When video killed the radio star it proved to be a good thing for those who had some great pairs of dancing shoes, costumes and moves. It was no more about just the voice and lyrics. Theses artists and their moves set the dance floor on fire as much as their music. Here`s our list of the meanest dancers whom we love to watch and gyrate alongside.
Beyonce
She wasn`t joking about her hit song Bootylicious. Curvaceous, bodacious are the `cious` terms that come to mind as you see this voluptuous singer move across the screen. While she strutted, pranced and rolled about in scorching orange for Crazy in Love, she gave the dessert belle a whole new meaning when she swiveled erotically on the sand in a sequined outfit for Baby Boy.
Ciara
If there`s a kickass hip-hop dancer, then it`s definitely Ciara. She beats all the rest when it comes to energy. This fleet-footed artist might not have the oomph, she might not have the fancy costumes but her hardcore hip-hop hot steps are enough to gravitate the spotlight towards her and churn out enthusiastic Ciara imitators.
Jennifer Lopez
She`s not known for just boosting the butt fetish in women. This once-upon-a-time group dancer who was seen moving in the background of Janet Jackson`s That`s the way love goes made a big splash on the music scene with her hit single If you had my love. Till date no one can shake away that shimmying image in silver to a mix of jazz, house and Latin soul. She followed it up with several other groovy numbers that were sure-fire hits on the dance floor.
Missy Elliott
Tough cookie is a term that would crumble in front of Missy Elliot`s life, accomplishments and why, even her moves. This five-time Grammy award winner lets nothing get in the way, not her abusive childhood, not her weight issues. The hit track Get Ur Freak On is proof. Not convinced? The track begins with a line in Japanese - Kore kara minna de mechakucha odotte... sawagou, sawagou, meaning `From this point, everyone`s going to be dancing recklessly... let`s make some noise, let`s make some noise.` And so everyone did.
Madonna
The Queen of Pop has got to be in this list especially after her record-earning Sticky & Sweet tour. If the top hat, the whip and the corsets and what she did with them aren`t proof, take a look at her Sorry video. The flexi moves in the lavender leotard make you want to be 50 and that hot.
Shakira
There was a spurt of belly dancing classes across the globe once this Colombian hit the screens. Whenever Wherever surged into the veins of even those with two left feet as it took the world by storm. People thudded away on the dance floor till the DJ tired of sitting jobless with no other track to spin. They bumped, they ground, they butted each other but they never gave up on trying to sway like Shakira. The DJ`s went on high alert when Hips Don`t Lie hit the charts.
Fergie
Actually it`s not like she has great moves. She makes great use of space. But what makes her tick is that even the teeniest step is exaggerated and ladled with oomph. Seen the video of Humps?
Britney Spears
The princess of pop strutted right into our hearts in a tiny school uniform while crooning Hit me baby. And she kept at it till we went Toxic with her moves. But by then we were neck deep in loving her saucy numbers that we couldn`t redeem ourselves from the trap of cheesy tracks that (we hate to admit it) are great dance numbers.
And no, it wasn`t just Madonna on the 80`s dance front. The youngest Jackson shared it. Janet`s Rhythm Nation is an entire album that`s holy to those who love the dance floor. She however outdid herself with Velvet Rope. Together Again gave way to feel-good moves that still possess us every time a radio station decides to recycle it for one of those Sunday-evenings-at-home.