The Impact of Music Videos on Dance: A Look at Viral Choreographies 🎥🎶

Music and dance have always gone hand in hand, but in today’s digital age, music videos are shaping dance trends like never before. From iconic routines in the early days of MTV to the viral TikTok choreographies of today, dance has become a huge part of how we experience and connect with music.

At Ignition Performance Academy, we love seeing how music videos inspire dancers of all levels to get moving, express themselves, and even try out styles they might not have considered before. Let’s take a closer look at the impact of music videos on dance and explore how viral choreographies influence the dance world today!

1. The Evolution of Dance in Music Videos

Music videos have been a driving force in dance culture for decades. While dance had always been part of live performances, the rise of music videos in the 1980s gave it a new platform to reach audiences worldwide.

🕺 1980s & 1990s – The Era of Iconic Moves

MTV made music videos mainstream, and with it came some of the most legendary dance moments in history. Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1983) wasn’t just a song—it was a full dance experience that people rushed to learn. Similarly, Vogue by Madonna (1990) introduced the world to vogueing, a dance style that became a cultural movement.

💃 2000s – The Rise of Choreographed Pop Videos

As artists like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Usher dominated the charts, their music videos showcased high-energy, full-out dance routines that influenced a whole generation of dancers. Hits like Crazy in Love and Yeah! made commercial jazz and hip-hop more popular than ever.

📱 2010s & Today – The Era of Viral Dance Trends

Social media completely changed how we engage with music and dance. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok made it easier than ever for dancers to share their moves—and for routines to go viral overnight. Now, dancers aren’t just learning choreography from professionals; they’re watching peers and influencers create trends that spread globally.

2. The Power of Viral Choreographies

A well-choreographed music video can launch a dance craze that sweeps the world. Viral dance trends bring people together, inspire creativity, and even influence what’s taught in dance classes.

🌎 Global Dance Challenges

Think about some of the biggest viral dances in recent years:

✔️ Single Ladies (Beyoncé) – The sleek, jazz-infused hand choreography became instantly recognisable.

✔️ Gangnam Style (PSY) – This fun, quirky routine introduced K-pop choreography to mainstream audiences.

✔️ Renegade (K CAMP) – Originating on TikTok, this routine became a global hip-hop dance challenge.

✔️ Super Shy (NewJeans) – This K-pop sensation took over with its playful yet polished movements, inspiring countless recreations.

📢 Choreographers as Influencers

Today, choreographers are just as famous as the artists themselves. People like Parris Goebel, Brian Friedman, and Kyle Hanagami have built massive followings because of their innovative work in music videos. Their choreographies influence dance studios, competitions, and even pop culture trends.

3. How Music Videos Influence Dance Styles

Music videos do more than just entertain—they shape dance styles and techniques. Here’s how:

🔥 Bringing Different Dance Styles into the Spotlight

• Hip-hop and street dance became mainstream thanks to music videos featuring popping, locking, and breakdancing.

• K-pop’s precision and synchronisation have influenced commercial jazz and hip-hop dance classes worldwide.

• Contemporary dance found a wider audience through expressive music videos like Sia’s "Chandelier", which featured Maddie Ziegler’s stunning modern choreography.

🎭 Encouraging Storytelling Through Dance

Music videos are often mini-movies that use dance to tell a story. This inspires dancers to focus on emotion, intention, and movement quality, not just technique.

💡 Setting Fashion Trends in Dancewear

Let’s not forget that music videos also influence dance fashion! From the baggy streetwear of hip-hop videos to the sleek bodysuits in contemporary and jazz, what dancers wear on screen often makes its way into the studio.

4. The Role of Social Media in Music Video Choreography

With TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, music videos don’t just live on TV anymore—they’re instantly accessible and easy to replicate.

🎶 Dancers as Content Creators

Anyone can create and share dance content now. This has given up-and-coming choreographers a platform to be discovered, and it’s why we see so many new trends emerging daily.

📈 Challenges That Drive Engagement

Artists now design their songs with dance challenges in mind, knowing that a viral routine can push a track to the top of the charts. This creates a loop where music influences dance, and dance influences music.

5. How to Use Music Videos as a Learning Tool

For dancers looking to improve their skills, music videos are a great resource!

🎥 Watch & Analyze – Look at different styles of movement and how dancers interpret the music.👣 Break It Down – Try learning small sections at a time to focus on details.

💃 Put Your Own Spin on It – Add personal flair to make the routine your own.

🎭 Practice Performance Skills – Music videos emphasise facial expressions, energy, and storytelling, all of which help dancers grow.

Dance and Music Videos Will Keep Evolving

Music videos have revolutionised how we experience dance, creating iconic moments and global trends. Whether it’s the sharp precision of K-pop, the fluidity of contemporary dance, or the high-energy moves of hip-hop, one thing is clear: dance is a universal language, and music videos help spread it to every corner of the world.

