Acclaimed choreographer Jonté Moaning (Beyoncé) teamed up with the multi-talented songwriter and producer, Jack Rayner (Katy Perry, Britney Spears, and Avril Lavigne), for their new single, “Klassy.” Jonté choreographed the sexy clips in Beyonce’s “Freakum Dress,” along with her 2007 mega world tour. For “Klassy,” both Jonté and Jack have delivered a bold, powerful, and dance-ready hit that promotes assertiveness, not letting naysayers stand in their way.
The music video for “Klassy” demonstrates this assertiveness with palpable and high energy, and director Miles Victor Zantos’ captures each artist’s delivery with confidence. In our chat with Jonté and Jack, each artist talks about their creative process, working together, the inspiration behind “Klassy,” along with their fun music, and entertainment favorites.
Love the choreography for “Klassy.” What is your process leading into your choreographed moves?
Jonté Moaning: It begins with freedom. Freedom to let your body move freely to any tune then remembering and refining those sequences until it’s so perfect that you can let it all go again. Arcane is right! Just enjoy the show.
Are there any rituals you do to get you in the mindset of what you need to choreograph?
Jonté: I literally go to sleep with the song(s) on repeat and try to embed the essence of the music into my brain. The following day I just let my body talk until the sonics match.
Jonté, you’ve done a lot of choreography for Beyonce (her 2007 “Meteoric” world tour), and others. What have you taken away from those experiences each and every time?
Jonté: Have your agent ask for a better rate. Your moves will be shown and imitated by the world for years and years.
What was the collaboration like for you and songwriter/producer, Jack Rayner, for “Klassy”?
Jonté: I’ve been working on and off with Jack for nearly 14yrs. We created our first single “Bitch U Betta” back in 2006. Twas an underground hit via Myspace when Jonte’, Cassie, Tila Tequila, Raquel Reed & Jeffree Star were in your top 8. So for us to get back into the studio is always very organic. The Cali trees take us where we need to go…
I love the bold, self-assertive song and music video for “Klassy.” Where did you both draw inspiration from for the video?
Jack: I wanted something less glossy for Jonté. The tone is film noir with a hint of 90’s party video and, of course, a hype dance break for the ending!
Jonté: A sip of wine and a blunt. We created this tune and video pre-pandemic with the idea of lifting up the LGBTQ POC, something Jack and I have always represented in our music.
Watch the music video for “Klassy”:
What was it like working with director, Miles Victor Zantos?
Jonté: Miles was everything we needed to make this video come to life. Calm, collected, straight forward with his thoughts and ideas on how the feels of the video should be. Not to mention he’s super easy on the eyes…yum.
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite so far?
Jack Rayner: Prince and Prince! 👑 I was 17 and saw him play at the Pantages theater in Hollywood. My mom bought me tickets the day of the concert and I found out after school at 4pm for an 8pm show. I had a show that night with 2 other dancers. It was a rush to say the least and I cried hearing Purple Rain live for the 1st time. I was shocked that I cried so much. It was overwhelming the passion he had.
Jonté: First concert I went to see was in 1992 at a county fair in Oregon. My favorite girl group SWV came to bless us with their amazing vocals. I knew every damn song off that album and they couldn’t resist pulling me on stage to sing their final song “Right Here” alongside them. I was 10yrs and way too hype. Favorite concert to see live thus far has to be TLC”s fanmail. Not only did they blow me away with their showmanship, but before they came on stage Destiny’s Child opened for them promoting their 1st album and Tore the house down. Just a full night of outstanding raw talent.
What was your first album on cassette, CD and/or vinyl?
Jack: Digital Underground, The Humpty Dance!
Jonté: Tina Turner Private Dancer album on Cassette and Vinyl. I was obsessed with this woman post-Ike.
Stream “Klassy”:
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
Jack:
Queen ~ Freddy Mercury was truly on another level.
Prince, of course.
Nina Simone for substance, passion, musicianship, soul, jazz, and truth.
James Brown for creating the tightest grooves the world has ever heard.
Diana Ross…yes, I’m gay.
Jonté:
I’m an R&B junkie, so top 5 are:
Brandy – FULL MOON
Bilal – 1st Born Second
Nas – I am
Aaliyah – AALIYAH
702 – STAR (VERY UNDERRATED)
Jonté, which choreographers and their style have been your greatest influences?
Jonté: Bob Fosse of course. His signature lines, music choices, and casting of the dancers always blows my mind. My other faves would have to be Louis Johnson who choreographed “THE WIZ”, Paula Abdul & Tina Landon.
Jack, which music producers have influenced you the most?
Jack: Timbaland has the most influence on me because I’m a 90’s kid. His music is such a part of me that I have to actively try not to make one of his grooves when I start making beats.
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
Jack: I used to love going to see the “Magic Mike Live” shows! It’s a good time with great music and hot men!!! Can’t wait for them to open up again! 💥
Find Jonté Moaning on Instagram and Twitter
Find Jack Rayner on Instagram and Twitter
Related posts:
