Spotlight on The Crew That Makes Magic Happen
Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” has been an incredible spectacle, leaving an indelible impression on fans across the globe. But while Swift is the undeniable star of the show, she doesn’t pull off these magical performances on her own. Behind the iconic singer lies a team of incredibly talented backup dancers and vocalists who play a pivotal role in the tour’s monumental success. So, let’s shine a spotlight on these incredible artists who share the stage with Swift night after night.
“The dancers and singers deserve as much recognition as Swift herself for their work in Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour because, without them, it likely wouldn’t be as much of a success as it is.”
Meet the Dancers Who Steal the Show
Dance Versatility Across Nine Eras
Throughout Taylor Swift’s nine eras showcased in the tour, a stellar team of 14 dancers brings her vision to life. These dancers adapt to each era’s unique style, playing different roles to ensure a smooth running of the show.
“Swift has 14 dancers in her rotation for her worldwide concert tour, and they all serve different roles over the course of the three-and-a-half-hour shows.”
Natalie Reid: The Seattle Star
Natalie Reid hails from Seattle and studied dance at Chapman University. The highly talented dancer performs as Rebecca during the ‘folklore’ segment.
“Now, she’s touring around the world with Swift and playing the role of Rebecca during ‘The Last Great American Dynasty’ in the folklore portion of the show.”
Natalie Peterson: The Choreographer’s Eye
Natalie Peterson, another Chapman University alum, brings an extensive background in choreography, making her an invaluable member of the crew.
“Like Natalie Reid, Peterson graduated from Chapman University in California with two bachelor’s degrees — one in Dance and the other in Public Relations and Advertising.”
Tori Evans: From Arizona to Stardom
Tori Evans, who studied dance at the University of Arizona, adds her own flair to the tour, having previously performed with big names like Beyoncé and Cardi B.
“The dancer has performed with various artists, including Empire of the Sun, Ricky Martin, Cardi B, Jason Derulo, Beyoncé, Maroon 5, and Tyga.”
Jan Ravnik: The Slovenian Sensation
“Jan Ravnik has caught many people’s eyes after seeing him perform onstage alongside Taylor Swift. He’s also worked with Mariah Carey, Paula Abdul, and Bruno Mars and was titled the Best Dancer in Slovenia,” reports say.
When it comes to experience and accolades, Jan Ravnik isn’t a newcomer. It’s no wonder Taylor Swift chose him to be a part of her largest tour ever.
Tamiya Lewis: The Prodigy
“Tamiya Lewis is signed to the Clear Talent Group, and she is an MVA pro dancer with Velocity Dance Convention. Despite her young age of 20, Lewis teaches classes for the program,” we learned.
For someone so young, Tamiya Lewis has an impressive resume and promises to bring a fresh vibe to the tour’s eclectic dance ensemble.
Whyley Yoshimura: The Versatile Virtuoso
Whyley Keolaokalani Yoshimura is making his tour debut with Taylor Swift this year. He’s worked with names like Rihanna, JLo, Nicki Minaj, and Justin Bieber.
From Hawai’i to the world’s biggest stages, Whyley’s journey is as fascinating as his dance moves. With such a wide range of previous collaborators, he’s a dancer who can truly do it all.
Raphael Thomas: The Scene Stealer
“During the performance of ‘Tolerate It,’ Raphael Thomas sits at the long kitchen table while Swift sings all her frustrations at him,” sources confirm.
Originally from St. Andrews, Jamaica, Raphael Thomas stands out, especially during the emotional “Tolerate It” scene, proving that sometimes less is more.
Taylor Banks: From Midwest to The Main Stage
Taylor Banks moved from the Midwest to Los Angeles and has performed alongside big names like JLo, Justin Timberlake, and Billie Eilish.
It’s not just any dancer who can captivate an audience on a tour of this magnitude, but Taylor Banks makes it seem effortless.
