'The sunglasses felt like a disguise': TikTok dancers Brooke and Jess on evolving past viral online fame
Brooke and Jess have just been offered an exciting new project. We're wrapping up filming their Vibe Check interview in the Cosmopolitan UK studio when their manager asks for their availability. Amid taking photos against our pink colourama they discuss the details of the top secret booking, and Jess asks, 'but can we do it without the sunglasses?'
It's a surprising question from the 24-year-old TikToker, given she and Brooke, 25, have amassed a following of nearly 5 million followers on the app, where they've become known for their signature 'sunglasses and hoodie' look while dancing to trending music or sounds. Since going viral in 2022, they've taught everyone from Meghan Trainor (more on her later), to Bella Hadid, to Katy Perry to complete their minute long routines. They've also performed at Wembley Stadium and Madison Square Garden, complete with sunglasses and hoodies.
'We love dancing with the sunglasses, but we also want to do other things as well,' she later explains over mugs of English breakfast tea. As well as ditching the glasses, they're also switching things up, such as their joint Instagram handle name. For years it was Brookie and Jessie to match their TikTok, but back in April after some magic from one of their team they've been able to get the name they always wanted - Brooke and Jess. It's a small distinction but an important one.
'We only ever had Brookie and Jessie, because Brooke and Jess was taken as a username,' Jess explains. ''Brookie and Jessie' - it just feels young. We never call each other Brookie or Jessie. It's just not our name. If someone said Jessie, I wouldn't think they were talking to me.'
The first time they did call each other by their real names was back in dance college where they met. They were raised at opposite ends of the country, Brooke in Essex, with her two younger brothers and Jess up north with her younger sister. It was their love of dance, and childhoods dedicated to years of training that brought them together to the same dancing college in London.
'Jess followed me before college started. She was kind of a dance influencer at the time, she had like 1,000 followers, and so I followed her back,' Brooke explains when I ask about their first impressions of each other. 'And then she unfollowed me the week after.'
'I didn't mean to!' Jess exclaims. 'I remember clicking on Brooke's Facebook profile picture [while stalking ahead of the course starting] and I said to my mom, 'Oh my god, this girl looks so much older than me. Like, what the hell? How am I in her year?''
Despite the awkward start they were often paired together for work and bonded over being the youngest in their year and from then on, formed a solid friendship. After their graduation in 2020, they moved in together following the first COVID lockdown and started working at dance schools and auditioning for West End shows.
It wasn't until April 2022 that things changed. They made a TikTok to the remix of Louis Theroux's 'Jiggle Jiggle' clip from Amelia Dimoldenberg's Chicken Shop Date. 'We didn't make TikToks together. Brooke didn't even have TikTok. And then it [the song] just kept coming up on my For You Page, and I was like, 'This is so catchy.' I don't know what possessed us to do it,' Jess reflects.
'We put the sunglasses on because we had no makeup on and we were already in trackies,' Brooke adds. 'We posted it on your [Jess'] account. The next day, we both had work. And I remember looking at it and it had 1 million [views].'
As is often the case with viral TikTok moments, things changed overnight. Jimmy Fallon's show featured the video and Shakira was seen learning the dance. They then decided to make a joint account and committed to posting a new video everyday at 8:30pm, something they've largely stuck to three years on.
'We had to build up, people started knowing us as the 'sunglasses and hoodie girls', and we just kept going,' Brooke explains.
By October that same year they decided to quit their jobs and commit to making it in social media full time. They got their first manager and booked a Fortnite campaign, and started working with celebrities. The first of whom was former Cosmopolitan UK cover star Amelia Dimoldenberg, who suggested the girls start vlogging their daily lives as well as continuing their dance videos. This advice helped to show off the girls' authentic, down-to-earth, warm personalities, and grew their community of loyal fans.
Then came Meghan Trainor, who they have the longest running relationship with. They recorded a dance to 'Made You Look' out of sheer fan girl love. Meghan spotted it and reached out to the girls, asking if they'd be in LA soon. They had no plans to be stateside and yet they booked their flights that very same day, telling Trainor they happened to be there the following week. They danced with her in one video, and then worked with her on a new campaign and eventually joined her on tour in Australia.
'That was the coolest thing in the world,' Jess gushes. 'Her whole family and her whole team are genuinely the nicest people ever. She's just so supportive.'
Meghan isn't their only celebrity devotee. Paris Hilton created a group chat with them, David Spade came up to them in LA to tell them what a fan he is and they're in regular communication with JoJo Siwa. They've also worked with brands such as E.L.F Cosmetics, Jack Wills and Charlotte Tilbury over the years.
With big brands and celebrity names following their every move, the pair have got their routine down to a well-oiled machine.
