There are some artists who are known for their signature moves when it comes to music videos. The idea came to me while I was listening to some vintage Michael Jackson. I'm not sure how or why but sometimes the visual imagery of a video pops into your head the minute you hear a particular song. This applies to both desi and mainstream popular music. This post is dedicated to all those songs/videos that have left an impression (in random order)... And it's open to additions, so do send in your suggestions!
The moonwalk by Michael Jackson: You can't blame me for putting this one first considering I just mentioned the "King of Pop." That rhinestone glove, the medal-laden jacket and the moonwalk - those are the first things that pop into my visual memory when I think Jackson. Sure he had cutting-edge videos and was a pioneer in many ways when it came to using music videos to promote or value add to his music, but his dance moves have granted him legendary status.
Hip-shaking with Shakira: You couldn't possibly have missed this Colombian's nifty moves unless you were on a vacation to Mars for the better part of the last five years. She burst onto the world stage with Whenever, Wherever that showcased her signature belly dancing moves. Since then there's been no looking back who has hit big time success with Hips don't lie becoming an international club favourite.
Bootylicious Beyonce: Her signature moves had hordes begging for more and she even got Oprah to join her live on national TV! Starting with Destiny's Child, Ms. Knowles has moved to bigger things with her solo career and chart-topping tracks. Her collaboration with Jay-Z for Crazy in love, showcased her shaking her derriere in her inimitable style.
Walk like an Egyptian by the Bangles: Take a trip down memory lane as you envision Eighties girl band, The Bangles, making everyone do this signature move. The whole video featured people busting out some moves with hands stuck to either side, palms pointing out doing their version of an Egyptian move! Whether or not the Egyptians did dance like that is questionable but as far as popular music goes, The Bangles will remain etched in memory.
K3G: Like it or not, the infamous 'screw in the lightbulb and pat the dog' move has takers all over the world - race no bar! Thanks to Karan Johar and his ace choreographer Farah Khan, this step is a popular move to anything upbeat and Bollywood! It first surfaced in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and has made regular appearances in various other celluloid sagas.
Dil Chahta hai: I collapsed with laughter the first time I saw Saif Ali Khan and Sonali Kulkarni in the spoof on 70s movies in Dil Chahta hai. The song? "Woh ladki hai kahan." The Farhan Akhtar movie featured the signature flapping of wings move that made it both hilarious and typically Bollywood at one shot!
There are so many more moves that I can think of but the whole point of this post was to emphasise what an important role choreography plays in the visualisation of a song. There are some songs notorious for bad choreography and there are times where the creativity and energy leaves you speechless. LISTEN UP to great music and great videos.
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