As we close out the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, its only fitting to pay homage to not just the rappers and singers who paved the way but also the creatives who sculpted the culture on the dance floor. Dancer and choreographer Tweet Boogie , known in some circles as Tweetie, has danced with and for icons such as Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Jazmine Sullivan and Janet Jackson since she was barely out of her teens.

Now, 46, shes taken her skills to the studio to help non-professional dancers honor their bodies and Black culture through movement at Ailey Extension, a dance studio in New York City. In each class, she pours her love, authenticity and passion for the culture into every eight-count like its her first time on set. In a nostalgic two-step down memory lane, the Bronx baddie herself tells us what it was like shaping the game as a woman in hip-hop.

I recently watched Netflixs Ladies First, which highlighted the women who had important roles in growing hip-hop culture. Yet, they were often not credited for their contributions over the years. What kept you motivated in an industry that is incredibly male-centric?

Before you even step into the game, you really need to get a sense of self and define your purpose. You need to have a sense of what you bring to the table. And when you have your own table, make sure youre careful about who sits at your table. Also, I was able to lean on other women who are confident within themselves to offer help without feeling threatened.

Tell me about your first high-profile dance job.

It was with Miss Jones. I was one of her backup dancers.

Miss Jones, as in the Hot 97 radio personality ?

Yes, that was my first professional job. I did her video, Where I Wanna Be Boy . I did my first live performance with her, performed on television and Soul Train. I remember seeing Montell Jordan on the same tours. We went to L.A. for my 18th birthday. Thats where I saw Biggie Smalls. He was performing Give Me The Loot. That experience with her opened my eyes up to a whole new world I didnt even know really existed or that I could be a part of.

My favorite era of hip-hop was definitely the 90s. It was so diverse and original. It allowed me to be me a tomboy. Most of the 90s I was more of a tomboy till hip-hop and R&B got more popular, and Bad Boy Records took over the radio.

Do you remember that defining moment when you fell in love with dancing to hip-hop?

I started dancing when I was 8 years old, at a house party. It was that Rob Base track, It Takes Two . I still remember that house party. It smelled super sweaty and crowded. I remember just being so scared and so shy.

Until that song came on, I danced to the whole song, and I never forgot how that made me feel. So wherever dance took me, and I felt that way, I just followed it. And once they started paying me, I thought, I can get paid for this? I didnt go to college because I was on tour.

So, touring with stars was your version of college?

Absolutely.

I want to know more about your work with these fellow women titans. What do you remember about working with Mary J. Blige on her Good Morning Gorgeous Tour last year?

Im a major Mary J. Blige fan. So for me to grow up with her music, from Whats the 411? to the My Life album throughout all of her albums to dance for her I cried every single time. Regarding the work I did with Mary, I was also her stage body double. Working with Mary is nothing but women empowerment. I felt so inspired and motivated to be on that job.

I know you worked with 50 Cent as well what was that like?

I always tell people I dont work with 50 Cent; I work with Curtis Jackson. He was super respectful and appreciative of the women that were dancing on that job. Curtis Jackson takes care of his people. Hes a good listener. He pays attention. He even knew the choreography that didnt involve him. He allowed me to grow on that job. The women there were very protected. Hes just a sweetheart.

Thats amazing to hear. The industry is so full of violent behavior toward women, so I love you can attest that 50 is a real one and that treating women with respect is not hard.

Yeah. I felt like I really grew as a professional and was reminded who I am, what my goals are, and what my purpose was when I worked with him.