Rising Stars: Meet Matthew Pasterisa of New York City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Pasterisa.

Hi Matthew, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Matthew Edward Pasterisa is a talented and gifted choreographer whose recent work has graced international audiences, on stages & videos. Mr. Pasterisa, popularly known as “Matt” was born and raised in East Harlem and gained much of his early dance training from community artists, the NYC underground Hip-Hop culture, and local West African dance classes, and he also studied house dance from well-known choreographer Kim Holmes. You can also see the influence of his Afro-Cuban background integrated into his choreographic style. Matt’s style of movement is smooth, sharp, and precise, similar to the poly-rhythmic melodies of Afro-Cuban music. At a young age, Matthew was very popular in his community for dance and worked very closely with recording artist Teyana Taylor. His first big break was at the age of 17 when he choreographed her music video called “Google Me. The two Harlem natives grew a working bond and immediately went on a U.S. promotional Tour. During that time Matt also shot a show Teyana for MTV, “My Super Sweet 16” in February 2007.
Mr. Pasterisa & Teyana ventured on as young creatives and Landed a gig through Grammy-nominated producer, Polow Da Don to artist-develop the songwriting machine, Ester Dean.
That experience broadened Matt’s horizons as a young choreographer. He then went back to his community and gave b free Dance Classes for the kids in need of dance training Pasterisa then started working with International artist Azealia Banks. He choreographed music videos such as, “199l”, “Luxury”,
“Atlantis”, “Anna Wintour”,
Chasing Time” and more. They went on World Tour and Matt began to make his mark on the music industry. In between touring the world, In 2017, Pasterisa got nominated/won an MTV Video Music Award (Best Choreography), for the Kanye West music video “Fade” that featured Teyana Taylor. (Featured in Vogue magazine) Also, the music video received the “Best Performance” at the Soul Train Music Awards.
Matthew continued to tour with Azealia Banks and started teaching dance classes overseas in Brazil & Israel. His teaching experiences include residencies at Harvard University, Suny New Paltz, and Keystone College. Pasterisa worked very hard on his craft. In February-Fall 2018, he worked with American singer, KELELA for NYC Fashion Week.
It was for the famous “Chanel” show. Matt loved trying new things so he went on to work with Indie artist, Peter Lake. He Creative Directed/Choreographed Peters music video “Whistle” in New York City and got featured in “Vents” magazine for his work.
Peter Lake and Matt worked on more music video projects together that have millions of streams globally. Matt was also featured in “Dance Mogul Magazine” and he was named as the choreographer “who could be banked on”. Later in his career, he worked with Kelela again in 2023 for the “Jimmy Fallen” show where she debuted her album
“Raven”. Matthew Pasterisa appeared on “Love & Hip HOP” season 7, alongside NYC rapper/reality star “Bianca Bonnie” choreographing for two episodes. Today, he strives to break the thought of needing approval from others when we were given gifts from God to share with others. He continues to pave the way and Currently is working on a Dance Video Game (Iphone & Android) called “XING” with Northern Ireland Screens & Aura Digital Company that Soon comes in 2026. Matthew recent works is with Moroccan Artist, Ilham Ft. Grammy Nominated Rapper, Friday (Francis LeBlanc). Matt Choreographed/Movement Directed a music visual for her latest Single (2025) called “FOR ME” debuted on a 42nd st. billboard! Mr. Pasterisa also, worked on the Grammy House (Grammy Recording Academy) , and SUMMER STAGE for Caribbean, Brooklyn – American Rapper, TALIA GODDESS. She’s one of his of his favorite artist to work with. Matthew will continue to remain true to himself through his Artistry & show the world New levels of him. He has lots coming year 2026

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Since a child I’ always knew that I had a special gift because of the things I foresaw in my dreams. As I moved past doubt in the my community & dance industry, I felt like I was fighting for culture and art itself through my work. Fighting for my name was the hardest part and deciding which paths to walk down in this industry was challenging. I knew that my dance battle was only built for warriors and so I grew stronger through the chaos & glory.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Dancer First, Choreographer, Movement Coach, Creative Director & an over all Visionary. I am mostly known for my swag, how I groove, and how I “dig” in the beat. I love music that has drums and a good bass line, music that has the power to take me to another dimension. That’s where my specialty lives in, highlighting that power in music through movement. What I’m mostly proud of is my growth as a Creative, both visually and physically. It has granted me a Video Music Award for “Best Choreography” for a piece of moving art that shifted culture. For that I will be forever thankful to God. Aside from accolades and resume highlights, I believe what sets me apart from other choreographers is that I create a new world for artists that has lasting effects on culture. And through my journey with these artists, I keep them true their own movement and style.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The characteristics that I feel is most important to my success is Originality. My main focus is to stay raw.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pasterisamatthew?igsh=MTlxaGppMXUwNWp2dQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthew.pasterisa?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Eliel perea Jasso