Top 20 Hardest Dance Routines in Music Videos

#20: “Abracadabra” (2025)

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga has always been the queen of mixing intense physicality with complex storytelling while pushing pop performance art to its edge. We saw it in “Marry the Night,” “Judas,” and of course “Abracadabra.” Parris Goebel totally captures Gaga’s essence here, pulling out bold, theatrical moves, avant-garde looks, and choreography that feels just as fearless and larger-than-life as Gaga herself. Goebel said her main goal was to “focus on the art of the dance,” which she thinks often gets lost in editing. For her and Gaga, dance had to be the lead character, and it really is. When Gaga opened with “the category is dance or die,” you can feel everyone rise to it.

#19: “Motivation” (2019)

Normani

Choreographed by Sean Bankhead, Normani serves pure nostalgia in her “Motivation” video. Anyone who grew up glued to MTV in the late ’90s or early ’00s will spot nods to Ciara, Beyoncé, Britney, and JLo sprinkled throughout, bringing their respective styles together into one incredible tribute. But it’s Normani’s sheer talent that ties it all together. From twerking on the fence to bouncing that basketball, she barely slows down. The routine is just nonstop. Bankhead has clearly thought about every detail, from the pop of a hip to the seamless transitions that flow without breaking rhythm. The choreography demands serious control and precision, and Normani hits everything clean while still keeping that fluid, effortless groove.

#18: “Me Against the Music” (2003)

Britney Spears feat. Madonna

We need to talk about early 00s Britney. For starters, that dance break in “Overprotected (Darkchild Remix).” However, “Me Against the Music” is on a whole other level. The concept has been described as a “cat-and-mouse sort of game” between two generations of pop royalty. Kevin Tancharoen’s choreography demands serious stamina. We’re talking lightning-fast footwork, sharp isolations, and explosive moves that snap right into the track’s rapid rhythm. There’s no room for error and definitely no time to catch your breath. Yet Brit makes it look so easy. Beyond the technique and tight synchronicity, it’s layered with storytelling; after all, we’re watching a full-on power battle play out right in front of us.

#17: “Papaoutai” (2013)

Stromae

The choreography is really the heart of the video. It shows a son trying to connect with his dad, inspired by Stromae’s own experiences. Stromae and the dancers tell this emotional story just through movement, capturing longing, frustration, and finally a sense of peace. It’s so powerful to see other kids dancing happily with their parents, while this one boy dances alone. He really makes you feel everything he’s going through. The dancers execute these tight, almost unnatural-looking moves flawlessly. It combines African and Western dance styles into something truly demanding yet uniquely so. On top of the technical challenge, the emotional weight hits hard. You definitely need a moment to take it all in.

#16: “Cold Hearted” (1989)

Paula Abdul

We’d have high expectations for anyone who’s choreographed for The Jacksons, and of course, Abdul “Straight Up” delivers every time. One of her most ambitious routines has to be “Cold Hearted,” which takes cues from the “Take Off with Us” sequence from “All That Jazz.” She was obviously inspired by Bob Fosse, whose style needs meticulous precision, poise, and a total feel for stylized movement. And if that wasn’t enough, she dialed up the physical intensity by using the set in the routine and covering the whole floor. Apparently, all that led to more than the usual amount of injuries. Overall, Abdul went for something fresh, unforgettable, and iconic, and she absolutely pulled it off.

#15: “Blood Sweat & Tears” (2016)

BTS

We know what you’re thinking: how do you even pick just one BTS dance? We thought about “On” or “IDOL,” but it had to be “Blood Sweat & Tears.” The hint’s kinda in the title. The moves follow this abstract narrative, telling a story of desire and the seductive allure of darkness, and they do it with intense emotional depth. And as if that’s not enough, they move like a storm, switching gears, leaping through the air with insane speed, but still hitting moments of stillness that make the fast, razor-sharp parts hit even harder. They make it look effortless, but trust us, try it yourself, and you’ll know it’s meant for the pros.

#14: “On My Mama” (2023)

Victoria Monét

Another Sean Bankhead masterpiece, “On My Mama,” also feels like a throwback to MTV’s golden era while showing off Monét’s own style and personality. The choreography leans heavily on early-2000s dance grooves, giving nods to icons like Ciara and Mýa. The dancers have to fully capture that era’s swagger and attitude, but also bring a fresh, polished twist. The moves are fast, intricate, and flow seamlessly from one to the next. There’s tricky footwork, clean body isolations, and a mix of hip-hop styles, all needing perfect focus to look effortless. And it’s not just about those skills. You need a whole lot of energy and flair to make it look that fly.

