Paula Abdul, 1990s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xweiQukBM_k
Alicia Keys 2001
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urdlvw0SSEc
Cassie 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU46S55d8HE
so we talked about when it is necessary for performers to dance, how music videos have changed and how women are sexuality. I was sitting with my friend listening to pandora and thought i'd look up some of the videos and compare them.
First was Paula abdul, the performer who cares more about showing off which is seen in her video, especially since it is with a cartoon rabbit. Then we have Alicia Keys whose video focuses on her and her ability to belt out a song. The video does relate to the song, but dancing isn't a part of it. Finally we have a new video by a relatively new artists, Cassie. Though her video does have sexualized dancing. I think it's more informative to look at the low budget of the video. It has only one set, no commercial props or people. It focus on her.
I looked at the videos you posted and also found it really interesting how different the videos are. Also, I realized that instead of videos focusing on one person or the artist like Paula Abdul's video, videos progressively incorporate more and more people. Think about how many extras are in rap videos, hip-hop videos and even rock videos. This could be attributed to audience getting more bored and in need of more stimulus to hold their attention.
ReplyDeleteI think dancing in music videos feeds into the idea that entertainers truly to entertain. It is kind of like a show, something the observer is amazed by, and a skill a musician can master. I have taken gender and pop culture classes here, and we analyzed the idea that women do feel the need to be sexy in their music videos especially as their fame grows. That's why as you mentioned Alicia Keys is a cool artist who does not feel the need to conform to this ideal, she can demand all the respect she needs through her talent.
ReplyDeleteI think that it depends on the genre of music being covered. Pop/hip-hop are more generally known for having dance in their music videos while genres such as R&B/Soul and country focus more on the story of the song or the singer themselves. But obviously there are exceptions to my idea.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kelly though, entertainers in popular culture today are often pushed to be able to do more than one thing today - a singer dances, a dancer sings, etc. etc.
But I would argue that dancing isn't necessary. With a lot of artists today, particularly those in pop or hip-hop, etc. a lot of their dancing is portraying their sexuality because essentially it sells more records. Dancing is the most visual and easiest way to do this as it requires direct focus on the human body.