Since the ‘80s, music videos have reflected societal shifts and have provided a platform for artists to promote social change. In fact, controversies over appearance, style, and maturity level arose as soon as a face became associated with the voice on the radio. As Women’s History Month comes to a close, it’s important to recognize the impact women have had on the music industry, paving the way for the female artists of today with their power, edginess, and progressiveness.
In a world of constant screen time and 24-hour work days, we could all use a little motivation from these dancing ladies to get out of our chairs. Here are eight of the best female artist music videos that will get you on your feet and moving your hips in no time:
- Janet Jackson – “Rhythm Nation” (1989)
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Janet Jackson has pushed the boundaries of style and pop throughout her career, stepping out of her older brother Michael’s shadow to create a vision that is uniquely hers, and this video is a perfect example. Set in a post-apocalyptic warehouse, the movement is sharp, fast, and mechanical, featuring some of the most recognizable choreography of all time. With unisex, military-styled uniforms, and a shadowy black-and-white filter, Jackson conveys her message clearly: We are all a part of one rhythm nation. As a New York Times reviewer said the year the video was released, “Miss Jackson’s dances make her the leader of a community, sharing steps in happy unison. She struts and pivots, jumps and kicks with exuberant precision, as if all her synapses are syncopated to the music’s beat.”
- Paula Abdul – “Opposites Attract” (1989)
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This Grammy-Award-winning video features triple-threat Paula Abdul dancing in sync with an animated cat, named MC Skat Cat, who exudes coolness and swag. This video was a breakthrough in the industry: it was one of the first times people had seen a human dancing alongside an animated character on-screen, and it is widely considered one of the best visuals of the era. A perfect blend of musical theater and hip-hop, Abdul successfully combined two vastly different art forms with her tap dancing, popping, and character. Every part of this video is bound to wow you and put a smile on your face.
- Madonna – “Vogue” (1990)
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This Golden Age of Hollywood-styled black-and-white video propelled the dance style “voguing” —a style that is still widely appreciated today—into the mainstream. Featuring an Art Deco theme, dancers use isolation and framing techniques as they move around marble sculptures and columns. This video is sure to inspire you to get up and “Strike a Pose” yourself. Although Madonna made this dance style popular, influencing future stars, like Ariana Grande and Rihanna, it is important to remember that voguing was first developed by African-American and Latino gay and trans dancers in Harlem in the 1960s, and the style has always been a symbol for social movements advocating for change. In recent years, voguing has come to represent the Black Lives Matter and transgender equality movements, gaining attention and raising awareness on popular platforms like TikTok.
- Britney Spears – “Oops!… I Did It Again” (2004)
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The Princess of Pop is known for her sexy costumes, colorful videos, and show-stopping numbers. In this sci-fi video, a male astronaut lands on Mars and finds himself in the middle of a Britney Spears dance number. Obviously, he falls for her. Spears actually came up with the concept for the video herself, and she was straight-to-the-point, telling her director: “Well, I want to do this video. I want to be on Mars. I want to be in a red suit. I want a cute spaceman, but no rocket.” It’s funky, fun, and sure to get you dancing in no time.
- The Pussycat Dolls – “When I Grow Up” (2008)
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Hawaiian lead singer Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls takes us on a dance journey through the streets of Hollywood. Excitement ensues when, stuck in a traffic jam, the girl group decides to leave their vehicle and bust some moves. Dance sequences take place on top of cars, on scaffolding, and on a movie set with the group’s name in blinding lights. The video is full of bling, neon colors, and glitter…falling from the sky.
- Beyoncé – “Run the World (Girls)” (2011)
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It wouldn’t be a complete list of female artist music videos without the Queen herself. Beyoncé is famed for her dancing and confident style, and this video is one of my absolute favorites. Beyoncé enters the scene riding a majestic black horse, confronting a line of policemen with an army of women… and a lion. When the dancing starts, you can’t physically stop your shoulders from moving along with her famous moves. Set in a desert, this video is the combined work of eight choreographers, with movements inspired by the Mozambican dance group Tofo Tofo. As a review Today published when the video was released states: “For anyone still laboring under the illusion that Beyoncé does not mean business, well, just watch this video.” Taking the Queen’s lead, it’s time to get up and run your world.
- Kiesza – “Hideaway” (2014)
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On the first watch, you’ll be too mesmerized by Kiesza’s fierce moves and the street setting’s colorful graffiti to notice that this four-and-a-half-minute video was filmed in only one shot. It’s happy, bubbly, jumpy, and fun as Kiesza makes her way through different dance partners, groups, and five different styles. The stamina Kiesza and her performers exhibit is outstanding, and it will take everything in your willpower not to get up and join them. You have no excuse: Kiesza filmed this with a broken rib.
- Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande – “Rain On Me” (2020)
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I would be lying if I said I didn’t watch the music video for this Grammy-Award-winning song dozens of times during quarantine, attempting to learn the choreography. Filmed right before the Covid lockdowns began in California, this sci-fi-inspired video is set on a futuristic stage and features fierce costumes, high ponytails, and daggers falling from the sky. Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga slay the upbeat choreography separately at first. When they come together at the climax of the song, they form a powerful duo that seems virtually unstoppable. One of the most spectacular things to come out of 2020, it would be a crime not to get up and dance along with these fabulous ladies.
Even if you’re not a dancer, there’s no excuse for not getting up and moving to these girl-power jams. Your heart will thank you decades from now.