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 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.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
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
How to Look Like a Ballerina: 6 Wardrobe Staples to Steal for Your Everyday Life
Lauren is the former beauty editor at Marie Claire. She love to while away the hours at coffee shops, hunt for vintage clothes, and bask in the rough-and-tumble beauty of NYC. She firmly believes that solitude can be a luxury if you’ve got the right soundtrack—that being the Rolling Stones, of course.
-
Olivia Rodrigo Finds the Perfect Spring Dresses at Reformation
She's worn the brand twice in the past week.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Curiously, Just as Meghan Markle Sends Samples of Her New Strawberry Jam Out, the Buckingham Palace Shop Starts Promoting Its Own Strawberry Jam on Social Media
The clip promoting the Buckingham Palace Shop’s product—we cannot make this up—is set to Mozart’s “Dissonance Quartet.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Zendaya's Latest 'Challengers' Serve Is Nearly a Century Old
The 1930s-era dress may have been pulled months ago.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
By Andrea Park Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything We Know
Here's everything we know on the upcoming episodes.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
The 60 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated
-
35 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
Lots of steamy nudity ahead.
By Kayleigh Roberts Last updated
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park Published