Some of TikTok’s best-known dance routines began with choreographers whose names were not as widely shared as their steps. Keara Wilson created the “Savage” dance; Jalaiah Harmon originated the “Renegade.” Other notable creators include Haley Sharpe, Brian Esperon and Greg Dahl. These are documented examples, not a complete list or a current ranking—and a routine’s originator is not always the person who made its most familiar version.
Who created the “Savage” and “Renegade” dances?
Keara Wilson and “Savage”
TikTok identifies dancer and choreographer Keara Wilson, known as @keke.janajah, as the creator of the “Savage” dance. The platform named her in its 2021 Discover List and profiled her in a creator spotlight.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Dance Teaching Methods and Curriculum Design | $8.67 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
The Dance Student Training Handbook | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Instructions for Dancing | $8.32 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
The Ballet Book | $6.51 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Dance Stance: Beginning Ballet for Young Dancers with Ballerina Konora (Ballet Inspiration and... | $9.68 | Buy on Amazon |
Wilson described a quick, instinctive process when a song gives her a clear idea: “My process depends on if the songs have a weird beat or lyrics. If it doesn’t, it won’t take me very long. I can create a dance in an hour or thirty minutes.” That is her account of her own workflow, not a typical time requirement for choreography.
TIME reported in March 2023 that videos using the hashtag associated with Wilson’s dance had more than 3.2 billion views. That is a dated figure from TIME’s article, not a current view count.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Author(s): Gayle Kassing
- Published: 1-20-2003
- SHK00470
Jalaiah Harmon and the “Renegade”
TikTok’s 2021 Discover List calls Jalaiah Harmon (@jalaiahharmon) the original creator of the “Renegade.” TIME describes Harmon’s original choreography as more complex than the version that circulated widely on TikTok. That distinction matters: the person who creates a routine and the versions that reach the broadest audience may not be the same.
The “Renegade” became a prominent example of how a dance can travel without its creator’s name attached. TikTok later reported that Harmon had worked on projects and campaigns with Netflix, Samsung, Prada and Warner Bros. Those opportunities show one possible outcome of recognition; they do not establish that viral dances reliably generate income.
Other choreographers behind widely shared routines
TIME’s coverage of notable TikTok dances credits several other creators. The examples below identify documented choreography or challenges; they should not be read as an exhaustive list or a ranking of today’s most popular dances.
| Dance or trend | Documented creator | What the reporting says |
|---|---|---|
| “Say So” | Haley Sharpe | TIME credits Sharpe with creating the choreography. Doja Cat later included her in the song’s official music video. |
| “WAP” routine | Brian Esperon | TIME identifies Esperon as the creator of one prominent routine, describing it as the version adopted by Cardi B. |
| “Blinding Lights” challenge | Greg Dahl (@gregdahl7) | TIME credits Dahl with creating a group dance challenge to the Weeknd song. |
| Mob Dance | Ronald Michel | TikTok’s 2021 Discover List identifies Michel as the originator. |
| Dance trends, including choreography to “Woman” | Tracy Joseph | TikTok’s 2021 Discover List identifies Joseph as a creator of dance trends and names the Doja Cat song as one example. |
TIME’s examples are in its article on notable TikTok dances of 2020. TikTok’s additional creator examples appear in its 2021 list.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
How a dance spreads—and why the original credit can disappear
A dance may be built in minutes or over days. Some creators shape a routine with online sharing in mind; others post choreography that catches on organically. A later user might simplify a sequence, add steps or introduce a version that is easier to copy. As variations spread across videos, the trail back to the first choreography can become harder to see.
That makes a viral dance a chain of creation, adaptation and performance, rather than always a single, fixed routine. A creator’s work can help establish the steps while another person’s edit or performance helps a version reach a much larger audience. WIRED quoted choreographer Greg Chapkis reflecting on how platforms changed the field: “Social media and TikTok changed everything in our industry.”
Rank #4
Attribution has also raised questions about whose work gets recognized. TIME’s reporting on the “Renegade” and on Black creators’ dances describes how routines by Black creators could become widely popular without their names traveling with them. When discussing a dance, it is useful to distinguish the documented originator from those who popularized, adapted or performed it—and to avoid treating visibility as proof of authorship.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How TikTok’s crediting feature worked at launch
In 2022, TikTok introduced a feature intended to let users credit videos that inspired their posts. According to TechCrunch’s report at launch, users could select a video they had liked, favorited or posted, or one using the same sound. The selected video was tagged in the caption, and its creator received an alert.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Those details describe the feature when it launched, not a guarantee that the current interface or behavior is unchanged. The broader point remains: tracing inspiration and naming a source can help keep a creator connected to the work that travels through remixes and recreations.
What viral choreography can—and cannot—mean for a creator
A dance drawing attention can open doors to campaigns, brand projects or other creative work. TikTok’s account of Harmon’s projects with Netflix, Samsung, Prada and Warner Bros. is a concrete example. WIRED also reported on sponsorships and music promotion as possible sources of income for creators, while noting that a high view count does not automatically translate into high earnings.
For a separate example of the work behind choreography, Apple’s January 2026 profile of Kyle Hanagami describes him using Final Cut Pro and keeping an iPhone with him to capture ideas when inspiration strikes. That is one choreographer’s documented workflow, not a requirement for making dance videos.
TikTok’s Creator Rewards announcement lists eligibility criteria including being at least 18, having at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in the previous 30 days, and using a personal account in good standing in a region where the program is available. Program availability and rules can change, so creators should check current in-app eligibility. These criteria concern the rewards program; they do not mean a particular dance will earn money.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