'We are very much equally in charge of different things,' Jess explains. 'We have our roles. I'm YouTube long form, you're [Brooke] YouTube shorts. Brooke will have the vlog on her. I will send all the footage for YouTube over every week.'
'We never decide on what these roles are. They just kind of happen,' Brooke adds.
The pair have a strict filming schedule too and will plan to do hours-long content days of TikTok making. Ahead of filming they'll send inspiration videos from their personal accounts to the main 'Brookie and Jessie' TikTok account. On the content day itself, they'll film multiple videos, swapping hoodies as they go in order to keep the videos different. They both choreograph, but Brooke adds that it's Jess who does take more of the lead.
'I'll close my eyes and if I hear a song, I'll know exactly what I need it to look like, and then we'll both just figure out how to get it there,' Jess says.
'We never do a dance to a song unless we absolutely love it, because we get blocked [creatively], don't we?' Brooke asks Jess, who nods in confirmation. They're also keeping tabs on new music drops so they can release a new dance that same day to a trending song.
So is it possible to be friends, colleagues and roommates [they still live together]? Surely they've had one argument? I ask.
'We've never fallen out,' Jess says. 'Even yesterday we were having a content day, and you [Brooke] were getting stressy, and I was getting annoyed that you were getting stressy, and I was like, 'Switch off. We're in work mode. Let's just get it done.''
The pair have developed a coping strategy in which they see 'Brooke and Jess the TikTok dancers' as 'The Girls' and often refer to themselves in the third person, as a way to maintain a split focus when it comes to their work and personal lives. 'We're friends, but also we're passionate about this, and we want it to be good, and so we're in work mode, and then we can switch off quite easily,' Jess reveals.
They also want to prioritise being candid and authentic with their audience, 'People like it when you're raw' Brooke adds.
One thing they never share much about, however, is their romantic lives. Is that a conscious choice, I ask them? They clarify they're both single, so there isn't much of a dating life to share, but when they do get into relationships they intend to keep them private.
'Maybe, like, a hard launch in 10 years time,' Jess laughs. 'I think it's so brave of people. I see some people online talking like, 'Oh my god, this guy I went on a date with and he did this'. And I'm like, 'Oh my god. What if he sees it?' I just feel too bad.'
But in fairness their careers are too busy to allow them much time to date. While DanceTok is not what it used to be in 2020, the girls are still riding the wave, with artists frequently sending them demos to see if the music is viral enough to dance to. Their DanceTok peers, such as Addison Rae and Charli D'Amelio, have since transitioned into other areas, with Rae releasing her debut album next month and D'Amelio and her family starring in their own reality show, do Brooke and Jess see themselves going down a similar path?
Well they're already starting. Last year Jess appeared in the musical production of Burlesque and they're both set to talk on stage at SXSW in London next month, and they have a number of other projects they tease like the exciting phone call earlier, but can't talk about. They've also made a big change to their content - they now dance without the sunglasses on.
'We've started taking the glasses off more and more [in TikToks], because the glasses almost felt like a disguise,' Brooke says powerfully. 'We would love to do a path like them [Rae and D'Amelio]. But I know that we'll always be dancing alongside it.'
Sunglasses or not, we see bright things ahead for this dancing duo.
Photography by Steven Simione
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Buzz Feed
35 Best Products On Amazon's "Internet Famous" Section
Fun fact: Amazon has an "Internet Famous" section curated with TikTok-viral products. Here are a few of the current ones so beloved by reviewers that they are *definitely* worth the hype: Dr. Melaxin "Peel Shot," a K-beauty staple for serious exfoliation that buffs out dead skin and leaves your complexion looking glowy and refreshed. If you're looking for an effective way to kick dead skin cells, blackheads, and sebum to the curb, this deeply penetrating rice water extract formula is just the ticket. Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse designed for all hair types to give you satisfyingly hydrated, volumized, frizz-free curls at a FRACTION of the price of its competitors. Lumify Eye Drops, a product so beloved by TikTok that despite being more $$ than other brands, it's the number one selling brand on Amazon right now. Reviewers swear by this for instant reduction in redness in their eyes, with visible differences within a minute of use. A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on that at-home pedicure. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck. A set of lightweight, oh-so-dainty ruffled pajamas reviewers are in loooove with for summer, saying the fabric is so high quality that it feels like linen. If you're looking for breezy warm weather loungewear, this adorable set fits the bill! Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will be your holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when your summer schedule is throwing you for a loop. This lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference — one that a lot of reviewers compare to the $33 Becca version. A "Birthday Cake Stick" lip balm that earned its place as a cult-fave — not only is this super nourishing on your lips, but it tastes like vanilla cake, buttercream icing, and rainbow sprinkles, so now you can have your cake and moisturize with it, too. L'Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist so darn phenomenal at its job that one reviewer calls it "hairspray for your face," and several compare it to the $34 One/Size setting spray at triple the price. This ultra-fine formula sprays on lightly and leaves a natural finish, but just one spray is designed to LOCK IN your look for 36 hours. A delightful little tool called the "Bug Bite Thing" — it suctions on all kinds of bug bites to reduce swelling, itchiness, and redness. