Lisette Donkersloot creates a gorgeously graphic combination of artist and dance performance for the triumphant return of Nao.

Inspired by Infrared photography, and working with choreographer Shay Latukolan, the Dutch director builds a radiant spectrum of colour and movement around the East London songstress's compelling performance of Messy Love - an ode to self-love, self-respect and choosing peace over the never-ending struggles of a detrimental relationship.

Donkersloot creates a little bit of magic with the combination of her studio staging - a series of ever-changing backdrops of sunsets in a range of colours - and the astounding dancers in their fantastic 'alien' mode: covered in indigo blue bodypaint and orange-coloured gravity-defying braid hair styles.  

The dancers perform an abstract choreography throughout the video to augment Nao's central position. They start out on the floor, then work their way up, portraying a metaphor of plants growing as they receive sunlight and water. In the end, they return to their original horizontal positions, holding on to their goddess NAO who is ready for a new circle of life.

Ultimately the video reflects the theme of the song and Nao's empowering lyrics in Messy Love, about a relationship that’s on the rocks: "I won’t break, said I won’t change my ways not even this time”. This is just as graceful, uplifting and beautiful as those words.

LISETTE DONKERSLOOT:

The dancers' magical energy and professionalism was beyond phenomenal.

"Creating this video for NAO, an artist I’ve admired for so long is really one of the best things for a director.

"I was so happy Shay [Latukolan, movement director], who I’ve known for quite some time now, was happy to jump on board. Apart from being the best in the industry, he also really got what I envisioned for this promo and outstandingly translated that to the choreography.

"He ensembled a stellar formation of female dancers. Their magical energy and professionalism was beyond phenomenal."