The dancer on Living Single’s intro is none other than Leslie “Big Lez” Segar, a multi-talented icon in the entertainment industry. At ten-dance.com, we celebrate influential figures like Leslie, providing a platform for you to explore the world of dance and connect with its vibrant culture. Discover inspiring stories, learn about different dance styles, and find resources to ignite your passion for movement.
Table of Contents
- Who is Leslie “Big Lez” Segar?
- Why is Leslie Segar Known as “The Legs of Urban America?”
- What are Leslie Segar’s Contributions to Hip-Hop Dance?
- What Other Music Videos Has Leslie Segar Choreographed and Danced In?
- What is Leslie Segar’s Role on Queen Latifah’s Living Single?
- What are Leslie Segar’s Radio and TV Career Highlights?
- How Did Leslie Segar Bridge the Gap Between Sports and Hip Hop?
- What is “Bodiography” and How Does it Relate to Leslie Segar?
- How Does Leslie Segar Inspire Aspiring Dancers and Entertainers?
- What is Leslie Segar’s Legacy in the Entertainment Industry?
- FAQ About Leslie “Big Lez” Segar
- Explore Dance and More at Ten-Dance.com
1. Who is Leslie “Big Lez” Segar?
Leslie “Big Lez” Segar is an iconic figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her multifaceted talents as a dancer, choreographer, on-air radio and TV personality, producer, fitness specialist, and actress. She has rightfully earned the title of “Jane of All Trades, Master of All,” leaving an indelible mark on music history and popular culture. Segar’s work has been recognized by the Grammy Museum, which permanently honors her in their Sonic Playground Activation exhibit.
Leslie “Big Lez” Segar’s journey in the entertainment industry began with a solid foundation in dance and gymnastics, which she honed through formal education and extensive training. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology and a minor in Theater Arts from Springfield College, Massachusetts, while on a full gymnastics scholarship. According to research from Springfield College, in July 2023, the combination of Segar’s athletic prowess and artistic sensibility allowed her to excel in various creative endeavors.
Segar’s diverse skill set enabled her to transition seamlessly between different roles in the entertainment world. Her expertise in dance and choreography opened doors to work with some of the biggest names in music, while her charismatic personality and communication skills led to successful careers in radio and television. This versatility, combined with her dedication and passion, has solidified her status as a true icon.
2. Why is Leslie Segar Known as “The Legs of Urban America?”
Leslie Segar earned the moniker “The Legs of Urban America” due to her powerful and captivating dance style that dominated the 1990s urban music scene. This nickname, coined by a journalist, recognized her pioneering role in hip-hop dance, where she set a new standard for female dancers with her athleticism, strength, and captivating stage presence. Segar’s dance moves were not only visually stunning but also embodied the energy and spirit of urban culture, making her a symbol of empowerment and expression for a generation.
Segar’s background in gymnastics played a crucial role in her distinctive dance style. Her ability to execute complex acrobatic moves with precision and grace set her apart from other dancers, and her dynamic performances often incorporated backflips and other physically demanding feats. This unique blend of athleticism and artistry earned her the admiration of audiences and fellow performers alike.
Furthermore, Segar’s “Big Lez” nickname, given to her by directors, reflects her commanding presence and muscular physique, which defied conventional expectations of female dancers. According to interviews with directors in the 90s, Segar’s ability to perform moves typically executed by smaller-framed individuals, while maintaining strength and grace, added to her allure and made her a standout figure in the dance world.
3. What are Leslie Segar’s Contributions to Hip-Hop Dance?
Leslie Segar is a pioneer in hip-hop dance, credited with raising the bar for female dancers in the genre. Segar’s innovative choreography and commanding stage presence redefined hip-hop dance and paved the way for future generations of dancers. Her contributions extended beyond performance, as she also served as a mentor and inspiration to countless aspiring dancers.
Segar’s choreography often blended elements of hip-hop, gymnastics, and other dance styles, creating a unique and dynamic movement vocabulary. Her ability to incorporate complex acrobatic moves seamlessly into her routines set a new standard for hip-hop dance and showcased her exceptional athleticism and versatility.
