In the electrifying atmosphere of Shakira's 2025 Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, one performer has unexpectedly captured global attention - principal dancer Natalia Palomares. The 32-year-old Spanish professional has become the unexpected breakout star of the tour, her magnetic stage presence and undeniable charisma making her an overnight viral sensation.
From Ensemble to Center Stage
Natalia Palomares, a seasoned dancer and choreographer, was personally selected by Shakira herself for the prestigious tour. In an exclusive interview with ¡HOLA! Spain, Palomares revealed the special connection that brought her into Shakira's inner circle. "She, along with Maite Marcos, her longtime choreographer, personally decided to bring me on for this project — and I'll always be grateful for that," the dancer shared.
What made Palomares stand out? Her sharp hip movements, dramatic hair flips, and sultry expressions quickly became talking points among concert attendees and social media users alike. Multiple clips featuring her performances have gone viral, catapulting her Instagram following to an impressive more than 461,000 followers.
Behind the Scenes with Shakira
Despite her sudden fame, Palomares maintains deep respect and admiration for the Colombian superstar. She describes working with Shakira as an experience marked by high standards and precision. "She's deeply perfectionistic, fully committed to her art and to how she presents herself to the world," Palomares told the publication.
The professional relationship between the two artists extends beyond mere collaboration. "Beyond being teammates, we're also friends," Palomares revealed, highlighting the warm personal bond they share. She described Shakira as "warm, caring, incredibly smart and witty, generous, and genuinely concerned about everyone around her."
Palomares is no newcomer to working with top-tier artists. Her professional portfolio includes collaborations with Spanish sensation Rosalía, particularly during the groundbreaking El Mal Querer era.
The Price of Viral Fame
While the sudden spotlight has brought validation for years of hard work, it hasn't come without challenges. Some of Shakira's dedicated fans have accused Palomares of intentionally drawing focus during performances, claiming she performs "too much" or makes herself the center of attention.
The controversies escalated with rumors suggesting that Shakira had moved Palomares onstage due to the excessive attention she was receiving. However, the dancer firmly addressed these speculations in July 2025, stating: "To be clear: I am still in exactly the same position I've had since the start of the tour, and of course, I haven't been fired."
Palomares approaches the criticism with perspective, viewing the overwhelming positive response as "a validation of years of work, training, and sacrifice." She continues to share glimpses of her touring life, performances, and the challenges and rewards of being a professional dancer at the highest level through her social media platforms.
With hundreds of thousands of followers and global recognition, Natalia Palomares has undoubtedly become one of the most sought-after dancers in the world, proving that exceptional talent combined with authentic passion can create stars even in the shadow of global icons.
