Charles "Lil Buck" Riley is a multifaceted artist who has revolutionized the world of dance by popularizing the freestyle-based style of jookin' across the globe. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, he initially studied ballet on scholarship for two years before discovering his passion for urban street dance.
As he delved deeper into the world of dance, Lil Buck developed his unique style by incorporating his own imagination and creativity, creating signature moves that have captivated audiences worldwide. One of his most notable performances was in 2011, when he danced alongside Yo-Yo Ma to a rendition of Camille Saint-Saëns' "The Swan." This performance was witnessed by Spike Jonze, who was so impressed that he recorded the event on his phone and uploaded it to the internet.
The video quickly went viral, garnering over 3 million views on YouTube, and since then, Lil Buck has had the opportunity to perform with esteemed artists such as Cirque du Soleil's "Michael Jackson: One," Benjamin Millipied, Janelle Monáe, and Madonna.
Lil Buck's dancing abilities, combined with his distinct style, have also made him a fashion icon. In 2015, he appeared alongside Mikhail Baryshnikov in a campaign for Rag & Bone's Fall/Winter collection, and has since modeled for Gap, Volvo, Kaporal Jeans, and Diesel Jeans. Additionally, he designed a line of shoes for Versace and completed his second world tour with Madonna.
In recent years, Lil Buck has continued to defy gravity in various commercials, including Apple's AirPods commercial, which garnered over 8 million views on YouTube within two weeks. He has also starred in Lexus' 2017 Super Bowl commercial and made an appearance in Disney's feature film "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms" as the role of the "Mouse King."
As a choreographer, dancer, and activist, Lil Buck is the founder of MOVEMENT ART IS, an organization that aims to use movement artistry to inspire positive change in the world. He has collaborated with other artists, including dancer Jon Boogz and artist Alexa Meade, to create "Color of Reality," a short film addressing gun violence, which won several awards and nominations.
Lil Buck has also starred in the nature-inspired short film "Honor Thy Mother," which highlights the importance of taking better care of our planet. With his unique blend of dance, fashion, and activism, Lil Buck continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
