Lil Buck

Lil Buck is a world-renowned movement artist who pioneered the global rise of Memphis Jookin' — a freestyle-based street dance rooted in Memphis culture and known for its intricate footwork, fluidity, and illusion-like glides. Raised in Memphis, he discovered Jookin' at 13 and rose quickly through the ranks, later earning a scholarship to study ballet for two years. That rare blend of street-dance foundation and classical training helped him forge a signature style that feels both gravity-defying and emotionally resonant.

Lil Buck captured worldwide attention in 2011 after a performance of The Swan with Yo-Yo Ma — filmed by Spike Jonze — went viral and introduced his artistry to millions. Since then, he has performed and choreographed for Madonna, Janelle Monáe, Usher, Cirque du Soleil, Benjamin Millepied, and Pentatonix and appeared in global campaigns for Apple, Versace, Chanel, Jordan Brand, Gap, and rag & bone. He received the Wall Street Journal Innovator Award and later designed a capsule collection for Versace. His work has also reached massive audiences through Apple's AirPods commercial, Lexus' Super Bowl spot, and his role as the Mouse King in Disney's The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.

As co-founder of Movement Art Is (MAI), Lil Buck works to elevate movement as a medium for storytelling, social impact, and cultural transformation. Through MAI, he has collaborated with dancer Jon Boogz and visual artist Alexa Meade on influential works such as Color of Reality, an award-winning short film addressing gun violence, and Honor Thy Mother, a nature-inspired movement film urging humanity to better care for the planet. These projects have cemented MAI as a creative force using art to spark dialogue, healing, and awareness.

Building on this mission of impact, Lil Buck founded The Lil Buck Foundation to expand access to arts education, mentorship, and career pathways for underserved youth — particularly in his hometown of Memphis. Through the foundation, he created transformative opportunities for young dancers, including producing the first-ever touring Memphis Jookin' stage show, featuring an all-Memphis cast that gained professional experience, national touring exposure, and sold-out performances at Lincoln Center. He also helped launch Memphis talent onto the global stage by integrating foundation youth into Nike's Air Force 1 campaign, giving them their first major brand experience and highlighting Memphis Jookin' in an international spotlight. From street corners in Memphis to the world's leading stages and screens, Lil Buck continues to bridge cultures, uplift communities, and redefine what movement can do.