Inside the Magic of Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” Music Video: Parris Goebel’s Vision and Choreographic Brilliance

Since its debut at the 2025 Grammys, Lady Gaga’s latest single, “Abracadabra,” has taken over TikTok, gay bars, and the music industry alike. As the third single off her highly anticipated album Mayhem, the song has been hailed as a triumphant return to form. A powerful electro-dance anthem, “Abracadabra” delves into the struggles of an artist balancing sonic and aesthetic reinvention while navigating the immense pressure of continuously delivering hits. Gaga herself describes the track as a journey of facing life’s challenges and discovering the magic within them.

While the song itself is an explosive, dance-floor-ready banger, it is the accompanying music video that has sent fans into a frenzy. The visual masterpiece recalls the thematic darkness of Gaga’s previous works like “Marry the Night,” “Alejandro,” “Applause,” “G.U.Y. (An ARTPOP Film),” “911,” and, of course, “Bad Romance.” In the video, Gaga battles a striking red-clad alter ego—Mayhem—representing her artistic struggles, all while surrounded by a mesmerizing ensemble of 40 dancers.

The Creative Powerhouse Behind “Abracadabra”

For this project, Gaga collaborated with longtime members of her Haus (makeup artist Sarah Tanno and hairstylist Frederic Aspiras) but also sought fresh creative energy, enlisting four stylists (Peri Rosenzweig, Nick Royal, Hunter Clem, and Genesis Webb) and a new choreographer: the legendary Parris Goebel. Known for her work with icons like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber, Goebel co-directed “Abracadabra” alongside Gaga and Bethany Vargas. With Mastercard backing the production, there are hints of even more high-budget Mayhem projects on the horizon.

Parris Goebel’s Dream Come True

For Goebel, working with Gaga was a surreal experience. “I've always had Gaga on my dream board,” she revealed, admitting she never thought the opportunity would come. When Gaga’s team reached out, she was stunned but thrilled. Describing Gaga as an artist who “knows no boundaries,” Goebel found herself swept up in the singer’s limitless creative world. “It's like you're on a roller coaster and you don't want it to end,” she said of the collaboration.

Choreographing and Co-Directing a Cinematic Spectacle

Goebel is no stranger to directing—she previously helmed Justin Bieber’s viral “Sorry” music video and Ciara’s “Level Up.” However, she approaches choreography with a distinct cinematic perspective. “It comes so naturally to me,” she explained. For “Abracadabra,” Goebel worked alongside four movement experts (Gab Robert, Jessica Toatoa, China Taylor, and Lexee Smith) to craft dance sequences that felt both liberating and electrifying.

The video’s core concept emerged through deep conversations between Goebel and Gaga, focusing on dance as a means of storytelling. “We wanted people to dance again, to find that freedom and liberation on the dance floor,” Goebel said. The project explores different facets of Gaga’s identity, set against a theatrical backdrop brimming with deeper meaning. Their guiding question: What would a Gaga club look like in our own crazy world?

A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Take on Gaga’s Legacy

Fans have drawn comparisons between “Abracadabra” and Gaga’s past iconic videos, but Goebel insists she did not intentionally reference them. “I wanted to approach it from my perspective of her world,” she explained, adding that Gaga’s unique DNA naturally shines through. Still, the familiarity has delighted fans, evoking nostalgia for an era when Gaga’s avant-garde visuals redefined pop culture.

The Rigorous Rehearsal and Filming Process

Creating the video was no small feat. Goebel and her team prepped for nearly three weeks, starting with small-group workshops before bringing Gaga in to learn the choreography. The full cast was then incorporated, culminating in an intense two-day shoot filled with demanding sequences. “You can see they're dancing from top to bottom, doing take after take,” Goebel said, emphasizing the dedication poured into the production.

Fashion Meets Functionality in Movement

One of the most fascinating aspects of “Abracadabra” is the interplay between dance and fashion. Goebel worked closely with the styling team to ensure costumes complemented movement. “With Gaga, everything is so theatrical—it calls for character-driven fashion,” she noted. Props like canes and oversized skirts were carefully considered to enhance the storytelling rather than hinder it.

One of the most challenging sequences was the “Mayhem” section, where Gaga, dressed in striking red, battles black-clad dancers. The performers struggled with cumbersome boots and layered outfits, but Goebel considers it her favorite part of the video.

Duality and Symbolism in “Abracadabra”

The video’s narrative hinges on duality—two versions of Gaga vying for dominance. One represents the confident, larger-than-life pop star, while the other embodies vulnerability, stepping into unknown territory. “We can all relate to that,” Goebel said, explaining that the bridge moment symbolizes Gaga’s rebirth. Rather than being defeated, she emerges stronger, confronting her artistic struggles head-on.

A Set Built for Immersion

In a departure from CGI-heavy productions, Goebel and Gaga opted for a physically constructed set. “We should just build it,” Goebel suggested, recognizing that a tangible environment would elevate the dancers’ performances. The decision paid off, transporting viewers into a surreal, electrifying world.

Prioritizing Dancer Well-Being

Goebel, known for fostering a tight-knit, supportive community, ensured dancers felt valued and cared for. She even requested a spring sponge floor to prevent injuries—something unheard of in major productions. “You can only do your best if you feel safe and cared about,” she said, highlighting both her and Gaga’s commitment to the performers’ well-being.

The Mastercard Partnership: Elevating Dance to the Forefront

A crucial aspect of this project is the Mastercard partnership, which places dancers in the spotlight. Too often relegated to the background, dancers are now being celebrated for their artistry. “This is a moment we really need,” Goebel emphasized, stressing the importance of fostering community and joy in a world full of distractions.

The Dawn of the Mayhem Era

So what can we expect from Gaga’s Mayhem era? According to Goebel: “Bringing pop culture back to life.” With “Abracadabra” as a stunning, cinematic opening act, fans can only imagine what other visionary projects are in store.

One thing is clear: Gaga and Goebel have created magic together, and this spellbinding collaboration is only the beginning.