Written by: Starla Carr

@werdwerkdapoet

Do Hip-Hop artists need dancers to create a tour experience for their audience?

Recently, the discourse about Les Twins on tour with Akon created an online discussion about live performances. Some concertgoers claim that Les Twins, Larry and Laurent Bourgeois, are unnecessary factors for a nostalgic throwback show. Others say that Les Twins’ high-energy performances are the exact reason they’d venture to a concert to enjoy a night of entertainment.

The debate stems from a general public misunderstanding of Hip-Hop dance, specifically the boundary-pushing style Les Twins have pioneered. Laurent and Larry Bourgeois do not just accompany Akon; they physically manifest the energy of his catalog. While critics argue the choreography clashes with the musical vibe, I argue this disruption is precisely what Les Twins are known for. Dance encompasses skill and art. Dancers innately tap into the intricate nuances of music. Hip-Hop music is layered with different sounds—often multiple drumbeats, horns, bass, synths, and more—which benefit from modern visual expression.

“We don’t just dance to the music. We sell the music back to the artist. When an artist sees us dance to their song, they should look at us and understand their own track in a completely new way. We want to show them what their music actually looks like.”

— Laurent Bourgeois

By pushing the boundaries of stage performance, Les Twins transform Akon’s tour from a passive trip down memory lane into a fresh experience that proves live music demands visual evolution.

As an unabashed fan of the intricate weave of Hip-Hop styles like Krump, classic, and animation, I understand why some legacy fans prefer a vintage performance over the high-art choreography present on this tour. I come from an era where Hip-Hop artists only needed a mic and a backing track. Akon has generated classic sing-along hits since the 2004 release of “Locked Up.” Yet, we must create space for artists to evolve to stay relevant.

Akon’s interview with the Full Send Podcast revealed that Larry and Laurent choreographed the entire stage set. He also credited them with getting him to dance, which is new for him. There is a family atmosphere Akon created with Ne-Yo for the 2026 tour. He refers to Les Twins as his brothers. There are many video clips of them all vibing together, and the friendship holds a genuine collaborative energy.

I attended the concert in Kansas City. The audience was very diverse, spanning different ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. A contemporary visual setup can clash with expectations of classic hits from when Akon made his rise. However, I immediately noticed the intentional effort put into the staging, featuring bright neon colors and vivid backdrop changes that match the mood of the music and choreography.

Les Twins Reshaped Akon’s Setlist

The largest online complaint centers around the track “I Wanna Love You,” where Les Twins choreograph a scintillating mix of movement that encompasses the racy elements of the song. They structurally re-engineered the music through precise, high-energy movements that highlight the drum patterns between the lyrics. Critics say the dance energy doesn’t match the song’s vibe. I dare to say this disruption is precisely what Larry and Laurent are known for.

Les Twins’ artistry is all about how music is perceived. The lyrics are explicit in the way Hip-Hop demands us to pay attention to real emotion. Flat out, Akon says he’s trying to take a woman home and doesn’t mind spending money to make it happen. If you’ve ever tried to connect with someone in a club setting, it begins with the dance—a tease and playfulness that Larry and Laurent act out on stage. It becomes sensual on the dance floor. Body language is a fundamental part of engagement.

“I see you winding and grinding up on that floor

I know you see me lookin’ at you when you already know

I wanna love you, you already know

I wanna love you, you already know, girl”

— Akon

There is a playful naughtiness within the choreography. It’s what the music demands us to focus on. It’s also nuanced because the female dancers maintain their sultry style while demonstrating a high level of Hip-Hop musicality.

Whether collaborating with a brand like Hennessy or signing with the Jordan Brand, Les Twins’ value is tied to being architects of movement. They challenge the traditional nostalgia of what a concert experience should deliver to fans.

The discussion is valid. Dancers often seem like theater extras even when they are world-famous figures. My goal is to elevate this discussion to its rightful place regarding the full potential of live concerts. As an artist who works with wordplay, I recognize the power of pushing limits. True greatness never plays it safe.

Les Twins aren’t with Akon because he needs them to survive the night; they are there because his legacy deserves to be danced into the future.