Ever since 2004 when Ciara pulled up on the scene in a candy apple red Oldsmobile 442 during the music video for “Goodies,” she has danced into her own lane. Her personal brand has segued from sexy girl next door, to trap princess, to her current evolutionary iteration as a God-fearing mother and devoted wife. Still, Ciara has kept one thing consistent — that footwork.
Ciara’s debut televised performance of her new single "Thinkin Bout You" airs on May 1, on the Billboard Music Awards. In celebration of her performance, it's only appropriate we give the choreographers behind some of Ciara's most memorable one-two steps some shine.
Jamaica Craft
Chances are if you've ever tried to do "that move" from your favorite music video, Jamaica Craft was behind it. She is credited for introducing Ciara's signature energetic, precise dance style. Craft’s creative portfolio includes "Goodies," "Body Party,” "Like A Boy" and "Promise." She’s also the mastermind that choreographed the moves to Usher's "Yeah!" and Justin Beiber's "Baby."
YouTube | DS2DIO
When Craft spoke with Madame Noire, the self-taught dancer detailed how her love for music videos compelled her to pursue the career that has since made her a world-renowned choreographer. When Craft’s not choreographing for music artists, you can see her dance moves on television episodes and in films, including Fox's Empire, Lifetime’s Dance Moms and YouTube Red's Step Up: High Water.
YouTube | Ciara
I remember trying to do this move in my grandmother's living room and tweaking my back.
Galen Hooks
In a DanceOn Youtube video, Hooks describes her work as "detail oriented" and "intentional movement." Ciara absolutely executes Hooks' vision in the video, which showcases the choreography for "Dance Like We're Making Love." The dance video will leave your computer screen steamy if you ain't careful.
YouTube | Ciara
The Los Angeles native has been in the entertainment industry since she was a child, even appearing as a junior dance champion on Star Search.
YouTube | Galen Hooks
With an extensive resumé spanning that spans television, film and Broadway, the choreographer has worked with over 50 artists, including Janet Jackson, Usher, The Pussycat Dolls, Chris Brown, Black Eyed Peas and Rhianna.
Parris Goebel
As if Ciara's literal level up wasn't evident enough, Parris Goebel's choreography for the “Level Up” track drove the point home. With splits that could send most to a physical therapist, Goebel's unapologetic style complimented a queen, who came back on the music scene with a vengeance.
YouTube | Ciara
Coming straight out of New Zealand, Goebel dropped out of high school with the confidence that she would one day own her own dance school. Goebel’s big break came after a friend uploaded their dance to Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind," according to a report from Noted. Once the video hit the web, it caught the attention of JLo, who recruited Goebel for an upcoming tour — and the rest is history. In addition to crafting some of Ciara’s now-iconic choreography, she’s also appeared on Dancing With The Stars and in the Step Up franchise.
Bonus: Anthony Thomas
To be clear, Anthony Thomas has not choreographed any of Ciara's videos. Instead, he's the legendary talent behind Janet Jackson's “Rhythm Nation” performance.
YouTube | The BEAST Network (TBSN)
Thomas' work is literally a piece of pop culture and hip-hop history. In 2015, when BET announced they were doing a Janet Jackson tribute, everyone was keen to see if the goods (of goodies) would be delivered. Rest assured, Ciara did not disappoint.
Thomas credits Soul Train as his inspiration. He blazed a trail of R&B and hip-hop greatness working with Luther Vandross as well as Tony! Toni! Toné! Thomas was even the choreographer for A Goofy Movie. (Let's take a moment to enjoy the vocals of the one true Tevin Campbell).
YouTube | Nadia Vester
"Thinking Bout You," the lead single from Ciara's seventh studio album Beauty Marks, is set to release on May 10, 2019.
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