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 40 Tinted Sunscreen, aka the "holy grail" of tinted sunscreens — reviewers love this lightweight, buildable formula so much that a lot of them replaced their foundation with it altogether. If you're in the market for some subtle but effective coverage that won't get goopy or settle in pores, this is your sunscreen match made in heaven. An air fryer cheat sheet that basically pays for itself on the first use — you can magnetize this right to your fridge and know precisely how to cook meats, veggies, and frozen food to perfection, helping eliminate food waste and save your budget from takeout. The Ordinary's Multi-Depth Hydration Serum to achieve that "glassy," plumped effect *without* breaking the whole bank. This delightfully affordable, super effective serum helps hydrate and protect your skin barrier so you wake up with firm, refreshed skin. A set of assorted pool floaties so cute it'll feel like you're accessorizing the whole pool when you throw them in. (It's all fun and games until I start fighting someone for that pink donut one.) Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo with all the oil-absorbing, refreshing power of its competitors, *plus* added keratin for protection against frizz and breakage. The subtle gardenia scent is just extra extra credit after all that. A pair of oversize subtle cat-eye sunglasses so cute that you'll want to snag 'em in every color, and so affordable that you won't weep dollar signs if you accidentally leave them at the coffee shop. Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm in *PINK* Honey — aka, the sweet, subtle sister of the iconic "Black Honey" that has been so popular over the past few decades that it just about broke TikTok when it finally had its moment over there. The skin tone-matching, pH-adaptive pink version is every bit as buildable, polished, and decadent feeling as the original black honey, and perfect for everyday makeup looks. Wikki Stix, the ultimate in mess-free, silent, distracting fidgets — you can take these little wax sticks and push them into any shape you please, and stick them on surfaces without worrying about residue or marks. Parents especially love these for when kids are waiting at restaurants or on flights! An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra so comfy, supportive, and versatile that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed to be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel formulated with the MAX of 10% benzoyl peroxide to help take care of acne as fast and effectively as possible. This stuff is so strong that it's designed to help reduce the redness and size of acne in just two hours, and also helps prevent more breakouts in the future. E.l.f's Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara, a GODSEND for anyone with thin or fragile lashes. This uses lightweight ~tubing~ technology to wrap around lashes and give them a natural-looking, smudge-proof extension so good it almost looks fake. The real boon, though, is how easily the "tubes" slide off in clean, easy swipes at the end of the day when you're washing your face — absolutely no smudging, over-scrubbing, or special eye makeup removal products required. A wildly beloved floral-forward vanilla perfume so deliciously perfect for summer that you'll be like, "Is it appropriate to bathe in this?" This sunny scent leans warm and tropical, with reviewers noting a hint of mango in the vanilla. It's all the bright happiness of summer in a soft, sophisticated, gourmand scent. A cult-favorite Flairisol Olivia, a continuous oil sprayer with built-in portion control that has won the allegiance of reviewers from professional chefs to at-home bakers. The ultra-fine spray makes it ridiculously easy to work with, especially for people tracking nutrition stats for their own sake or for a restaurant's — each spray is equivalent to one gram of oil for easy measuring. L'Oréal Paris Collagen Daily Face Moisturizer so intensely hydrating, plumping, and smoothing that reviewers compare it to the $92 Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream. 👀 Not only is this super effective and affordable, but its nongreasy formula makes it play super well with makeup. Yankee Candle's Midsummer's Night, or what I like to call a "goth summer candle," as a perfectly moody way to usher in the warmer weather if you're not a big fan of sweetness and floral. Reviewers compare this alluring blend of musk, patchouli, sage, and mahogany to a soft cologne. A suuuper thin, breathable Hanes slub knit hoodie as the ultimate "just in case" layer on days when the weather is having an existential crisis and taking you for the ride. Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer, a foam you can apply to your roots when you're styling to take your blowout to the next level, even when the humidity is doing its best to keep your locks down. Reviewers with fine hair especially swear by this for an immediate, long-lasting lift! Jergens Natural Glow Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion to give you a gradually building, vacation-worthy ~sunkissed glow~ over the course of just a few days. Not only is this easy peasy to apply compared to other finickier, streaking lotions, but it's formulated with collagen and elastin to help your skin appear firmer *and* glowier. A reviewer-beloved basic crewneck tee that plays nice with ALL your jeans and skirts, since it's just the right amount of compressive and easily slides under waistbands. Also, at that price point, and in THIS MANY colors??? Seems like it's Restock Your Wardrobe O'Clock. A wildly popular hummingbird projection lantern to make your porch or backyard feel like you're stepping out of the real world and into a whimsical fairy tale. Medicube's "Zero Pore" Pads, which are dual-textured toner pads made with lactic and salicylic acid to exfoliate and refine your pores. The excess sebum in your face just met its worst enemy in this cult-fave Korean skincare product. 