Get ready to break a sweat just by watching! Join us as we explore the most challenging and iconic dance routines from the Queen of Pop choreography. From military precision to gravity-defying moves, these performances showcase why Janet Jackson remains an unmatched force in dance and music.
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00:005, 4, 3, 2, 1…
00:04Welcome to Miss Mojo, and today we're counting down the most iconic Janet Jackson dance routines
00:09from music videos and live performances, the ones we wish we had the control to pull off
00:14but would probably look nasty attempting.
00:1710.
00:22ESCAPADE 17th Annual American Music Awards
00:26We can't talk about this song's choreography without starting with that music video, but
00:31this was the AMA's.
00:32Time to take it up a notch.
00:34Edit.
00:41Janet barely lets a beat go by without hitting it with a high energy move matching nearly
00:46every syllable she sings.
00:48The constant level changes, turns, and hair whips never seem to throw her off for even
00:52a second.
00:53It's almost unreal.
00:54The footwork alone feels like she forgot she's human, moving with a precision and
01:06liveliness that would probably leave anyone else breathless.
01:09And somehow, through all that, she never loses her signature cool, making even the most intricate
01:15moves look effortless.
01:16This music video was overshadowed by a certain Super Bowl incident, where Janet unfairly took
01:31the blame.
01:32Due to long-standing cultural biases, she was largely banned from network programming, meaning
01:37this choreography never really got the respect it deserved.
01:49She was basically a machine here.
01:51Every move is sharp yet smooth.
01:53She does intricate isolations and footwork that look effortless.
01:56But trust us, they're anything but.
01:58The steps, the sass, and the energy are nonstop.
02:10She's up, she's down, flipping through moves with zero hesitation.
02:15And every step is on beat.
02:17Seriously, how does she make it look so easy?
02:19She's in control with total confidence and seemingly never breaking a sweat.
02:288.
02:29Nasty.
02:30The Velvet Rope Tour.
02:31It's no surprise that Janet's longtime friend and choreographer Paula Abdul won a Best Choreography
02:37VMA for this music video.
02:39And oh, to have been in the room when she broke out this choreo during her Velvet Rope Tour.
02:49Performed as part of a medley, Rolling Stone describes as frenzied, Jackson brings her A-game.
02:54Her signature crisp extensions, sharp moves, and detailed footwork are simply unbelievable.
03:00And the way she makes even the most staccato rhythms flow so seamlessly is incredible.
03:05The choreography pulls from street dance, blending hip-hop and urban styles for a raw, edgy,
03:17contemporary vibe.
03:19Miss Jackson knows how to bring the heat.
03:217.
03:26Control.
03:2714th Annual American Music Awards.
03:30Given the song's title, now is the perfect time to talk about the control Janet brings
03:35to her routines.
03:36The choreography radiates a sense of feminine power and independence.
03:41It's not about being delicate or submissive.
03:43It's about being strong, confident, and in control.
03:53With sharp, angular movements, every step emphasizes that power.
03:57Her expressive gestures, especially with her hands and arms, show total command.
04:02She moves like every moment matters, yet no detail is overlooked.
04:13Routines like this remind us why so many artists look to her as their inspiration.
04:18She's the definition of control, and watching her makes you realize why she's a trailblazer
04:22in every way.
04:23What, what, what, what?
04:25Who's it?
04:26Make your life a little easier.
04:28Who can get the chance she's talking to?
04:316.
04:32I Get Lonely.
04:33This song is a bit of a change from Jackson's usual upbeat hits and really holds a personal
04:43spot in her heart.
04:44Reflecting her own battles with lost love and mental health, you can definitely see that in
04:49her dance.
04:50It's filled with deep, expressive moves that are still super tight technically.
04:54Because of course, it's Janet.
05:04Choreographer Tina Landon took Janet's signature sensual style and gave it a fresh spin to match
05:09the feel of the song.
05:10Honestly, there's not a single part of her that isn't moving.
05:14The smoother choreography does a great job of telling a story and pulling viewers into
05:18the emotion, making us feel the intention behind every step.
05:225.
05:27If How do you show fantasies of desire without getting booted off every network?
05:36Easy!
05:37If you're Janet Jackson, she makes it look like second nature.
05:40The choreography basically acts out those provocative lyrics.