At Ignition Performance Academy, we love seeing students embrace different dance styles influenced by their favourite music videos. So, the next time you watch a video with amazing choreography, don’t just admire it—get up, learn the moves, and make it your own!

Building a Strong Foundation: The Basics of Ballet for Beginners 🩰

Ballet is one of the most graceful and technically demanding dance forms, but don’t let that intimidate you! Every great ballet dancer—yes, even the professionals—started with the same fundamental steps and principles. The key to success? Building a strong foundation from the very beginning.

Whether you’re a young dancer taking your first ballet class or a parent wanting to understand the basics, this guide will walk you through the essential elements of ballet for beginners. At Ignition Performance Academy, we believe that mastering these foundational techniques sets dancers up for success in all styles of dance!

1. Why a Strong Foundation Matters in Ballet

Ballet isn’t just about looking elegant—it’s about strength, control, and precision. A solid foundation helps dancers:

✅ Develop proper posture and alignment

✅ Improve flexibility and strength

✅ Build balance and coordination

✅ Prevent injuries caused by poor technique

These foundational skills don’t just help in ballet—they enhance technique in jazz, lyrical, and contemporary dance too!

2. Basic Ballet Positions Every Beginner Should Know

One of the first things ballet students learn is the five basic positions of the feet and arms. These positions serve as the starting and ending points for most ballet movements.

The Five Positions of the Feet

1️⃣ First Position – Heels together, toes turned out (like a “V”).

2️⃣ Second Position – Feet shoulder-width apart, turned out.

3️⃣ Third Position – One foot in front of the other, heel touching the middle of the back foot.

4️⃣ Fourth Position – Similar to third, but with a small gap between the feet.

5️⃣ Fifth Position – Heel of the front foot touching the toe of the back foot, turned out.

Maintaining proper turnout (the outward rotation of the legs) is crucial for ballet technique. It comes from the hips, not the feet!

The Five Positions of the Arms

🩰 First Position – Arms rounded in front of the body.

🩰 Second Position – Arms open wide, slightly rounded.

🩰 Third Position – One arm in first, the other in second.

🩰 Fourth Position – One arm in first, the other curved above the head.

🩰 Fifth Position – Both arms lifted above the head in a soft curve.

Dancers must keep their arms light and lifted, avoiding stiffness or tension.

3. Essential Ballet Steps for Beginners

Once you’re comfortable with the basic positions, you’ll start learning some fundamental movements. Here are a few that every ballet dancer needs to know:

🩰 Plié (plee-AY) – A bending of the knees while keeping the upper body lifted. This movement helps build leg strength and flexibility.

🩰 Tendu (tahn-DEW) – Extending the foot along the floor without lifting it. This teaches precise footwork and control.

🩰 Relevé (ruh-leh-VAY) – Rising onto the balls of the feet (or pointe for advanced dancers). It strengthens the ankles and calves.

🩰 Sauté (soh-TAY) – A small jump in first or second position, landing softly with bent knees. This is a basic jumping technique that builds toward more advanced leaps.

🩰 Chassé (sha-SAY) – A gliding step where one foot “chases” the other. Often used in traveling movements.

These movements are the building blocks of ballet. Perfecting them early will help dancers progress to more complex steps with confidence.

4. The Importance of Posture and Core Strength in Ballet

Posture is everything in ballet! Dancers must:

✔️ Keep their spine long and shoulders down

✔️ Engage their core for balance and stability

✔️ Hold their chin slightly lifted for a poised look

Having a strong core helps dancers stay balanced, control their movements, and prevent injury. Ballet classes naturally build core strength, but exercises like planks and Pilates can also help!

5. Tips for Beginner Ballet Dancers

🎭 Take It Slow & Focus on Technique

It’s tempting to rush into pirouettes and big jumps, but good ballet dancers prioritise technique over tricks. Mastering the basics makes everything else easier!

🎶 Listen to the Music

Ballet dancers must move in time with the music. Pay attention to the rhythm, phrasing, and emotion in each piece—it will make your dancing more expressive!

🩰 Wear Proper Ballet Attire

Having the right gear helps with movement and alignment. Beginners should wear:

✔️ A leotard and tights (for full movement visibility)

✔️ Well-fitted ballet shoes

✔️ Hair in a neat bun to keep it out of the face

💪 Stretch & Strengthen Outside of Class

Flexibility and strength are key in ballet. Stretch regularly and practice ankle and core exercises to improve balance and stability.

💖 Be Patient & Have Fun!

Ballet takes time, but every small improvement is progress! Enjoy the learning process and celebrate each milestone.

Ballet Is the Foundation of Dance

Ballet is a beautiful and rewarding dance style that teaches discipline, technique, and grace. Whether you’re learning for fun or aiming for a professional career, mastering the basics is essential.

At Ignition Performance Academy, we encourage young dancers to develop a strong foundation in ballet because it helps with all dance styles—jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and more!

