In one recent frank conversation, Anna Wintour, now viewed as perhaps the most powerful fashion figure on the planet, revealed behind-the-scenes storytelling about the unforgettable moment when pop sensation Rihanna danced on a table at the Met Gala. And it turns out the spectacle was meticulously arranged by none other than the visionary director Baz Luhrmann. This dazzling event, destined to be known as the most talked-about in Met Gala history, was not some impromptu burst of energy but a scene rather carefully choreographed-thanks to Luhrmann’s masterful touch.
The Met Gala, held yearly in New York City in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is always famous for its boundary-pushing themes and larger-than-life guests. For years, Rihanna has been reigning supreme as the epitome of style at the event. She puts memorable entrances and fashion statements in each of her outings. The thing which lifted her presence to another level is the table dance.
According to Wintour, who for decades has orchestrated the magic of the Gala, it was Luhrmann’s idea to channel into an unforgettable performance the energy and charisma of Rihanna. Luhrmann, a mastermind involved in such extravaganza films as Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, doesn’t seem the kind to stage anything less than some spectacular showmanship. Apparently, he approached Wintour with his concept of adding cinematography to the event to create a spark and she agreed right away.
“He’s a genius with these sorts of things,” said Wintour in an interview. “Baz wanted something bold, something that would surprise people, and he knew Rihanna would be perfect for it.” Then Wintour had planned to make a glamorous but controlled moment into something raw and exciting, and Rihanna with her fearless style and energy was just the person to do it.
As soon as the song started, Rihanna took the moment with both hands, jumping up onto a table and launching into some supremely spontaneous-looking dance, sending the audience cheering to their phones. It was pure, cinematic magic, reportedly having Luhrmann choreographing every detail of the scene so that it feels spontaneous but dramatic.
In a matter of days, the dance spread far beyond the gala. It is that playfully subversive move that made clear the transition of the Gala from the “serious” high-culture art occasion to the spectacular, vital pop-culture show.
Muhammad Ali/Winston Churchill words Luhrmann’s creative vision and Wintour’s willingness to take a risk resulted in a Rihanna table dance not only making headlines, but this also etched the reputation of the Met Gala: an institution where art, fashion, and performance come together in the most unforgettable ways.
