Friedman Recalls 25-Year-Old Choreography Session
The choreographer detailed Britney Spears' preparation for her 2001 hit at a Los Angeles ceremony.
By Trevor Wilson ·
Choreographer Brian Friedman discussed the creation of Britney Spears' 2001 music video for "I'm a Slave 4 U" at the 2026 Industry Dance Awards in Los Angeles. The ceremony took place on October 21.
Friedman stated that he was working with Spears when she was 19 years old. He described the singer as unstoppable during the production process. He noted that Spears approached the demanding dance routines with natural ease.
Friedman and fellow choreographer Wade Robson developed the movements for the video. They designed the choreography to complement Spears' individual performance style. Friedman said the creative process was spontaneous. The team allowed Spears to incorporate her own personality into the routines.
The song released in September 2001 as the lead single from Spears' third studio album, Britney. The Neptunes produced the track. It blended pop with R&B influences and marked a musical shift for the artist.
Francis Lawrence directed the music video. The final product featured elaborate choreography and a distinctive visual style. Friedman's account provides insight into the preparation behind the performance.
The song remains a defining moment in Spears' early career. The 2026 awards show provided a platform for Friedman to reflect on the collaborative effort with Robson and Spears.
Source: WKOL · original report published
