Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, a monumental celebration of her musical journey, has captivated audiences worldwide since its launch in March 2023. Spanning over 150 shows across five continents, this three-and-a-half-hour spectacle takes fans through 44 songs, grouped into 10 acts representing each of Swift’s albums. While Swift’s star power is undeniable, the magic of the tour is amplified by her exceptionally talented Taylor Swift backup dancers and backup singers, collectively known as the Starlights, who bring her vision to life with their artistry and dedication. This article explores the integral role of these performers, highlighting their contributions, backgrounds, and the close-knit bond they share with Swift.

The Taylor Swift backup dancers are a dynamic group of 15 performers who elevate each show with their precision, energy, and creativity. Led by choreographer Mandy Moore, whose credits include La La Land and Ryan Gosling’s iconic “I’m Just Ken” performance at the Oscars, the dance troupe is a powerhouse of talent. Moore has praised Swift’s vision, noting, “Something of that magnitude, you just hope it’s going to be a match when you’re working with somebody, and it really was. I dig her music, and I love her vision.”

The Taylor Swift backup dancers Eras Tour roster includes standout performers like Amanda Balen, the dance captain and associate choreographer. A Canadian dancer with credits in La La Land, A Star is Born, and performances with Lady Gaga and Cher, Balen brings leadership and experience to the team. Her role extends beyond dancing, as she has also served as an associate producer on projects like The World’s Best. Another notable dancer, Kameron Saunders, has become a fan favorite, going viral for his solo in “Bejeweled” and his nightly improvised line in “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” A University of Missouri-Kansas City graduate, Saunders has danced with prestigious companies like Dallas Black Dance Theatre and appeared in films like The Color Purple and Spirited. His personal connection to Swift’s world is deepened by his brother, Khalen Saunders, a former Kansas City Chiefs player alongside Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce.

Other dancers include Jan Ravnik, whose chiseled physique and performances with Mariah Carey, Bruno Mars, and The X Factor have earned him a TikTok fanbase, and Audrey Douglass, a former Rockette who has danced for Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, and Gwen Stefani. Natalie Peterson, a Chapman University graduate and former assistant choreographer for Karol G’s Bichota Tour, shines in numbers like “Style,” while Tori Evans, who has performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show and with Cardi B, brings versatility to the stage. Karen Chuang, a choreographer and dancer for artists like Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga, delivers a memorable moment lip-syncing “Who’s Taylor Swift, anyway? Ew!” during “22.” Raphael Thomas, known as “The Sandman,” stars in “Tolerate It” and “Style,” with past credits including Janet Jackson and Beyoncé’s Homecoming at Coachella. Whyley Yoshimura, a native Hawaiian, flips his iconic hair during “Shake It Off,” having previously danced for Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez.

The Swift backup dancers are not just performers; they are integral to the storytelling of the Eras Tour. Each act requires them to adapt to different styles, from the ethereal “Folklore” era to the high-energy “Reputation” set. Their ability to seamlessly transition between genres showcases their versatility and commitment. For instance, Natalie Reid, another Chapman University alum and former Rockette, brings her experience with Billie Eilish and Jennifer Lopez to create iconic moments like her performance in “Folklore.”

The Starlights: Taylor Swift Backup Singers

Complementing the dancers are the Taylor Swift backup singers, known as the Starlights, a quartet of vocalists who also perform choreography, making them a unique hybrid of singers and dancers. The group consists of Kamilah Marshall, Melanie Nyema, Eliotte Nicole Woodford, and Jeslyn Gorman, all of whom have been with Swift since at least the Red Tour in 2013, with Gorman joining during the Reputation Tour in 2018.

Kamilah Marshall, a vocal co-captain, has worked with artists like Justin Timberlake and Mick Jagger. Her powerful voice and stage presence have been a staple in Swift’s tours since 2013. Melanie Nyema, another vocal co-captain, joined Swift at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards and has since become a close friend, often spotted with Swift off-stage. Nyema celebrated Swift’s 34th birthday on Instagram, writing, “The way you inspire, support, motivate, love, and truly split my sides with laughter is second to literally no one.” Eliotte Nicole Woodford, a Washington University graduate, has been with Swift since the Red Tour and appeared in the “Look What You Made Me Do” video. Jeslyn Gorman, the newest Starlight, is a solo artist who has performed with Nick Jonas and Meghan Trainor.

The backup singers for Taylor Swift are essential to the tour’s sound, harmonizing with Swift across her diverse discography. Their choreography adds an extra layer of dynamism, as seen in performances like “Look What You Made Me Do,” where Woodford dramatically bangs on a vitrine. Their long tenure with Swift speaks to their talent and the trust she places in them.

A Family On and Off Stage

Swift’s relationship with her Swift backup team goes beyond professional collaboration. Many of these performers have been with her for over a decade, forming a tight-knit “family” that shares both stage and personal moments. Swift has shown her appreciation through generous gestures, such as the $55 million in bonuses distributed to her tour crew in 2023, including significant sums for her Taylor Swift backup dancers and singers. In 2015, she donated $50,000 to a GoFundMe for the nephew of her former dancer Toshi, demonstrating her commitment to supporting her team.

Social media posts from dancers like Saunders and Nyema highlight the positive atmosphere Swift fosters. Saunders shared a heartfelt moment with Swift and Travis Kelce on Instagram, describing it as a “full circle moment” due to his Chiefs fandom. The Eras Tour crew’s camaraderie is evident in viral moments, such as a TikTok clip of Swift laughing with Saunders and Kevin Scheitzbach during a “Bejeweled” performance in London, which garnered over 2.3 million views.

The Legacy of the Eras Tour

The Taylor Swift backup dancers Eras Tour and the Starlights have played a pivotal role in making the Eras Tour a cultural phenomenon. Their performances are captured in Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour movie, which broke box office records as the highest-grossing concert film ever. The extended Taylor’s Version on Disney+ showcases their talents further, featuring additional songs that highlight their contributions.