Music videos with Dance Routines

I decided to look specifically at music videos with dance routines as these are generally my favourite and chose to analyse Single Ladies by Beyoncé as it is quite recent.

Single Ladies by Beyoncé

I found that this video was both very simple and effective. The video only consists of three women including Beyoncé herself. The dance routine performed by the three ladies is central to the video and keeps the audience engaged throughout. The camera therefore moves in according to the dance steps.

The music video is set in a studio and therefore requires only one location. This is one advantage of using a dance routine as opposed to a narrative based music video which may require more than one location. The video begins with simple LS enabling us to see all three women dancing in straight line as the lights fade up. Although the whole music video is in black and white, the lights are used very effectively in order to make it more interesting.

For example, as the lights suddenly fade to black, the camera switches angle so that when the lights fade up again, we are looking at the dance routing from a different angle. The camera then starts to circle the dancers in the opposite direction to which they move, although the audience is kept engaged with the moves as Beyoncé continuously addresses the camera directly holding eye-contact with the audience as if she is singing to them. The camera also uses a HA shot to show an interesting formation, for example a triangle, as the dancers are otherwise usually in a straight line throught the dance.

The camera then zooms in and out repeatedly in time with the music as if to make the audience experience the dance rather than just watch it from a still perspective. It then zooms into the lead singer Beyoncé’s alone so the audience can be familiarised with the main artist being promoted through the video as well as see her expressions.

The dance moves seem to be inspired by the lyrics ‘If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it’ as the dancers wave their hands indicating their ring finger. The costume is very simple, all three ladies are dressed in a black leotard and black high heels, therefore showing much flesh. This gives the video a sex appeal, and so, whilst being quite a ladies’ song may also appeal to guys. The black costume also provides a nice contrast to the white studio background.

Overall, everything about this video, from the costume, to the location, to the shot types, is very simple. The dance routine and overall performance is key to keeping the audience entertained. This reflects how both a simple concept and a good performance can a make a successful music video.