Footwork for a Global Stage: Courtney Saffold Dances with Shakira at FIFA World Cup Final

When dancer Courtney Saffold (BFA '24) glanced at her phone in late June, she saw a message that stopped her cold: FIFA Halftime Show Booking.

“I nearly fainted,” says Saffold, a commercial dance alum.

A few weeks later, she was performing alongside global superstar Shakira during the FIFA World Cup halftime show at MetLife Stadium.

Saffold completed Boston Conservatory’s three-year commercial dance BFA program after earning college credits in high school, and she says that the program prepared her for opportunities like FIFA, especially the emphasis on the business side of performing.

In particular, Anthony Burrell's commercial dance audition course taught students far more than choreography. They learned how to build casting profiles, choose effective headshots, prepare reels, navigate auditions, and present themselves professionally.

“He taught us to always keep our materials updated, because you never know when someone's looking for you,” Saffold says.

For Saffold, who is represented by Clear Talent Group, this opportunity came after her agent submitted her résumé, dance reel, headshots, and social media, which showcase her theatrical presence.

“I honestly think that the way I move—the feminine essence that I bring to all styles—is similar to Shakira. But it could have been my headshot, or that I’m a reliable dancer based on my résumé. Or it could have been: ‘I like the name,’” she says, laughing. “I do think, at the end of the day, Shakira’s style really fits me.”

The whirlwind began in early July, when Saffold and 15 other dancers rehearsed daily, first for about five hours and eventually for eight to 10 hours each day, learning choreography under creative director Charm La'Donna's team. One of the industry’s most sought-after choreographers, La'Donna has worked with superstars Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, and many others. Midway through rehearsals, Shakira herself arrived.

“She knows exactly what she wants, and I love that about an artist,” Saffold says. “She was very detail oriented,” making sure everyone was on the same page with the choreography—and the show’s message of joy, celebration, and uniting people through movement. 

“The show used dance and music to bring together a group of people of all different cultures and ethnicities,” Saffold says.

The choreography drew heavily from African dance influences before evolving into a communal, high-energy celebration, which resonated for Saffold. Growing up in New Jersey, dance was a cathartic release from school.

“Moving my body has always been therapeutic to me. It brings me real joy. I always had trouble focusing in school, but I could focus on dance. I felt more inclined to enjoy movement as opposed to learning math,” she says.

After the unexpected FIFA performance, she immediately updated her casting profile with the new credit. And that profile is already full, despite her recent graduation. Saffold has danced in Aladdin and Frozen for Disney Cruise Line and will soon tour with a theater production (she can’t reveal details yet). Next, she aims to perform on Broadway, dance in a Super Bowl halftime show, and mentor the next generation of performers. 

But, for now, she’s relishing her FIFA debut.  

“As they were sewing us into our costumes, I was oddly calm. I was so excited to make history and to push the message of the entire halftime show, which was just to love each other, especially in this day and age. It’s a message we need, which gets lost. And it’s so simple,” she says.