For many who feel rhythmically challenged, the struggle to dance is a real, lifelong comedic experience. Imagine the irony of being a black individual, stereotypically expected to possess innate dance abilities, yet finding yourself utterly unable to move with grace. This was hilariously highlighted when my own father would use my dancing attempts as the punchline to a joke, “Proof that all black people DO NOT in fact have rhythm!” The laughter stung, but humor, even at my expense, has a way of sticking with you.
This personal context illuminates why Alfonso Ribeiro’s portrayal of Carlton Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” resonated so deeply with many, including myself. Carlton wasn’t the epitome of cool. He was often the punchline, his intelligence seemingly at odds with Will Smith’s “street smarts.” Yet, Carlton was also kind, loyal, and genuinely good-hearted, arguably more so than other characters like Hillary. Remember the episode where Will is shot protecting Carlton? It was Carlton who teetered on the brink, ready to fiercely defend his friend in a stark display of loyalty.
Will and Carlton
Carlton’s character, and crucially, his dance, the “Carlton Dance,” became a powerful statement: Black identity is not monolithic. The Carlton Dance itself is iconic precisely because it playfully dismantles stereotypical notions of black people and dancing, turning them into something humorous and universally relatable.
The Carlton Dance has transcended the show, becoming more widely imitated than even Will Smith’s signature moves. Now, Alfonso Ribeiro is seeking rightful recognition and compensation for this cultural phenomenon, and rightfully so. As reported by NBC News, Ribeiro has taken legal action against the creators of Fortnite and NBA 2K for using “The Carlton Dance” without permission.
In separate lawsuits filed Monday in federal court, Ribeiro alleges that Fortnite-maker Epic Games and 2K Sports-creator Take-Two Interactive used his signature steps, dubbed “The Carlton Dance,” without permission or credit.
Ribeiro’s dance was popularized through his character, Carlton Banks, on the 1990s sitcom.
Ribeiro says North Carolina-based Epic Games and Delaware-based Take Two used his dance he first performed on a 1991 “Fresh Prince” episode. He’s asking for a judge’s order to stop both games from using his moves.
Ribeiro says he is currently in the middle of copyrighting the dance.
Gen AI: Legal Research Assistant
The legal basis for Ribeiro’s claim is strong. Dance choreography, like other forms of creative expression, can be protected by copyright. If Ribeiro indeed originated the Carlton Dance, its distinctiveness is undeniable, evidenced by its very name and widespread recognition.
A patent attorney friend, preferring anonymity, shared his legal insight:
Dance choreography is eligible for copyright protection as an original work. As soon as it is recorded in “fixed form,” which I assume is in a 25 year old episode of [Fresh Prince], it is the intellectual property of the creator, Carlton…
If [Fortnite et al.] are smart they’ll do something funny/ public with Ribeiro, put some cheddar in his bank account, and maybe get Will Smith to return one of his phone calls
While complexities exist, such as potential claims from show choreographers or contractual agreements, these do not automatically grant Epic Games or Take Two Interactive the right to replicate the Carlton Dance in their games without proper authorization.
Using the Carlton Dance without acknowledging and compensating Carlton, or Alfonso Ribeiro, disregards the profound meaning this seemingly awkward, arrhythmic dance holds for many. It’s more than just a funny set of moves; it’s a symbol of breaking stereotypes and embracing individuality. Credit where credit is due, especially to those who give a voice, or in this case, a dance, to those who feel they don’t quite fit the mold.
