Former Macleans College student attains global choreography dream
Posted on October 23, 2024
Over the past decade, former Macleans College student Kiel Tutin (Upham House 2009 - 2013) has forged a highly successful choreography career, creating performances for global superstars such as Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, BLACKPINK and Jolin Tsai.
Proving that no dream is too big to achieve, Kiel is a great example of a Macleans College student whose talent was recognised during his time at school. With the encouragement of his family and the Dance and Drama Department at Macleans College, Kiel’s continuous hard work and determination has resulted in his dream career coming to fruition.
Kiel launched his performing and choreography career in New Zealand, gaining international acclaim with seven World Hip Hop Championship medals and four world titles.
In the years preceding the Covid-19 pandemic, Kiel was Jennifer Lopez’s resident choreographer. He worked on various performances and projects, including her Video Vanguard Award Performance at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards, choreographing the 2022 movie ‘Marry Me’ and he was the Supervising Choreographer for the ‘It’s My Party Tour’.
In 2023 Kiel took on the role of Creative Director and Choreographer for BLACKPINK’s record-breaking performance at Coachella Festival in the US. Following this, in a career highlight, Kiel won a Best Choreography MTV Video Music Award for BLACKPINK’s music video ‘Pink Venom’.
Other awards achieved by Kiel include an iHeart Radio Award for BLACKPINK’s ‘Kill This Love’, a MNET Asian Music Award for Best Choreographer of the Year for Jolin Tsai's ‘Womxnly’, and a World of Choreography Award for Jennifer Lopez's ‘Dinero’.
Last month Katy Perry debuted her latest album at the Rock in Rio festival, which included six numbers choreographed by Kiel. In response to the performance, Kiel said ‘I’m so proud to have worked with such a pop icon, on old classics and new favourite tracks’.
Kiel has also worked alongside M-Pop artist Jolin Tsai, choreographing and performing in her Ugly Beauty tour in China, while also creating opportunities for New Zealand dancers overseas.
In his career to date, Kiel has choreographed over 100 music videos, taught his signature style in over 30 countries, directed movement for feature films and designed iconic stages for prestigious award shows.
