Heather Morris Honors Naya Rivera With Emotional Dance Tribute Five Years After Her Passing

Instagram/@heatherrelizabethh

Heather Morris paid an emotional tribute to her Glee co-star on what would have been Rivera’s fifth death anniversary. Morris, also an actress and dancer, gave the world the touching video of a choreography that danced to one of the icon songs from the show, in honor of Rivera’s spirit-a thing Rivera loved so dearly.

Advertisement

Morris, with very raw emotions, captioned, “Today marks five whole years since you’ve been gone. I knew there was no other way to honor your legacy than by choreographing to this iconic song of ours; after all, performing was one of your favorite things in the world.” She thanked the dancers at Heat Convention for helping her with the tribute, called Rivera a ‘legend,’ and said she really misses her.

The video was by Joshua Bergner and sees dancers performing in unison to music from a performance shared by Rivera and Morris on Glee. In so doing, the design of the piece mourned what they once had while blending the pain of its loss.

The commentators section began flooding with pain and sorrow from lovers and friends. One user said, “Yours & Naya’s version of this song went down in history that year & has changed lives since. Her vocals on this track & every other shine so bright.” Another complimented, “The friendship between y’all is something not everyone is able to experience in their lifetime.”

Many said that Rivera would be proud of what Morris put forth in tribute. “I’m sure Naya is so proud of you right now,” one said, while another stated, “Sobbing at 10am. Sending you all my love.” The enormous outpouring of emotion made it clear how strongly everybody who knew and loved Rivera-some her friends and some her colleagues-feels about her passing even till today.

Their relationship began, defined, and ended show as Morris and Rivera sang and danced on the show. Backed up by plenty of choir theater performances, the duo learned how to put on a show, and Rivera’s being on the stage was always a swoop of magic. Rivera’s sudden death in July 2020 rocked the world of entertainment and her family and friends.

The mourning has for now entered five years, with one fan saying, “5 years, I cannot believe that really happened. Every day I wish that I wake up and she is here.” Another said, “It’s also 7 years since my big sister suddenly passed. They will forever be our angel.”

Morris keeps Rivera’s legacy alive by way of so many throwback pictures and scripts. This one’s bittersweet but speaks to Rivera’s spirit, which continues to move people.

The comments came pouring in, united by one thing: Naya Rivera’s influence is still alive and well today. Through music and dance or otherwise through relationships she nurtured, it is a living legacy. For Heather Morris, performing to keep that legacy alive is the kindest tribute she could give.

Advertisement

It was a constant reminder that time passes and that some relationships and some losses never fade. A few times, the best way to remember someone is to dance as if they’re beside you.