#13: “Vogue” (1990)

Madonna

Inspired by voguing, a then-underground dance form, this choreography was created by Jose Gutierez Xtravaganza and Luis Xtravaganza. The House of Xtravaganza dancers are also featured in the video. While arguments have been made about the Queen of Pop potentially appropriating queer culture through this music video, it is undeniable that she popularized the dance. While voguing has gone on to become a hugely popular style, “Vogue” continues to be the standard. The act is sensual yet energetic, takes itself seriously but is also playful. If you think doing that is easy, it’s because Madonna and her dancers make it look that way. The true intricacy shows in live performances. You could probably imitate it if you tried but it can never be recreated.

#12: “Level Up” (2018)

Ciara

Ciara is another of those artists who could’ve literally filled this list. What she does in videos like “Like a Boy” and “Ride” is unbelievably impressive. However, have you heard the tempo of “Level Up?” One thing Ciara does flawlessly is play with energies to exude strength, confidence, and power, showing that sensuality can live in intense, dynamic moments just as much as the softer ones. But the pace of “Level Up” is fast and relentless, and with help from Parris Goebel, she hits every single beat perfectly, even during that insane floorwork. That precision is what made the routine a viral challenge, as everyone wanted to prove they could “Level Up” too.

#11: “The Pleasure Principle” (1987)

Janet Jackson

Widely recognized as one of the finest dancers of all time, Miss Jackson outdid herself in this music video. With award-winning choreography by Barry Lather, Janet delivers casual yet killer confidence, dancing like nobody’s watching in an empty studio. Then, there’s the fantastic use of props like the mic stand and a chair that gives the routine some pizzazz. Jackson’s very own style shines through in the free-spirited and passionate gestures and her charisma translates into an oomph like no other. At the same time, her angular isolations are flawless and each hit is precise. A dance class can probably teach you the steps but the ‘je ne sais quoi’ to rock it is Janet Jackson’s alone.

#10: “Remember the Time” (1992)

Michael Jackson

The King of Pop was so smooth on his feet that both his style and music videos have become pop culture landmarks. Take “Remember the Time,” a roughly nine-minute epic choreographed by Fatima Robinson and easily one of his flashiest productions ever. It features a massive ensemble of dancers moving in total unison, with choreography built on defined, angular arm and hand movements that need to be crisp on camera. The sequence barrels forward, filled with bursts of speed, striking gestures, and endless shifts in movement. Dancers have to go all in, no hesitation. And on top of all that, they need to match MJ’s energy and keep up with his magnetic presence.

#9: “My Love Is Like...Wo” (2003)

Mya

Need a lesson in tasteful sensuality? Look no further than Mya. As the solo star of this music video, her screen presence screams ‘woah’. Even without fancy set design or supporting dancers, Mya commands the audience’s attention with her moves alone and makes it impossible to look away. She switches dance styles like she’s changing costumes – which she does a lot of – and looks drop dead gorgeous doing it. Thanks to choreographer Travis Payne, we get to see Mya swaying around the pole one moment and breaking into tap the next. This routine just can’t be outdone.

#8: “Criminal” (2020)

Taemin

Taemin is not just a K-Pop idol with the most iconic dance sequences in the industry. He’s a genre himself. SHINee’s youngest stays true to his instantly recognizable allure for this dance sequence, choreographed by Koharu Sugawara and Kasper. Much of the originality and difficulty in this routine comes from Taemin’s hands being tied for the first part. His movements are provocatively restricted, which makes the eventual unbinding exceedingly emphatic. The combination of bold and dynamic steps with delicate expressions just makes it all the more charming and that’s not something many but Taemin can pull off.

#7: “Back on 74” (2023)

Jungle

This dance ignited a social media craze at the time of its release. From challenge videos to tutorials, covers, and more – “Back on 74” was everywhere. Why wouldn’t it be, when the number sparked joy and that itself was contagious. The routine, choreographed by Shay Latukolan, was inspired by the greats like Michael Jackson and Motown mainstays The Supremes and The Temptations. The video was filmed in one long shot, which means the dancers sought perfection to an ungodly degree and it showed. The choreo struck the perfect balance between a liberating openness and careful control. Add to that the immense technical detail that went into every step and you have a masterpiece.

