Today, Ciara unveiled the video for her new track "I Bet," decked in pointe shoes and a re-imagined pink tutu. It's simply stunning and just the latest reminder that ballet can look pretty freakin' awesome even outside of The Nutcracker. Here, we look back on our favorite instances in which prima ballerinas, both real and quasi, stole the show set to songs we love.
1. "I Bet" by Ciara
The R&B songstress offset her beautiful, yet biting new ballad about her ex-fiancé with a graceful display of her moves in ballet basics (opens in new tab) and frothy couture numbers.
2. "Take Me To Church" by Hozier
Director David LaChapelle provided a new visual interpretation of Hozier's powerful song, looking to Russian ballet dancer Sergei Polunin and choreographer Jade Hale-Christofi for this viral performance.
3. "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift reinvented herself at many points during the video, but we loved watching her mess around during ballet practice looking like an extra from Swan Lake.
4. "Conqueror" by Estelle
Famed soloist Misty Copeland brought Estelle's deep lyrics to life in a two-minute routine that will make your heart stop. And we mean STOP.
5. "Spectrum" by Florence + The Machine
Directed by LaChapelle and John Byrne, Florence Welch performs in the middle of the stage while a troop of ballerinas (one of whom bares an uncanny resemblance to the red-haired singer) pirouette around her, eventually lifting her up.
6. "Marry the Night" by Lady Gaga
In her theatrical video, Gaga is bedecked in a pink uniform and dances her heart out around a ballet bar for an empty auditorium.
7. "Runaway" by Kanye West
West's video boasted a powerful ballet sequence against his hip-hop track, with each dancer wearing a striking black tutu as they glided across the floor.
You should also check out:
How to Take Care of Your Skin Like A Ballerina (opens in new tab)
How to Look Like a Ballerina: 6 Wardrobe Staples to Steal for Your Everyday Life (opens in new tab)
-
'On Rotation' Is Our July Book Club PickRead an excerpt from Shirlene Obuobi's debut novel, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
-
How Melanie Travis Built Andie Into a Swimwear Giant
Plus, how brands are getting LGBTQ+ marketing all wrong. (Hint: stop rainbow-washing your brand each June.)
-
Lizzo Embodies Disco-Ball Chic at the BET Awards
Legend.
-
Join #ReadWithMC: Marie Claire's Virtual Monthly Book Club
Never feel guilty about skipping book club again.
-
The 50 Best Love Songs of All Time
The best, most romantic love songs ever written, spanning every genre.
-
The 80 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time
Where does your fave fall on the list?
-
The 15 Best Comedy Movies on Hulu
For when you just need a good laugh.
-
90 Must-Watch Movies: The Best Movies of All Time
The essentials. (Netflix password not included.)
-
The 79 Best '90s Movies That Are Modern Classics
Truly the golden age of cinema.
-
The 50 Best Feel-Good Movies to Curl Up With
PJs, a glass of wine, and these films.
-
The 51 Best Musical Movies to Get You Singing
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
