Top 10 Music Video Choreographies That Didn't Have to Go That Hard
iconic choreography, music video dancing, Michael Jackson, Thriller, Janet Jackson, Rhythm Nation, Madonna, Vogue, Beyoncé, Single Ladies, Britney Spears, Slave 4 U, BTS, ON, Aaliyah, Are You That Somebody, Paula Abdul, Cold Hearted, Ciara, Ride, Normani, Motivation, dance routines, viral dance moves, pop music, music videos, choreographers, dance history, Music, Pop, watchmojo, watch mojo, top 10, list, mojo,
Top 10 Music Video Choreographies That Didn’t Have to Go That Hard
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the times our favorite artists went above and beyond in their choreographed music videos
Before showing off her “Wild Side” in 2021, Normani was giving us all the “Motivation” to get up and move. Inspired by iconic music videos from the turn of the millennium, this one doesn’t miss a beat. She pays homage to pop greats while putting her own stamp on the scene. Choreographed by Sean Bankhead, she brings it all: intricate isolations, twerking on a fence, gymnastics, and a basketball trick that went viral. Her passion for dance radiates through every step as she uses movement to tell her story. Dance has always been her first love, and she’s said it lets her express herself in a way she’d otherwise be too shy. There’s nothing shy about her here, though.
“Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it!” Voguing is said to actually originate with Black and Latinx LGBTQIA+ communities in Harlem’s ballroom scene. Madonna was apparently inspired to put her spin on the style after attending one of their famous balls. In the video, she nods to those roots by bringing in Jose Gutierez Xtravaganza and Luis Xtravaganza from the House of Extravaganza to perform with her. Voguing’s all about fierce high-fashion poses, sharp lines, and ballroom elegance, not to mention glamour and self-expression galore. However, in the following years, it has become debated whether Madonna helped bring it into the mainstream or if she'd appropriated something from an already marginalized community.
If there’s anyone who knows how to “Level Up” a performance, it’s Ciara. She’s always giving us a “Dose” of her talents, but the “Ride” music video really gets our motors running. She owns every move with fierce precision, combining street, smooth grooves, and sensuality like it’s second nature. From sultry body rolls to sharp isolations, Ciara shows off insane control and looks flawless! She’s said she wanted to create intimacy with her fans and does so by spotlighting her dance skills. For some, it was a bit too hot—BET even refused to play it. We love how she shows that female sexuality can be soft, strong, and empowering. She doesn’t have to “Work” hard to keep us hooked.
From the moment she hit the scene, Britney showed that she could go as hard as the best of them. She’s kept that energy going with videos like “Overprotected” and “Me Against the Music.” However, in 2001, we were all glued to our TVs trying to replicate her moves in “I’m a Slave 4 U.” Choreographed by Brian Friedman and Wade Robson, every move is a perfect mix of sultry control and popping energy. Friedman said they combined his “thrashy jazz” and Robson’s funkier steps to create that unforgettable dance break. With “Slave 4 U,” Britney kicked off a new era, showing her mature side while keeping her pop princess crown firmly in place.
We could’ve included so many K-pop artists, but we had to give everyone a shot. Taemin’s “Move” definitely comes to mind, as does BTS’s “ON.” It’s practically a piece of cinema, and from the moment they start to move, it feels like they’ve been saving their energy only to unleash it all at once—like a shaken champagne bottle ready to pop. The choreography is pure power, and every move hits hard with BTS’s signature precision and flawless synchronization. The tight, daring steps and fluid, tribal-like movements match the song’s anthemic energy, and it’s no surprise it won Best Choreography at the 2020 VMAs. It’s visually stunning, and BTS makes sure you feel every single beat.
Aaliyah’s dance moves are such a big part of her legacy. It’s tough to pick just one standout moment, but this one really highlights what we love about her style. She had this amazing way of owning and celebrating her sexuality. She played around with different energies and brought a mix of strength and sensuality to every move. Her choreographer, Fatima Robinson, mentioned how Aaliyah could hit syncopated beats with incredible ease. When the music started, it was like she switched to another gear—she just knew how to sync her body to the rhythm, making every step feel unique. That connection to the music is what made her so captivating.
When doesn’t Beyoncé go hard? From “Crazy in Love” to “Run the World,” “Deja Vu,” and “Countdown,” the list is endless. But with “Single Ladies,” she stripped everything back and still created a viral sensation. The moves are so brilliant that we want to bust out our Sasha Fierce anytime the song plays, no matter where we are. Choreographed by Frank Gatson Jr. and JaQuel Knight and heavily inspired by Bob Fosse, every step Beyoncé takes is a power move that demands the viewers’ complete and undivided attention. And just when you thought this video couldn’t get any more iconic, she ends it by showing off her own ring—basically announcing to the world she’d gotten married.