Additionally, Segar’s work on VH1’s “The Breaks” further demonstrated her choreographic skills and her understanding of the relationship between dance and storytelling. As the scene-ographer for Season 1, she crafted dance sequences that enhanced the narrative and brought the characters to life, showcasing her ability to create choreography that was both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
4. What Other Music Videos Has Leslie Segar Choreographed and Danced In?
Beyond her iconic presence on “Living Single,” Leslie Segar has choreographed and danced in numerous high-profile music videos, collaborating with some of the biggest names in the music industry. She has lent her talents to videos such as Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time,” Whitney Houston’s “I’m Every Woman,” Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love” & “You Remind Me,” LL Cool J’s “Around the Way Girl,” Salt-n-Pepa, Bobby Brown, and many more. Segar’s contributions to these videos helped shape the visual landscape of 90s music and solidified her reputation as a sought-after choreographer and dancer.
Segar’s work with Michael Jackson on “Remember the Time” showcased her ability to adapt her style to different musical genres and artistic visions. The video, set in ancient Egypt, featured Segar’s choreography blending hip-hop elements with traditional Egyptian movements, creating a visually stunning and culturally rich dance sequence.
Furthermore, her choreography for Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love” earned her an MTV Music Award nomination for Best Choreography, recognizing her innovative and impactful contributions to the music video. According to MTV Music Awards archives, Segar’s nomination marked a significant milestone for hip-hop choreography, highlighting the growing recognition of the genre’s artistic merit and cultural significance.
5. What is Leslie Segar’s Role on Queen Latifah’s Living Single?
Leslie Segar’s silhouette is undeniably iconic as it appears in the intro of Queen Latifah’s hit TV show on Fox, “Living Single.” This visual cameo cemented her status as a recognizable face in pop culture and showcased her influence on the entertainment industry. Segar’s dynamic presence in the show’s opening sequence captured the energy and spirit of the series, making her a memorable part of the “Living Single” legacy.
Segar’s involvement with “Living Single” reflects her broader impact on television and film. Her dance ability and sultry choreography have been featured in various TV shows, music videos, films, and tours, keeping her in demand and ensuring her place in music history. Her ability to create visually captivating and emotionally resonant dance sequences has made her a sought-after collaborator for various projects.
6. What are Leslie Segar’s Radio and TV Career Highlights?
Leslie Segar has also excelled in radio and television, hosting and producing numerous successful shows across the country. Always ahead of the curve, she has been the host & producer of a multitude of her own #1 shows across the country, namely: “Hot Jamz” on Sirius Satellite Radio, middays at Los Angeles 92.3 The Beat/KKBT (iHeart) to New York’s WQHT/Hot 97, Atlanta’s WAOK/V103 along with being a co-host alongside Big Boy’s Morning Show at KPWR/Power 106 Los Angeles (Emmis) and notable entertainment reporting for iHeart affiliates at Premiere Radio Networks. Her success in radio and TV reflects her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, sharing her passion for music, entertainment, and culture.
Segar’s internationally syndicated Sprite Street Mix radio show via Radio Express featured the NBA, new film junkets, cutting-edge music, fashion, and all things entertainment. This show demonstrated her ability to curate engaging content and connect with diverse audiences around the world.
Additionally, as the former host and producer of Viacom/BET’s Rap City for seven years, Segar is credited with conducting many first interviews for international artists like Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Outkast, Wyclef Jean, The Fugees, and more. According to BET archives, her work on Rap City played a vital role in shaping the careers of numerous hip-hop artists and introducing them to a wider audience.
7. How Did Leslie Segar Bridge the Gap Between Sports and Hip Hop?
Leslie Segar has uniquely bridged the gap between sports, fashion, film, TV, and hip hop with her produced features from behind-the-scenes and special coverage of NBA All-Star & NFL Super Bowl games. This innovative approach to content creation demonstrates her understanding of the interconnectedness of different cultural spheres and her ability to create engaging content that appeals to a broad audience.
Segar’s exclusive red carpet film premiere & radio round table interviews with a multitude of notable actors, directors, producers, and studio executives solidifies her respectful & trustworthy journalistic persona. Her interviews with Matt Damon, Denzel Washington, Scarlet Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Oprah, and Director Paul Greengrass showcase her ability to connect with high-profile figures and gain their trust, resulting in insightful and engaging conversations.
Leslie’s ability to create features from behind-the-scenes and special coverage of NBA All-Star & NFL Super Bowl games provides an inside look at the lifestyle of athletes. These features also allow viewers to appreciate the dedication and hard work that goes into excelling in professional sports.