Kameron Saunders: More Than Just a Dancer
Kameron Saunders is also set to appear as a dancer in films such as ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Spirited.’
Not just limited to the dance floor, Saunders brings a thespian flair to his performance, which is an exciting addition to the tour.
Kevin Scheitzbach: Solo but Not Alone
Although typically working as a duo with his brother, Kevin Scheitzbach is currently on a solo journey with the Eras Tour.
He may be flying solo for now, but Scheitzbach brings a wealth of collaborative experience to his new role.
Sydney Moss: Teaching While Performing
Sydney Moss made the move to Los Angeles in 2016 and has performed alongside Janet Jackson and JLo. She also teaches dance at conventions.
Swift’s tour offers her not only a platform to showcase her talent but also to inspire aspiring dancers who look up to her.
Sam McWilliams: A Rising Star
“Sam McWilliams is only 19 years old but has worked with Bebe Rexha and Meghan Trainor and appeared on So You Think You Can Dance? and the American Music Awards,” inform sources.
With such an impressive early start, the sky is the limit for this young talent.
Audrey Douglass: From Screen to Stage
Audrey Douglass has appeared on shows and films like ‘Glee,’ ‘Parks and Recreation,’ and ‘La La Land.’
Douglass brings a cinematic touch to the tour, having appeared in various TV shows and movies.
Karen Chuang: The Seasoned Professional
Karen Chuang is the final backup dancer for the Eras Tour and has worked with artists such as Nicki Minaj, P!NK, and Khalid.
With an extensive resume that ranges from hip-hop to contemporary, Karen Chuang brings a wide range of styles to the tour.
The Starlights: Swift’s Melodic Backing
A Tight-Knit Vocal Unit
Known as the Starlights, Taylor Swift’s backup vocalists are the harmonic foundation that enhances every performance. Most have been part of Swift’s journey for years, solidifying their importance in her tours.
“Like the backup dancers, these four background vocalists are significant to the success of every show.”
Jeslyn Gorman: The New Starlight
Though the newest member of the Starlights, Jeslyn Gorman’s experience singing for artists like Nick Jonas and Meghan Trainor quickly earned her a spot on the team.
“Before Taylor Swift hired her, Gorman sang backup for noteworthy artists such as Nick Jonas, Meghan Trainor, Rita Ora, Jason Derulo, and more, and she works on her own music.”
Melanie Nyema: A Decade with Swift
Melanie Nyema, co-captain of the Starlights, has been with Swift since the Red Tour in 2013, marking a significant milestone of a decade-long collaboration.
“Having been with Taylor Swift since the Red Tour in 2013, Melanie Nyema is one of the two vocal co-captains in the Starlights.”
Kamilah Marshall: The Ever-Present Voice
“Kamilah Marshall has also worked with Taylor Swift since the Red Tour. She’s starred in numerous late-night television shows and worked on soundtracks,” we discovered.
A tour veteran with Swift, Marshall’s vocal talent has been a steadfast component of Swift’s previous tours.
Eliotte Nicole Woodford: A Constant Companion
“Woodford has worked as a dancer and singer for artists like Ne-Yo, Toni Braxton, and Wayne Brady, and has appeared on Dancing With the Stars,” reports confirm.
Eliotte Nicole Wood
What’s Next for ‘The Eras Tour‘?
As Swift gets set to resume her global trek on November 9 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the backup dancers and vocalists are prepping for another round of breathtaking performances. With the tour already crowned as the highest-grossing concert film of all time, it’s evident that this ensemble cast has a huge role in its success. Their collective effort promises to make this tour one for the history books, and it’s about time they got the recognition they deserve.
“It quickly became the highest-grossing concert film of all time, having made $123.5 million at the box office as of the writing of this article, and its revenue stream will only continue to grow during its theatrical run.”
So the next time you find yourself entranced by Taylor Swift’s mesmerizing show, remember the unsung heroes that make each performance a masterpiece.