Abdul started out as a Laker Girl before choreographing for Janet Jackson, so it’s no surprise her music video routines are “Straight Up” legendary! She wanted to pay homage to her dance hero, Bob Fosse, by putting her own spin on the “Take Off with Us” scene from “All That Jazz.” It also let her shed her innocent image and embrace a bolder, edgier side—a risky move according to some at the time, but one she pulled off effortlessly. She also shared that so many dancers got injured during the shoot, proving how demanding it all was. Routines like this cement Abdul’s legacy as a trailblazer, inspiring generations of artists with her boundary-pushing vision.
Janet Jackson doesn’t know the meaning of “holding back,” which made it tough to choose between “If,” “Nasty,” “The Pleasure Principle,” and so many others. Still, and say it with us now, “We are a part of the rhythm nation.” The video was her response to the injustices of the time, and believe it or not, her label tried to talk her out of it, thinking it wouldn’t connect with audiences. Clearly, they were wrong. Choreographed by Anthony Thomas, the routine is intense and full of an intent focus through fast footwork, sharp arm movements, and that flawless military sequence. Janet and her crew make every movement feel urgent as if they’re leading a revolution through dance.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
We know you’re “Thriller” (d) to see this one take the top spot! Jackson always goes hard when it comes to choreography and storytelling. “Smooth Criminal” has moves that seem to defy gravity, and that dance break in “Scream” with Janet is on another level. But “Thriller” changed the game entirely on what a music video could be. Jackson and choreographer Michael Peters crafted something quintessentially Jackson while letting loose just enough to give the zombie horde that eerie, otherworldly feel. Every move is designed with the utmost precision, but still plenty of chaotic zombie energy. It’s a masterclass in movement, and decades later, it’s still one of the most recognizable routines ever.
Could we have packed in even more unforgettable music videos? Probably. Let us know which one you’d add in the comments!
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the times our favorite artists went above and beyond in their choreographed music videos
#10: “Motivation” (2019)
NormaniBefore showing off her “Wild Side” in 2021, Normani was giving us all the “Motivation” to get up and move. Inspired by iconic music videos from the turn of the millennium, this one doesn’t miss a beat. She pays homage to pop greats while putting her own stamp on the scene. Choreographed by Sean Bankhead, she brings it all: intricate isolations, twerking on a fence, gymnastics, and a basketball trick that went viral. Her passion for dance radiates through every step as she uses movement to tell her story. Dance has always been her first love, and she’s said it lets her express herself in a way she’d otherwise be too shy. There’s nothing shy about her here, though.
#9: “Vogue” (1990)
Madonna“Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it!” Voguing is said to actually originate with Black and Latinx LGBTQIA+ communities in Harlem’s ballroom scene. Madonna was apparently inspired to put her spin on the style after attending one of their famous balls. In the video, she nods to those roots by bringing in Jose Gutierez Xtravaganza and Luis Xtravaganza from the House of Extravaganza to perform with her. Voguing’s all about fierce high-fashion poses, sharp lines, and ballroom elegance, not to mention glamour and self-expression galore. However, in the following years, it has become debated whether Madonna helped bring it into the mainstream or if she'd appropriated something from an already marginalized community.
#8: “Ride” (2010)
Ciara feat. LudacrisIf there’s anyone who knows how to “Level Up” a performance, it’s Ciara. She’s always giving us a “Dose” of her talents, but the “Ride” music video really gets our motors running. She owns every move with fierce precision, combining street, smooth grooves, and sensuality like it’s second nature. From sultry body rolls to sharp isolations, Ciara shows off insane control and looks flawless! She’s said she wanted to create intimacy with her fans and does so by spotlighting her dance skills. For some, it was a bit too hot—BET even refused to play it. We love how she shows that female sexuality can be soft, strong, and empowering. She doesn’t have to “Work” hard to keep us hooked.
#7: “I'm a Slave 4 U” (2001)
Britney SpearsFrom the moment she hit the scene, Britney showed that she could go as hard as the best of them. She’s kept that energy going with videos like “Overprotected” and “Me Against the Music.” However, in 2001, we were all glued to our TVs trying to replicate her moves in “I’m a Slave 4 U.” Choreographed by Brian Friedman and Wade Robson, every move is a perfect mix of sultry control and popping energy. Friedman said they combined his “thrashy jazz” and Robson’s funkier steps to create that unforgettable dance break. With “Slave 4 U,” Britney kicked off a new era, showing her mature side while keeping her pop princess crown firmly in place.
