see that he's a part of the choreography team on In The Heights.

[@winksdr02]

I loved every dancer. Ever dance, best movie

[@jaeyonqs5569]

the chills i felt watching this was the same as i was watchig the movie aahhhh my heart 🥺

[@srnh04]

Amazing dance numbers. Congrats 🎉

[@maiconmazzy]

Congratulations to everybody envolved on this masterpiece! I watched the movie and i can promisse something. I CRIED TIGHTLY with ALL the things and i've never seen this in my whole life. I'm dancer and dreaming graduate me in dance. It is incredible what this art is able to transform. It was beautiful and so emotional ♥️♥️✨🕺💃

[@ewenchan1239]

That kid that's dancing - she's just absolutely KILLING it. It's one thing to be expecting that from the older, professional dancers. But that kid is stepping up and meeting them, and dancing right along side with all of those professionals - she's going to go far in life.

[@fionnaadeline7525]

it really did feel like a full-on DANCE movie!

[@pamelaq683]

This honestly made me tear up - so beautiful!

[@juliegoncalves3670]

i'm cryingggg I'M SO PROUD OF THIS MOVIE 😭😭❤️

[@jedidshahansen9021]

Yes!!! I felt the richness in every step, move, hip, feet, hands, facial expressions. I felt and saw it all. And I appreciate it all. Job very well done!

[@madeliefk1063]

Omg Leslie is wearing a Selena tshirt at 4:50 😍

[@izzydubmusic]

Yes! The Choreographers were amazing! All the dancing numbers were soooo good!

[@alyssarae2820]

I still have a huge crush on Christopher Scott when he played as hair in the step up movies🤩🤩

[@jamiej5425]

Amazing work by the choreography team keeping it 100% authentic.

[@denisefromdc1796]

I love the white woman at the end in the Wisconsin t shirt! That would be me!!! Lol. Freaking amazing numbers. I must go back and watch a few more times!!! #WIrepresent

[@nanpuxle8272]

put in the heights in hbo max spain

[@marcusmavini]

That's Hair from Step Up! Awesome 01:16 That's one of the dancers of Grim Knights!

[@mariovalentinbanuelos8727]

I see people complaining for this and that. You know guys? These dancers are really either latin or afro-descendants, that truly are into the cultural preservation and diffusion of their own culture. You can't blame them for being the color or tone of skin they are. They live on a daily fight to spread their knowledge and also make a living.

[@jauxro]

Woaaah they made a tilting building

[@andypazos697]

#RestoreTheSnyderverse #releasetheaffleckcut , #bringbackbatfleck , #batfleck , #releasethebatfleckfilm , #DeathstrokeHBOMax, #HenryCavillSuperman ,#MakeTheBatfleckMovie ,

[@davidguerra2480]

Melissa... you actually ruined the Club scene. You did a choreography, but didn't move with spice, or moved...

[@MM-ox5go]

So much work that went into the making of this film, and audiences said NO to it. One of the biggest disappointment of the year. It deserved to be seen by a lot of people.

[@coopercop]

For proyectos like this , i'm SO pround. To be an Actor ❤❤❤❤

[@lexis4490]

The choreography was perfection.

[@JC-bu6vl]

Thanks for representing P.R. with the bomba and plena🇵🇷

[@benpicado4138]

Sad that this movie, as proud and inclusive as it was. Got so much hate from the Latin community because they still said they felt unrepresented. It’s such a work of art

[@maria-pk8zu]

When the first song ended while I was watching the movie in theatres, I realised I was crying. I didn’t know why or how with just the first song I was already in tears. It felt so special and it hadn’t even begun. Now I can confirm what I always say about cinema: when a group of people come together and work so hard as a team to tell a story and they do it with love and passion, it surpasses the screen. Seeing the music, the choreography, the acting, the cinematography… It felt overwhelming. I have been talking non-stop about this movie since. Every video that i get recommended on youtube I watch and again confirms that this movie is special. Just hope everyone that is involved in it knows that we can see that, and we definitely feel it.

[@claddagh1826]

the end of in the heights is probably some of the coolest choreography i have ever seen. and even though i have watched it at half speed tons of times, i still cannot figure it out! and the guy to the left of anthony ramos is absolutely phenomenal. i kind of hate the carnaval del barrio choreography, though. the piecemealing makes more sense when they talk about the intention here, but i still do not like the chopiness. and do not get me started on the bone breakers . . . . just ew!! also, christopher scott is hot.