8. What is “Bodiography” and How Does it Relate to Leslie Segar?
“Bodiography” Inc. is Leslie Segar’s fitness and healthy lifestyle company, reflecting her commitment to holistic wellness and her expertise in physiology and movement. Segar has used her knowledge and experience to set up fitness & healthy lifestyle programs for executives such as Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Mary J. Blige, Andre Harrell (Revolt TV Vice Chairman), and Faith Evans, just to name a few. Segar’s approach to fitness emphasizes the connection between mind, body, and spirit, encouraging individuals to cultivate a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Segar’s background in gymnastics and her degree in physiology provide her with a unique perspective on fitness and wellness. She understands the importance of proper form, injury prevention, and individualized training programs, allowing her to create effective and safe fitness plans for her clients.
Furthermore, Segar’s work with high-profile clients demonstrates her ability to tailor her approach to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual. Her emphasis on personalized fitness plans and her commitment to helping her clients achieve their wellness goals have made her a sought-after fitness and lifestyle consultant.
9. How Does Leslie Segar Inspire Aspiring Dancers and Entertainers?
Leslie Segar serves as a role model for aspiring dancers and entertainers, demonstrating that with talent, hard work, and dedication, anything is possible. Her multifaceted career, spanning dance, choreography, radio, television, and fitness, inspires individuals to pursue their passions and embrace their unique talents.
Segar’s success as a female dancer in a male-dominated industry empowers women to break barriers and challenge stereotypes. Her commanding stage presence and her unwavering commitment to her craft inspire aspiring dancers to embrace their strength and confidence.
Furthermore, Segar’s work as a mentor and her involvement in various community initiatives provide aspiring dancers and entertainers with the support and guidance they need to succeed. Her commitment to giving back to the community and her willingness to share her knowledge and experience make her a valuable resource for young people pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.
10. What is Leslie Segar’s Legacy in the Entertainment Industry?
Leslie Segar’s legacy in the entertainment industry is defined by her pioneering spirit, her multifaceted talents, and her unwavering commitment to excellence. As a dancer, choreographer, radio and TV personality, fitness expert, and actress, she has left an indelible mark on music history and popular culture. Her contributions to hip-hop dance, her iconic presence on “Living Single,” and her successful career in radio and television have solidified her status as a true icon.
Segar’s influence extends beyond her individual achievements, as she has also paved the way for future generations of dancers and entertainers. Her success as a female dancer in a male-dominated industry has empowered women to break barriers and challenge stereotypes, while her mentorship and community involvement have provided aspiring artists with the support and guidance they need to succeed.
Furthermore, Segar’s commitment to holistic wellness and her work with “Bodiography” reflect her understanding of the importance of balance and self-care in the entertainment industry. Her emphasis on personalized fitness plans and her dedication to helping her clients achieve their wellness goals have made her a respected figure in the fitness and wellness community.
11. FAQ About Leslie “Big Lez” Segar
Here are some frequently asked questions about Leslie “Big Lez” Segar:
1. What is Leslie Segar’s most famous nickname?
Leslie Segar is most famously known as “The Legs of Urban America.”
2. Which Michael Jackson music video did Leslie Segar dance in?
Leslie Segar danced in Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” music video.
3. For which Mary J. Blige song did Leslie Segar choreograph the music video?
Leslie Segar choreographed the music video for Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love.”
4. What TV show intro features Leslie Segar’s silhouette?
Leslie Segar’s silhouette is featured in the intro of Queen Latifah’s “Living Single.”
5. What radio show did Leslie Segar host on Sirius Satellite Radio?
Leslie Segar hosted “Hot Jamz” on Sirius Satellite Radio.
6. Which artists did Leslie Segar interview early in their careers on Rap City?
Leslie Segar interviewed Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Outkast, Wyclef Jean, and The Fugees on Rap City.
7. What is the name of Leslie Segar’s fitness and healthy lifestyle company?
Leslie Segar’s fitness company is called “Bodiography” Inc.
8. What degree did Leslie Segar earn from Springfield College?
Leslie Segar earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology with a minor in Theater Arts.
9. What is Leslie Segar doing currently?
Leslie is preparing for her directing debut as a documentarian and is developing a dance documentary, Hip-Hop docuseries & working on her autobiography. Leslie is also in development for a talk/variety show with a major network.
10. Where has Leslie Segar been honored for her contributions to music?
Leslie Segar has been permanently honored by the Grammy Museum in their Sonic Playground Activation exhibit.
12. Explore Dance and More at Ten-Dance.com
Inspired by the incredible journey of Leslie “Big Lez” Segar? At ten-dance.com, you can explore the world of dance and discover your own potential. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, ten-dance.com offers a wealth of resources to help you improve your skills, connect with other dancers, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and events.
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