Justin Bieber and one of his former dancers shared a sweet and unexpected interaction this week.
It all happened in Los Angeles. The former child dancer, Ryan Manuud, shared a video on TikTok on May 30 where he showed himself selfie-style walking past Bieber, who, by the sound of it, was sitting down near him.
The dancer did not show Bieber in the video out of kindness and privacy. But you can definitely hear the “YUKON” singer’s unmistakable voice.
Justin Bieber Has Sweet Interaction With Former ‘Purpose World Tour’ Child Dancer
Manuud walked past Bieber and mentioned he was one of the “children dancers” during the “Purpose World Tour,” specifically at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Bieber brought the “Purpose World Tour” to Madison Square Garden on July 18–19, 2016. The show came during the North American leg of the tour, which launched earlier that year in support of his fourth studio album, “Purpose.”
It should be noted that the “Purpose World Tour” child dancers were not one fixed group that traveled with Bieber for every show. Instead, local young dancers were selected in different cities to join Bieber onstage during his song “Children,” according to Teen Vogue.
Fans had to submit audition videos learning choreography from Bieber’s creative director at the time Nick DeMoura, with selections based on energy and clean dancing, the outlet added.
Time magazine also covered the onstage moment during the tour, noting that the young dancers performed with Bieber as part of the “Children” number.
Getty“Yo, Justin. I was one of the ‘Purpose Tour’ children back at [Madison Square Garden], brotha,” Manuud told the “Baby” singer.
“Let’s go baby. That’s so fire man,” Bieber responded. “You still dancing?”
Manuud replied, “Yeah, I still dance. That’s why I moved out here … I’m out here dancing, I’m filming. I’m working for a film production company right now.”
“Well, keep it up then … Amazing,” the “Daisies” singer said.
The two then exchanged well wishes for each other.
At the end of their interaction, Manuud shows an old clip of him as a backup dancer for the Biebs as he performs “Children.”
Bieber is seen walking up to him in the clip asking for his name.
“Give it up for Ryan!” Bieber says in the clip from back in the “Purpose” days.
Justin Bieber Fans Praise Former Dancer’s Respect for Singer’s Privacy
GettyIn recent fan encounters, Bieber has shown a lighter, friendly side that fans have been happy to see.
In this recorded encounter on TikTok, which received over 80,000 likes and over 700,000 views, fans online praised Manuud for how he handled the surprise conversation.
“& you didn’t even film him 🥹 i just know he appreciated this,” one TikToker commented.
“This is how you handle a celebrity encounter with respect,” said another.
“Respectful interaction, I see you!” another user wrote.
“love how you didn’t put the phone in his face 💙,” someone else wrote.
“[thank you so much] for respecting his privacy that goes such a long way.” said another.