[@VCels9]

The TikTok for In The Heights has tutorials for the choreo! There's also this video of Graffiti Pete teaching the very ending: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5_bfGWLpKuSsKs

[@sopapiglobo]

Carnaval del barrio fue una de mis partes favoritas, ❤❤❤preciosa la parte con la faldas y las bandera.

[@aleexx5261]

Look i know corey hawkins from The Walking Dead. Its weird seeing him sing and dance

[@LoverMusify]

“It’s important to represent and be authentic” bitch pleaaaaase! NEXT!

[@katharineannesesto8599]

good idea, Best Choreography. this movie represents!

[@OneLoveRSR]

Look at Ebony Williams... acting as if she didn't dance for 3 minutes and 10 seconds in one of the most iconic music videos of the 21st century.

[@prestigeproductionsaustral1171]

Saw every bit of the authenticity! Was so thankful for that!

[@kimgreen2964]

I love the fact that they give respect to dancers. Thank you

[@Beautifullytragic6]

The dance numbers were fire! 🔥

[@MANZANOADRIAN]

whats the name of the colombian dancer?

[@cacao_0000]

NO ONE TALKING AB THIS KID 1:03

[@shelby980]

My family is from Peru.. I was born in Queens, NY😝 This movie made me so proud of being a Latina. This movie is making latinos be recognized. Such an amazing energy. 🙌

[@nathanmcorpus]

Congrats to all involved for your Telly win for this piece!!! Awesomeness!!!

[@10Scribes]

Dancing is an art that is so under appreciated!

[@tannerwilliams4500]

I think I recognize Emilio from America’s best dance crew? Am I wrong, I feel like he was on Phunk Phenomenon

[@starinthem]

It was the winners, I.aM.mE but yes on ABDC

[@tannerwilliams4500]

@@starinthem god I should’ve known that, feel like I’ve watched all their routines from that season like 20+ times. Thanks for correcting me

[@jasonabroussard]

I’ve watched this movie 4 times and I’m obsessed

[@aeletzio]

take a drink every time someone sais: ''represent''

[@adamlouie1503]

Aren't we supposed to hate this movie and wish death and hellfire upon the director or something

[@jamesstain649]

The alive cooking nomenclaturally mourn because test univariably march times a possessive wheel. far-flung, unarmed oyster

[@ladywithasword4587]

The dancing is the best part of this movie, they absolutely knocked it out of the park.

[@rstdot]

all I want to know is what is that shake-your-chest move that happens throughout the movie? Does it have a name? I wanna do that move over and over and over

[@zj7396]

it's kinda sad that Caribbean countries couldn't keep their people. even in the film, the protagonist decided to stay in States in the end

[@amygrace230]

So where was the Honduran flag in this carnival del “Barrio”

[@sarahdeptuck]

The choreography in this movie is by far the best I’ve ever seen

[@idrathernot3009]

I would watch a full movie of the choreography and dance process

[@niks713]

3:20 “when the Spanish conquistadors went to Africa…” I’m confused by this. Does he mean the conquistadors took slaves from the Caribbean to Africa? Or brought slaves from Africa to their American and Caribbean colonies? I’d love to learn more about this if anyone can help. Thanks.

[@rubenhornillo]

The Spanish took slaves from Africa to the Caribbean.

[@cayndii30]

OMG! I remember Ebony from way way back. We danced briefly in the same dance company in high school. Wow, I am so happy for her success.

[@rhyscarr__]

WHO IS THIS LITTLE GIRL SHE IS EATING EVERYBODY UP

[@sundriesrebecakundomal2920]

Incredible coreography love the film .I have go to the cunema two times .You all have make it a beautiful job .I wish that you win and Oscar .I go insane ion the cinema whatching and danciig .I want the film and bso .Amazing guys .Thank for give to our lifes a little joy i,art ,dance and good acting in theese difficult times.Love to all🥂💜💜💜✨✨

[@sundriesrebecakundomal2920]

Im from Spain love to all💜

[@christiankiermadelobetito9850]

Im in love with the dances in this movie especially the latin dances ❤❤❤

[@vacrn127]

Does anyone know who the dancers are from the Club? The first guy who asked Vanessa to dance and the girl Usnavi asked to dance. I'm obsessed with both of them. So brilliant and taleneted. Loved this movie so much.

[@VCels9]

The guy is Fausto Felix

[@juliapotts4183]

The different representations and styles in the choreography is beautiful. As a dancer it was so amazing to watch them mix these styles. And for "When The Sun Goes Down" it really does remind you of the 40s and 50s. Overall the choreography was insane and so well done. Great job.

[@hannahstitt5610]

OF COURSE IT’S CHRISTOPHER SCOTT. He’s AMAZING.