Meet the half-Filipina choreographer who’s empowering women through her viral classes titled “Queens N’ Lettos”.
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If you’ve ever gone down the YouTube rabbit hole of dance videos, then you’ve probably have just unconsciously watched numerous routines created by Aliya Janell. The dancer and choreographer have amassed 2.4M followers on Instagram and YouTube with her special classes that have women shimmying their hips and fiercely moving to the beat in 5-inch heels called “Queens N’ Lettos”.
What most might not know is that Janell is half-Filipina with her mother being born and raised in Villasis, Pangasinan. Despite being a Los Angeles native, as a child she would often watch the noontime show Wowowee. She’s also a big fan of Filipino food, finding comfort dishes like Sinigang, Adobo, and Sisig that she would often get from a Filipino restaurant called DJ Bibingkahan in California.
Having garnered such a loyal following, she’s one of the most in-demand choreographers today. Being tapped by the likes of Chris Brown, KPOP star Hyolyn, and Jennifer Lopez. You can even find her dancing opposite Nicki Minaj in the teaser trailer for her “Chun Li” music video.
Her hybrid of street and sexy choreography might seem intimidating for the uninitiated, but several testaments from long-time dancers to beginners say that her classes can make any woman feel like a queen. With Janell and all her students hyping each person who takes the dance floor, her classes have become a hub of empowerment, where any woman can hone their craft and dance their heart out. Each movement she teaches doesn’t only take inspiration from the music, but also from the confidence that comes with being a woman.
She shares that “Queens N Lettos” was created to show how one can prioritize self-love through dance. She believes that if her students focus more on their emotions and the feeling of the choreography paired with the song, then it could lead to an overall great experience, despite whatever level the student is at.
Here are 3 of her viral videos:
1. Hot Girl Summer by Nicki Minaj ft. Megan Thee Stallion
2. City Girls by Chris Brown
3. 7 Rings by Ariana Grande
Queens N’ Lettos has also grown into a bigger brand since 2017. It now includes an apparel line and Janell’s next goal is to have different certified teachers around the world spreading the same message of self-love and self-empowerment.
To know more about Aliya Janell, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Patreon.
