Taylor Swift’s Choreographer Recalls the Star Once Being ‘In Her Head’ About Her ‘Bad Rap’ as a Dancer

In a recent profile published October 26, 2025 by The New York Times,
choreographer Mandy Moore described how she helped Taylor Swift refine her onstage movement ahead of the global Eras Tour.

Swift, Moore says, arrived with lingering doubts about her dancing. To counter that insecurity they focused less on rote technique and more on amplifying the gestures Swift already favored, then polished those instincts with subtle corrections — adjustments to shoulders, line and posture that made the choreography read with greater ease and confidence.

Moore praised Swift’s work ethic and clarity of vision, noting that the singer absorbed instruction quickly and knew what she wanted to achieve. That combination, Moore explained, made it possible to translate raw movement into polished stage moments.

The choreographer also reflected on the vulnerability of teaching high-profile performers. For many artists, dance can feel exposing or fraught with past negative experiences; Moore likened part of her role to that of a movement coach who rebuilds trust and enjoyment, inviting performers back into the physical language of dance.

The results of that collaboration were visible throughout the Eras Tour: from the sultry, Chicago-inspired chair routine during “Vigilante Shit” to the sinuous choreography in the Reputation segment, Swift demonstrated a marked improvement in both precision and persona.

Their partnership continued into Swift’s next era, with Moore helping craft viral, dance-driven moments for the lead single “The Fate of Ophelia.” In footage from The Release Party of a Showgirl, Swift can be seen experimenting and fine-tuning choreography on set, candidly asking to keep trying until the movement felt right.

Together, the work between artist and choreographer underscores how careful, thoughtful coaching can transform stagecraft — taking what feels natural and elevating it into something sharper, more controlled and undeniably captivating.

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