Top 10 Most Underrated Music Video Choreographies

#10: Ciara

Dose (2018)

If youre looking for an unmistakably catchy pop-stomper to take you right back to high school, this is it. Ciara, alongside directors Jamaica Craft and Diane Martel, choreographed the explosive dance routine featured in the video for 2018s Dose. And from its opening bars, it has a level of pace and heat that does not slow down for even a second. The video also pays tribute to Ciaras hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, even featuring a brief appearance from the former mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms. But its the dynamic energy of Ciara and companys performance that keeps us coming back to this one.

#9: Rosalía

Malamente (2018)

If you needed proof that storytelling is alive and well in the music video format, look no further than Rosalías Malamente. The song itself was strong enough on its own to grab listeners attention, but when paired with this ambitious video, which has been described as a visual poem, it becomes something entirely new. Scenes jump from location to location and from night to day at a dizzying pace. Shots of Rosalia and her dancers are placed between abstract footage of various characters and places. But its the choreography tying it all together that keeps you hooked. Camera placement is key here and considering it clocks in at less than 3 minutes, there is quite a lot to consider.

#8: Tinashe

Company (2016)

Tinashes 2016 hit Company is proof that solid choreography and legitimately skilled dancers can take you pretty far. Tinashe herself is a professionally trained dancer, and thats what really makes this video work. Its all shot in one location. But its the breakneck intensity of the dance routine and some creative lighting choices that really elevate this one. Lets be clear, it might be simple in concept, but there arent too many pop singers who have the technical know-how to pull off a performance like this. Sometimes the dancing alone is enough to tell a concise story, and Tinashe succeeded on all fronts with this one!

#7: Dreamcatcher

Scream (2020)

When you nail a songs music video on the first attempt, that would usually be enough for most artists. But for South Koreas Dreamcatcher, they knew they had a winning formula and decided to make a second video. Scream was initially released in March of 2020 with the bands six active members and one masked stand-in backed by a troupe of dancers clad in black. Of the two, this is the most high-concept style of choreography - and it makes for a real visual experience. However, just two weeks after the initial release, Dreamcatcher decided to drop an alternative video. And this one, which is much more raw, saw each member incorporate costumes and dance-moves from one of their prior videos. An ambitious undertaking!

#6: Radiohead

Lotus Flower (2011)

Thom Yorke in a room dancing to his own music? Sounds like an instant hit, right? Well, some people might be surprised to know that his iconic performance in Radioheads Lotus Flower music video was actually choreographed by The Royal Ballets own Wayne McGregor. Yorke, who was described as an excellent dancer by McGregor, dances in the most bizarre but authentic fashion imaginable. He even flails around like a man possessed at certain points. As you might expect, it didnt take long for the internet to recognise this is a goldmine for memes. But to this day, it remains one of the band's most beloved singles since the turn of the century - helped in large part, by his memorable video.

#5: Victoria Monét

On My Mama (2023)

Victoria Monéts On My Mama isnt just a visual spectacle. Its a celebration, a dip into 2000s nostalgia with a modern edge. Theres very clearly quite a lot of meticulous choreographing going on, but it never stops being fun. Monét herself described the song as a soundtrack to positive affirmations. And its a theme that translates excellently to the visual medium. Even though its crafted with a real attention to detail, everyone looks like theyre having fun in this video. And if that was the goal that Monét and choreographer Sean Bankhead had in mind, then they definitely succeeded.

#4: Christina Milian

Dip It Low (2004)

There is very clearly an East Asia flavour to the track Dip It Low by Christina Milian - and that energy is very present in the music video. Released in 2004, it was overlooked to some degree in contrast to the work of some of Milians contemporaries. But this song and its videos choreography are truly among the best of the 2000s. Its a seductive masterpiece that uses changes in colour and setting to really keep things moving along. Milian is clearly a skilled dancer - but her backing dancers also deserve credit here. However, make no mistake, Christina Milian is the star of the show.

#3: Kate Bush

Running Up That Hill (1985)

Kate Bushs career is a gold mine when it comes to tightly engineered music videos. Sure, her concepts get a little wacky from time to time, but on 1985s Running Up That Hill, she delivered something truly unique. Bush, who trained tirelessly as a dancer since her teen years, was helped along by choreographer Diane Grey and fellow dancer Misha Hervieu. The result was a video that was created due to Bush believing that dance was being used trivially in music - rather than to send a cohesive message. To this day, youd be hard pressed to find a more intentional use of movement in music videos than this. Its not trying to be flashy. Its just conveying meaning through a simple but focused routine.

#2: Jungle

Casio (2018)

Jungles 2018 hit Casio is all about the vibe. From the opening bars of the songs 70s-tinged funk, its clear where this video is going. But it doesnt rush things. No, this is a slow build, as one dancer becomes three, and then three becomes five, and so on. They werent breaking the bank with this one either, its just a simple backdrop and a whole bunch of talented dancers. Notice how there arent any cuts either. These guys delivered a well-crafted routine to a great song and they did it the old fashioned way. Its an ode to a bygone era but brought to us with a fresh modern edge.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Banks, Gimme (2019)

A Perfect Dark and Atmospheric Accompaniment For This Song

HAIM, I Know Alone (2020)

Simple But Highly Effective Choreography At Its Finest

Caroline Polachek, So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings (2019)

A Prime Example Of Mood-Setting Through Choreography

The Black Keys, Lonely Boy (2011)

The Video That Was Always Bound To Be A Hit

Brandy feat. Chance the Rapper, Baby Mama (2020)

A True Treat For The Senses In Video-Form

#1: Normani

Motivation (2019)

This one just hits on so many different levels. First, you have the nostalgia and relatability factors in the early stages of the video, before it explodes into a full-on celebration of the glory days of early 2000s RnB. But for as much fun as Normani and her troupe are having, it would all be for nothing if they werent also world-class dancers. And the sheer talent on display here is evident from the first moment the song kicks into gear. The video also seamlessly shifts from day to night halfway through, creating a creative contrast that almost makes it feel like youre getting two videos for the price of one. A criminally underrated masterpiece.

Did we miss out on any of your favourites? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.