#6: “Not Like Us” (2024)

Kendrick Lamar

This is a music video that has been studied, interpreted, and analyzed to no end. From the cinematography to K.Dot’s pen game, fans found easter eggs hiding in every corner. However, the choreography, crafted by Charm La’Donna, also deserves the highest praise. Her effortless composition mirrors the flow of Lamar’s rap, almost making us forget we’re looking at a meticulously designed routine. With culture at the forefront, La’Donna imbues a natural authenticity into the piece via improv and instincts. That’s what makes it one of a kind and consequently, so hard to replicate. When the choreographer shows up on screen herself, doing the c-walk on a tightrope, that seals the deal.

#5: “Lose Control” (2005)

Missy Elliott feat. Ciara & Fat Man Scoop

When you look up ‘breathless’ in the dictionary, this is the choreography that’s pulled up. Call it a trailblazer or way ahead of its time, “Lose Control” is an irreplaceable part of pop culture. Taking notes from Harlem swing like the Lindy Hop, the choreography here is intense, driven by unstoppable momentum. Although Misdemeanor’s body was digitally replaced by a dancer’s for some of the initial scenes, she does bust a move herself later on and it is bombastic, as always. Executing such a routine would not only require outstanding synchronization between dancers but also impressive stamina. Just Ciara’s sultry duet segment is cardio enough.

#4: “Run the World (Girls)” (2011)

Beyoncé

Queen Bey has never not been that girl and with this song, she created the female empowerment anthem of the century so women looking up to her get to feel just as strong. Much like how the lyrics highlight the duality of woman, the choreography poses a juxtaposition of defiant and assertive steps with softer, more romantic movements. There’s sharp footwork, ample hairography and an eclectic blend of styles. From influences of the Tofo Tofo dance group’s signature African dance – the crew is also featured – to touches of jazz and hip-hop, this routine is impeccably created. In other words, you really have to be Beyoncé to nail this.

#3: “Elastic Heart” (2013)

Sia

This choreography by Ryan Heffington is anything but just a dance. It is poetry if that’s how you want to read it or a play, if you see the movements between Shia LaBeouf and Maddie Ziegler as dialogue. Though many saw it as problematic, the dance in and of itself was lauded. It is outwardly formless, favoring a primal rawness over structure. Yet, not even a hair is out of place. The dance form is largely contemporary but it is given a cinematic dimension. Each pose has a story to tell. Naturally, therefore, anyone who attempts this routine, is inadvertently going to make it their own and that’s what makes it both difficult and magical.

#2: “Rhythm Nation” (1989)

Janet Jackson

Look, we’re breaking our own rules here. “If” we had to pick just one routine per Jackson… well, we couldn’t. Janet is famous for her crispness and control, and this military-inspired routine might be the ultimate showcase of both. The perfect synchronization symbolizes the collective power of the “Rhythm Nation,” and the dancers’ razor-sharp timing makes you want to fall in line, even if you’d be out of step in seconds. Co-choreographed by Janet and Anthony Thomas, the moves speak to finding your voice against injustice and inequality, proving how meaningful movement alone can be. It’s not just one of the best routines; it’s a powerful statement. In fact, Say it with us now.

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

“U Can't Touch This” (1990), MC Hammer

U Can’t Match This

“Try” (2012), Pink

Pink Throws Everything into This & Has Called It “The Most Fun [She’s] Ever Had in [Her] Entire Career”

“Scream” (1995), Michael & Janet Jackson

Just the Level of Artistry & Ambition Here Makes Us Wanna Scream

“Yeah!” (2004), Usher feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris

Super Speed & Super Slick, It’s Giving All the “Yeah!”

“Are You That Somebody?” (1998), Aaliyah

Aaliyah Brings It & Then Some

#1: “2 Bad”

Michael Jackson

They don’t call him the King of Pop for nothing. Music runs through MJ’s veins and dance, to him, seemed as natural as breathing. As a result, it’s an impossible task to determine his magnum opus. However, the “2 Bad” dance from his short film “Michael Jackson’s Ghosts” is as daunting as it gets. While not technically a music video, it can be said to serve a similar purpose. The number features popping and locking that remains unbeatable, friction-defying spins, and addictively percussive footwork. Forget Megan Knees, Michael’s routine will have you rolling on the floor crying. If you manage to get through that, your next roadblock will possibly be your energy because Michael Jackson’s megawatt performance is no joke. Don’t say we didn’t warn ya!

What’s the hardest music video choreo you’ve ever attempted to copy? Let us know in the comments