After three consecutive years of being nominated, Paris Goebel has won an Emmy Award at the Creative Arts category of the prestigious event held in Los Angeles.
The New Zealand choreographer of Samoan, Chinese and Scottish descent was awarded Outstanding Choreography for Variety Or Reality Programming.Â
The dance she choreographed was for a runway show, used to promote singer Rihanna’s lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty.
Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3 is the debut of Rihanna’s latest collection.
Dancing from as young as age 10, the former Auckland Girls Grammar hip-hop queen posted an inspirational message on her Instagram page in response to the honour.
Paris revealed she had been involved in a “terrible car accident” a week into creating the show.
“This moment meant more to me than anyone could imagine..
“A week into creating this show I was in a terrible car accident. I went straight back into rehearsal the next day even though I could barely move. Whilst trying to dance and create I was in excruciating pain, holding back tears as I moved, but nothing was going to stop me from finishing the show. Not only did I finish the @savagexfenty show, but last night I won an Emmy for it.
“As I left the stage I bursted into tears as I remembered how hard I worked and how much physical and emotional pain I had to push past to complete the show’s choreography..
“As you climb the mountain of your dreams, you will be greatly challenged…but your passion, strength and LOVE for what you do will override anything standing in your way..
“I am so honored and I will continue to dedicate my life to this art form for as long as I live..”
“Thank you @badgalriri for trusting me and believing in me. Thank you to the incredible dancers and @dianamatos @cullenneale @elvis_lopeti – I couldn’t have done it without you all. I’ve practised my speech for this since I was a little girl. Dreams do come true!!!” Goebel ended her post.
When Paris was 15, she started the dance group ReQuest with four friends.
Initially they practiced in Goebel’s aunt’s garage and later at her father’s warehouse. After a year working together, they went to the Monsters of Hip Hop Dance Convention in the United States and Goebel was selected to dance in the finale performance of the convention.
Following the convention, Goebel left Auckland Girl’s Grammar to concentrate on her dancing.
Paris Goebel and her father, Brett Goebel who is also her manager, run The Palace Dance Studio in Auckland.