😈 E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, another home run from the brand's moisturizing "Holy Hydration" line that reviewers are comparing to the $35 Watermelon Dew Drops from Glow Recipe. This lightweight formula is designed to brighten and plump skin for a dewy effect, whether you're wearing it alone, applying it under your makeup, or mixing it with your foundation. A set of golden tennis bracelets giving ~quiet luxury~ vibes at "I want to pay rent this month" prices. Reviewers especially love these mix-and-match sets because they look like expensive versions from iconic brands! A set of ridiculously realistic-looking faux fern plants for some instant serotonin in your backyard or living space. Plant parenthood is nice, but faux plant parenthood is every bit as chic and a whoooole lot less of a time commitment. 💅 Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner reviewers going for the "glass skin" look swear by — this underrated but impactful toner helps calm and refresh your complexion by balancing your skin's pH level and helping it better absorb all your lovely skincare products, no matter how hard the sun is trying to dry you out. A pair of cheerful, super lightweight boxer-style shorts so comfy and adorable that you are about to put all other styles on notice for the rest of the year — especially since these are a MUCH cheaper alternative to the $98 Reformation version.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Alligator on Florida golf course takes victory lap with stolen club
Footage has surfaced showing an alligator traversing a Florida pond while displaying a golf club like a trophy. Presumably, the golfer is OK. The footage, shared by WINK News meteorologist Matt Devitt, was captured at an Orlando golf course recently by a WINK viewer named Doug. 'Only in Florida,' Devitt joked via Instagram. 'I'd let him play through.' It's unclear if the alligator stole the club from a bag, if the club had been left near the pond, or if the golfer had tossed the club into the water during a tantrum. It's also unclear if the voice in the audio belongs to the golfer who lost the club. While alligator sightings on Florida golf courses are fairly routine, this was extraordinary. It looks as though the gator is using the club as a snorkel or, as one follower remarked, a periscope. The top Instagram comment, predictably, reads: 'What happened to the golfer?'
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
Nightlife-hating Gen Z now planning morning raves with espresso shots — and no tequila
From the moment you turn 18, your one desire is supposed to be going out and partying. Getting ready to go out with your friends, spending a day's wages on vodka, lemon, lime and bitters, and dancing to your heart's content until it's time to get the last train home is a fond – if distorted – memory for those who've left that phase of their lives in the past. But, it seems Gen Z-ers have entered their 'grandma' phase a little early, swapping late nights for early mornings and alcohol for coffee in a shocking twist that's left millennials calling them (i.e. us) boring. Morning raves, it's a thing! If you haven't seen the reports of a decline in alcohol consumption among Gen Z-ers, you may have noticed an increase in non-alcoholic drinks at your local bottlo or pub. Gen Z is now hosting raves in the early hours of the morning. TikTok/@nikitadunne6 There's also been a steady decrease in the number of music festivals happening, with some of the most iconic events, like Splendour in the Grass, Groovin the Moo and Spilt Milk cancelling in recent years due to low ticket sales, or an inability to score those big acts on an already stretched budget. Blame it on the pandemic or the cost of living crisis. Regardless, it's become very clear – Gen Z just doesn't want to party. Well, unless it's in the morning, apparently. The popularity of morning raves is officially on the rise – fueled by coffee and matcha instead of Cruisers and tequila shots. Morning raves are pretty much exactly what you're probably picturing them to be. You can go and get your morning coffee, except there will also be a DJ. Think, a louder and, in my opinion, way more fun, version of the morning run club or swim at the beach that every Sydneysider seems to be into these days. These morning raves are being held all over the world, and are now taking Australia by storm. Caffeine Club is one company running morning raves across Queensland, with events starting from 7am. Mix and Matcha is another group holding events out of cafes in Melbourne. Is it cool, or a total snoozefest? All the fun without the hangover sounds like a solid day out to me. And, it seems young people agree, with events selling out and garnering rave reviews. 'Hahah this is iconicccc!!' said one commenter on TikTok. 'Like having your morning dance party with a bunch of other crazy humans. Keep it uppp guys!' 'Hahah this is iconicccc!!' said one commenter on TikTok. TikTok/@nikitadunne6 'This is sick!!!!' said another. 'This is my kind of club!' a third agreed. But, it's clear not everyone agrees. One Caffeine Club video went viral earlier this year, and garnered a few millennial hate comments. 'And the crowd goes mild,' one person said. 'Nice, but this is not a rave,' said another.