05:51Every move from the smallest step to the sexiest body roll is meant to grab attention and tease.
05:57The way she switches between sharp staccato steps and smooth fluid movements is certainly
06:03not as easy as she makes it look.
06:11This song is all about owning her sexuality, so every step must be danced with allure, confidence,
06:17and grace.
06:18Watch her perform it live and you'll see the same complexity and boldness that makes it unforgettable.
06:24If I wish you'd remember the things I'd do to you, I'd love you again.
06:304.
06:31The Pleasure Principle
06:32Don't go grabbing your chairs just yet.
06:34This is the hardest Janet Jackson dance is, after all.
06:38You might keep them crazy, but I'm serious, it's what I need to know now.
06:45What makes this routine challenging isn't just the impeccable balance not to faceplant, but
06:50how she hits the hypnotic rhythms in the music.
06:53It requires the perfect balance between locking into that groove without losing energy or getting
06:58overly repetitive.
07:00Finding that sweet spot can be tricky.
07:06Plus, pulling off that calm yet magnetic energy can be harder than it sounds since it involves
07:12subtlety and precision to make the flow feel effortless.
07:15You have to be extremely principled to pull off a routine like this and still have people
07:20celebrating it decades later.
07:273.
07:28Miss You Much
07:29This routine is a real test of skill.
07:32It balances sharp, calculated moves with smooth, seamless transitions.
07:37Every detail, whether it's the rapid arm motions or laser sharp footwork, requires 150%.
07:44The choreography mirrors the song's pulse, demanding flawless timing and a sharp sense of space
07:56on stage.
07:57On top of that, there are subtle flourishes that layer in even more complexity.
08:01It's physically demanding too.
08:13Seriously, talk about an endurance test.
08:16And of course, her talent for fusing crispness with flow adds another level of difficulty.
08:21To truly pull it off, you've got to master her distinctive movement style.
08:26No wonder it cemented its legacy in pop culture.
08:29That's the end.
08:362.
08:37Scream
08:38What happens when you put two of the most talented siblings in the biz in one music video?
08:42A dance routine that leaves us needing a lie down just watching it.
08:46Somebody please help me, cause I just can't take it.
08:51Both Jacksons have distinct styles.
08:53And with help from a team of choreographers, they found the perfect intersection that showcases
08:58both at their finest.
09:00Despite spending minimal time shooting together, allegedly to keep that friendly sibling rivalry
09:04alive, they pull off choreography that defies logic and gravity.
09:09No seriously, they move like they're superhuman.
09:12This number was a bold clap back to the critics.
09:19And trust us, we heard it loud and clear.
09:22Janet also wowed us with a live tribute performance of it in honor of her late brother.
09:34Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
09:37Made for now, Global Citizen Festival.
09:40Showing that she never loses her touch for jaw-dropping dance breaks.
09:44Made for now, Medley, Billboard Music Awards.
09:54So many hits, so many rhythm and tempo changes.
09:57Together again, just absolutely dancing her heart out.
10:07What have you done for me lately?
10:1629th Annual Grammy Awards.
10:18The breath control required for these moves, and still be able to sing, is next level.
10:26Doesn't really matter.
10:3017th MTV Video Music Awards.
10:33It doesn't really matter that we can never keep up.
10:36We love to watch her dance.
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11:03Number 1. Rhythm Nation.
11:06All together now.
11:12If there's one routine that screams the precision and control we've talked about, it's this one.
11:17The military-inspired choreography is beyond impressive, with the impeccable synchronization symbolizing the collective power of the rhythm nation.
11:25But what really blows us away is the flawless timing of the dancers moving as one, giving us this visual punch of unity in the face of injustice.
11:34Sing it to friends.
11:36Sing it to friends.
11:37Sing it to you for the better way of life.
11:41Jackson's involvement in the choreography also speaks to her ability to blend artistry with activism.
11:47The routine isn't just impressive for how it's danced.
11:50It also really amplifies the song's message of unity and harmony, making it not just an amazing routine, but a powerful statement too.
11:58Which Janet Jackson routine do you find most jaw-dropping?
12:14Give us your feedback in the comments.
12:20Do you agree with our picks?
12:24Check out this other recent clip from Ms. Mojo.
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