If you’re just starting your ballet journey, embrace the challenge, trust the process, and enjoy every plié, tendu, and sauté along the way!

Dance and Music: Why Rhythm Matters in Dance Classes 🎶

Have you ever watched a dancer move so effortlessly to the music that it feels like they become the song? That’s the magic of rhythm! In dance, rhythm isn’t just an extra detail—it’s the foundation of every step, turn, and movement. Without rhythm, dance wouldn’t have the same energy, flow, or impact.

At Ignition Performance Academy, we emphasize the importance of musicality in all our classes. Whether you’re learning jazz, ballet, hip-hop, or lyrical, understanding rhythm is key to mastering technique and expressing yourself through movement. In this blog, we’ll explore why rhythm matters in dance classes and how dancers can improve their musicality.

1. What Is Rhythm in Dance? 🥁

Rhythm is the pattern of beats in music, and in dance, it determines how movements align with those beats. It’s what makes choreography feel natural and connected to the music.

When we talk about rhythm in dance, we’re referring to:

✅ Timing – Staying on beat and moving in sync with the music.

✅ Tempo – Adjusting movement speed based on fast or slow rhythms.

✅ Accents – Emphasising certain beats to add dynamics to a routine.

✅ Flow – Connecting steps smoothly in time with the music.

Dancers who understand and feel rhythm are able to move with more confidence, precision, and expression—making performances more engaging and polished.

2. Why Is Rhythm So Important in Dance? 🎵

🔹 Helps With Coordination & Technique

Dancers who develop a strong sense of rhythm find it easier to execute technical movements with control. Whether it’s a pirouette, leap, or hip-hop groove, being aware of the beat helps with balance and precision.

🔹 Creates Stronger Performance Quality

A dancer who moves in perfect sync with the music brings a routine to life. Imagine watching a lyrical routine where the dancer’s fluidity mirrors the emotional rise and fall of the song—it creates a powerful, unforgettable experience.

🔹 Builds Musical Awareness

Good dancers don’t just count beats—they listen to music deeply. They hear the instruments, lyrics, and subtle changes in rhythm, using them to enhance their movement. This makes choreography feel more connected and expressive.

🔹 Improves Partner & Group Dancing

Whether dancing in a duet, trio, or large group, rhythm keeps everyone in sync. Precision in timing is crucial in formations, transitions, and unison choreography, helping a team move as one.

🔹 Encourages Creative Expression

When a dancer fully understands rhythm, they can play with movement—adding accents, pausing for effect, or using contrast between fast and slow motions. This brings depth and personality to their dancing.

3. How to Improve Your Rhythm in Dance Classes 🕺

🎧 Listen to Different Styles of Music

Expose yourself to various genres—jazz, classical, hip-hop, Latin, or contemporary. Each style has unique rhythms, which will help you become more adaptable as a dancer.

👐 Clap, Tap, or Count Beats

A great way to develop rhythm is by clapping or tapping along to a song’s beat. Try counting:

🔢 1, 2, 3, 4 for a standard beat (used in most pop and jazz music).

🔢 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & for faster beats in hip-hop or Latin styles.

This helps internalise the tempo and timing before dancing to it.

👀 Watch Professional Dancers

Observe how professional dancers stay perfectly in time with music. Watch their accents, pauses, and changes in dynamics—these all stem from rhythm awareness.

💃 Practice Freestyling

Freestyle dance forces you to listen and respond to music naturally. Put on a song, close your eyes, and let your body move in time with the beat. This helps build instinctual rhythm skills.

🥁 Use a Metronome or Drum Beats

If you struggle with staying on beat, practicing with a metronome can help. Start slow and work your way up to faster tempos to improve timing and precision.

🎶 Match Movement to Music Phrases

Music is often structured in 8-count phrases. Learn to recognise these patterns so your movements flow naturally with the song’s structure.

4. Dance Styles & Their Unique Rhythms 💫

Different dance styles are built around specific rhythmic structures. Understanding them will help you adapt to various music styles.

🩰 Ballet & Lyrical – Often follow classical or contemporary rhythms, requiring dancers to move with fluidity and control.

💃 Jazz & Musical Theatre – Playful and dynamic, with strong accents on upbeat music.

🕺 Hip-Hop & Street Dance – Groove-based, often influenced by syncopated beats and offbeat accents.

🔥 Latin Dance (Salsa, Cha-Cha, Tango) – Has intricate rhythms that require sharp footwork and precise timing.

No matter what style you train in, understanding rhythm will elevate your dancing.

Dance & Music Are Inseparable 🎶

At Ignition Performance Academy, we believe that great dancers are great musicians with their bodies. Rhythm is what makes movement feel natural, expressive, and powerful. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills, focusing on musicality, timing, and expression will make all the difference in your performance.

So next time you step into class, listen to the music first—let it guide your movement, and dance with feeling!