The Most Contagious Choreography in R&B / Pop Music Videos of 2007 / 2008

Exposure to music videos is possible in numerous ways, thanks to technology. These videos are available through talk shows, video channels on cable TV, and online blogs and music video websites. It's not just the music that makes them so popular but also the dancing. In mock videos submitted to You Tube, average people with various ranges of dancing skills make attempts at the contagious choreography from the top music videos, some of these dancers really nailing it. There's no doubt that both the dancers who imitate the choreography and the viewers are having a blast. Some of these R&B/Pop music videos with the most contagious choreography are listed below:

Beyonce's Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It) Music Video

It is no surprise that Beyonce's Single Ladies music video, choreographed by Frank Gatson, Jr, has had mega publicity. Following this single's premier in October 2008, it has been aired on talk shows, late night shows, and awards programs including The Oprah Show,The Ellen DeGeneres' Show,The Tyra Bank's Show,The Today Show, Saturday Night Live, the 2008 World Music Awards, and the 2008 AMA Awards. This video has caused the most craze on online blogs such as You Tube where individuals can share their own videos. The submissions of mock "Single Ladies" videos have exposed the talent of a multitude of people both old and young and male and female. Single Ladies is performed by three ladies in leotards and high-heels. The highlights of the choreography in this video include agile footwork, hip and leg rolls, shoulder twitches, standing splits, and palm twists from back to front. Many of these moves are inspired by the classic Walk-It-Out Fosse that was a signature of the 1960's Gwen Verdon Trio. After its debut as #20, "Single Ladies" became #1 in the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Hip-Hop Songs in addition to its rating of #1 on the Top Music Video's List and iTunes U.S. Top Songs.

Pussy Cat Dolls' When I Grow Up Music Video

The choreography in the Pussy Cat Dolls' videos, particularly When I Grow Up is also contagious among viewers. The catchy dance moves such as squatting that is used in this video was choreographed by Robin Antin and Mikey Minden according to mtv.com. The Pussy Cat Dolls have publicized their music and choreography as a regular guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show as well as on The Today Show. Amazingly, the When I Grow Up video has had over 50 million views including views from online videos. It has won the nomination for "Best Dancing in a Video" at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards and was nominated for "Best Video of the Year."

Soulja Boy Tell 'Em's Crank That (Soulja Boy) Music Video

Another contagious music video that premiered in August 2007 on BET's 106 and Park was Crank That (Soulja Boy). The choreography of this video, which involves hopping from side to side while extending and the arms and flexing the hands sideways as if cranking a motorcycle, has been performed on awards programs and talk shows. Particularly, on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, middle-aged female audience members participated on stage in the Crank That choreography performance by Soulja Boy. Also, on awards shows, young celebrities such as Jordin Sparks participated in the Crank That choreography performance. Some of the recognition that Crank That has received includes a rating of #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 2007 and the nomination for the 50^th Grammy Award's Best Rap Song.

We can conclude that the infatuation with these music videos is due not just to the ingenuity of the choreography. Imitating the choreography of these entertaining videos also provides a release to viewers from the seriousness of everyday life.

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

mtv.com

www.youtube.com