#6: “ON” (2020)
BTSWe could’ve included so many K-pop artists, but we had to give everyone a shot. Taemin’s “Move” definitely comes to mind, as does BTS’s “ON.” It’s practically a piece of cinema, and from the moment they start to move, it feels like they’ve been saving their energy only to unleash it all at once—like a shaken champagne bottle ready to pop. The choreography is pure power, and every move hits hard with BTS’s signature precision and flawless synchronization. The tight, daring steps and fluid, tribal-like movements match the song’s anthemic energy, and it’s no surprise it won Best Choreography at the 2020 VMAs. It’s visually stunning, and BTS makes sure you feel every single beat.
#5: “Are You That Somebody?” (1998)
AaliyahAaliyah’s dance moves are such a big part of her legacy. It’s tough to pick just one standout moment, but this one really highlights what we love about her style. She had this amazing way of owning and celebrating her sexuality. She played around with different energies and brought a mix of strength and sensuality to every move. Her choreographer, Fatima Robinson, mentioned how Aaliyah could hit syncopated beats with incredible ease. When the music started, it was like she switched to another gear—she just knew how to sync her body to the rhythm, making every step feel unique. That connection to the music is what made her so captivating.
#4: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” (2008)
BeyoncéWhen doesn’t Beyoncé go hard? From “Crazy in Love” to “Run the World,” “Deja Vu,” and “Countdown,” the list is endless. But with “Single Ladies,” she stripped everything back and still created a viral sensation. The moves are so brilliant that we want to bust out our Sasha Fierce anytime the song plays, no matter where we are. Choreographed by Frank Gatson Jr. and JaQuel Knight and heavily inspired by Bob Fosse, every step Beyoncé takes is a power move that demands the viewers’ complete and undivided attention. And just when you thought this video couldn’t get any more iconic, she ends it by showing off her own ring—basically announcing to the world she’d gotten married.
#3: “Cold Hearted” (1989)
Paula AbdulAbdul started out as a Laker Girl before choreographing for Janet Jackson, so it’s no surprise her music video routines are “Straight Up” legendary! She wanted to pay homage to her dance hero, Bob Fosse, by putting her own spin on the “Take Off with Us” scene from “All That Jazz.” It also let her shed her innocent image and embrace a bolder, edgier side—a risky move according to some at the time, but one she pulled off effortlessly. She also shared that so many dancers got injured during the shoot, proving how demanding it all was. Routines like this cement Abdul’s legacy as a trailblazer, inspiring generations of artists with her boundary-pushing vision.
#2: “Rhythm Nation” (1989)
Janet JacksonJanet Jackson doesn’t know the meaning of “holding back,” which made it tough to choose between “If,” “Nasty,” “The Pleasure Principle,” and so many others. Still, and say it with us now, “We are a part of the rhythm nation.” The video was her response to the injustices of the time, and believe it or not, her label tried to talk her out of it, thinking it wouldn’t connect with audiences. Clearly, they were wrong. Choreographed by Anthony Thomas, the routine is intense and full of an intent focus through fast footwork, sharp arm movements, and that flawless military sequence. Janet and her crew make every movement feel urgent as if they’re leading a revolution through dance.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Chandelier” (2014), Sia
Maddie Ziegler Is Practically Swinging from the Rafters with Those Moves!“My Love Is Like...Wo” (2003), Mýa
A Multi-Genre Showstopping Performance“Try” (2012), Pink
Pink Called Making This Video “The Most Fun” She’s Had and Cited It Among Her Favorites & We Can Totally See Why!“Pink Venom” (2022), Blackpink
The Fans Went Just As Hard Getting This Video Up to About 100 Million Views in 30 Hours“Bad Romance” (2009), Lady Gaga
Never One to Shy Away from Pushing the Envelope on Visual Storytelling#1: “Thriller” (1983)
Michael JacksonWe know you’re “Thriller” (d) to see this one take the top spot! Jackson always goes hard when it comes to choreography and storytelling. “Smooth Criminal” has moves that seem to defy gravity, and that dance break in “Scream” with Janet is on another level. But “Thriller” changed the game entirely on what a music video could be. Jackson and choreographer Michael Peters crafted something quintessentially Jackson while letting loose just enough to give the zombie horde that eerie, otherworldly feel. Every move is designed with the utmost precision, but still plenty of chaotic zombie energy. It’s a masterclass in movement, and decades later, it’s still one of the most recognizable routines ever.
Could we have packed in even more unforgettable music videos? Probably. Let us know which one you’d add in the comments!
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