MEET STORM DEBARGE

SBRBN interviews Storm DeBarge to discuss her influence and development within the Los Angeles dance scene. Storms journey begins as a young girl raised in Los Angeles, California. In a bustling city filled with aspirations, she discovered her true passion for dance.

While accompanying her mother in meetings, she would listen to her favorite music and dance, cultivating her love for the art. Her journey into the actual dance scene began with the jerking movement around 2009, when she joined a group called DropDead Inc. Around this time Storm was crowned the title of ‘Queen of Dougie’ and stood out as the sole female member of an all-male crew. 

Though many perceive Los Angeles as a land of glitz and glamour, it truly embodies the spirit of go-getters, and Storm exemplifies this. Growing up in such environment builds character and shapes identities.

During her teenage years, she found herself dancing at various events and parties throughout the city, establishing a reputation within her community. People adored her vibrant energy, often inviting her to keep the party alive with her dancing. “Everyone knew Storm was the dancer; she always dancing. I didn’t realize until I was about 22 or 23 that dancing could be a career—I was just doing it for fun.” Storm shared.

ROOTED IN RHYTHM:

MUSIC, MEMORY, AND THE MAGIC OF MOVEMENT

Storm’s unique dance style evokes a strong sense of nostalgia reminiscent of the early 2000s. She has embraced and refined West Coast dances, such as the Dougie and jerking, making them distinctly her own while showcasing Los Angeles moves on prominent stages. Storm also reveals that she never took formal dance classes while growing up; instead, she developed a deep passion for music and dance, appreciating the artistic creativity involved. “I was never like, ‘I want to be them.’ I was just watching the videos and loving the creative aspect of it all” she shares.

Storm shares her passion for ‘oldies, citing artists like Cameo and Earth, Wind & Fire as favorites that she loves dancing to. She also enjoys modern artists such as E-40, Busta Rhymes, and Missy Elliott, whom she considers some of her all-time favorites. Overall, music has a magical way of getting her on her feet and moving.

STORM IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

FROM SOUTH CENTRAL TO THE SUPER BOWL

Storm’s inherent talent for movement propelled her to support leading artists and manage behind-the-scenes teams. Her exceptional abilities caught the attention of Fatima Robinson, one of the industry’s most respected choreographers, paving the way for their collaboration on one of the globe’s most prestigious stages—the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Los Angeles, a city renowned for its dreamers, provided the perfect backdrop for Storm’s most significant opportunities. In 2022, stepping into the role of choreographer for the iconic Dr. Dre’s Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show in Inglewood— was a moment that felt like a heartfelt homage to her hometown. Teaming up with legends such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, Storm infused her distinctive energy, blending LA’s street dance culture with the magnificence of the Super Bowl stage. Not only did she showcase her performance skills, but she also directed the choreography for Dr. Dre’s segment, highlighting her vision and determination. “God, you are amazing dawg,” she expressed on X, as her dream became a reality.

In this transformative role, Storm’s choreography was bold, Black, and unforgettable. Collaborating with Fatima, she helped craft moments that were not only technically exquisite but also deeply embedded in culture—an incredible opportunity for a young choreographer raised in the heart of LA.

The Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show was not just a milestone in DeBarge’s career; it was also a historic moment in entertainment, marking the first halftime show entirely focused on hip-hop music. The performance garnered critical acclaim and won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live). DeBarge’s contributions to this iconic event firmly established her as a rising star in the dance industry, allowing her talent to shine on one of the world’s largest platforms.

STORM DEBARGE COLLABS X KENDRICK LAMAR

Storms collaboration with Kendrick Lamar didn’t stop there. She emerged as a pivotal character in his music videos, such as “They Not Like Us” and “Squabble Up,” where her freestyle dancing amplified Kendrick’s narrative style. Every move she made paid homage to LA’s vibrant culture, intertwining the city’s legacy of resilience and rebellion.

Her work helped shape the physical language behind Lamar’s performances—blending West Coast street dance with storytelling-driven movement to mirror the intensity and nuance of his lyrics. Whether in tour visuals or live stage direction, DeBarge’s dances brought a sense of place to the performance, grounding Lamar’s work in the raw, real textures of the city he so often raps about.

For DeBarge, collaborating with one of hip-hop’s most critically acclaimed voices wasn’t just about the art—it was about authenticity. “You can’t fake LA energy—it’s something you live.” – Storm shares in past interviews.

She also worked with Busta Rhymes, Ty$, and YG bringing her dynamic style to powerhouse artists. These collaborations weren’t just gigs—they were moments where Storm’s passion met opportunity, proving her dedication could move mountains.

Beyond music, she’s been tapped by global brands like Red Bull, curating movement experiences and performances that push the boundaries of street dance and storytelling. Whether it’s choreographing campaigns, judging international battles, or developing new creative concepts, Storm’s name keeps ringing in the circles where art, culture, and motion collide.

BIG DREAMS, BIGGER ROOTS:

STORM ON FOCUS AND LOS ANGELES PRIDE

Storm emphasized how crucial it is for her to showcase West Coast dance styles on global platforms. “I love it – it’s part of our everyday life; it helps people understand LA and the West Coast by allowing them to see how we connect and vibe without words, especially when the cameras are off,” she explains.

Highlighting her ‘Family Function’ series, where she serves as the creative director, offering a glimpse into the culture of LA family gatherings, complete with great music, vibes, and dance. These videos hold a special significance as they unite friends and family in Los Angeles to enjoy memorable moments together.

DeBarge also shares her insights on pursuing dreams while remaining grounded throughout the journey. She stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive circle. “I’ve lost many friends along the way because they didn’t understand my dreams – and that’s okay. If you can’t support or comprehend what I’m doing, then you don’t need to be on this journey with me. You can get off at this stop, and I’ll see you later. I love you, and there’s no hard feelings, but I have to prioritize what’s best for me.”

MORE TO COME

As Storm DeBarge continues to carve her path through the world of dance and movement direction, her influence only grows deeper—rooted in the culture of Los Angeles but reaching far beyond it. With her distinctive style and commitment to authenticity, she’s become a go-to creative force for artists and directors looking to capture the soul of the city through movement.

From music videos and Family Functions to live performances, DeBarge shows no signs of slowing down. She says be on the lookout for more to come!

For DeBarge, every step is intentional—every move, a message. And as her journey unfolds, one thing is clear: the rhythm of Los Angeles beats stronger with Storm in motion!