Ciara’s Most Iconic Dance Breakdowns

In addition to being her official debut single, 2004’s “Goodies” will always hold a paramount place in Ciara’s career for more reasons than one. The music video not only cemented that fly choreography would be a staple in Ci’s artistry, but it was also the very first time she executed her most important dance move ever, the infamous back bend. 

Inspired by the iconic scene in The Matrix, young Ciara asked herself on set, “How can I bend my body like a 90 degree angle?” It’s safe to say she has since mastered the impressive, gravity-defying motion, as it went on to become the most signature element in her routines.

“Over time, I just worked on it, and then I started to be able to get there and hold it,” she reflected during an interview with TIME years later. “I was able to get lower, lower, and lower. It became a thing where the fans, they know it to be a part of my repertoire of dance moves.”

“Goodies” was a commercial success, immediately shooting up the Hot 100 to No. 1, where it remained for seven weeks. Ever since the tone was set with “Goodies,” fans couldn’t get enough. To this day, they eagerly wait during every dance break to see just how low Ciara can get — and she’ll do it in six-inch heels, too.

Just a year after her official musical debut, Ciara‘s hunger was insatiable and everything was for the taking. The Texas-born talent, ready for the spotlight, took the stage at the Billboard Music Awards in 2005 to perform “One, Two Step,” her Missy Elliott-assisted standout from Goodies.

Right from the first few beats, Ciara made it clear she was on a mission to show her stage presence was undeniable. Rocking a black catsuit and a sleek ponytail, the multi-hyphenate confidently led her dancers through a non-stop routine of pop-locking, gliding across the enormous stage, and of course, one-two stepping. This early in her career, she was already able to put on a masterclass of breath control, which wound up being her superpower for years to come.

If anyone is ever curious how Ciara got her title as the “Princess Of Crunk&B,” the impact of this one car scene from her “Oh” music video alone is enough to help anyone understand.

The clip sees young CiCi and her crew cruising through the city on a late night, where she links up with fellow Atlanta legend Ludacris. Things really get crazy the moment the “Promise” songbird unleashes her inner fire and slowly climbs up the red lowrider. Fitted tucked low and air forces crispy white, Ciara delivered a dance break so unforgettable from on top of the car that people are still referencing it 18 years later.

In the midst of So You Think You Can Dance season 2, producers knew they had to call up one of the best in the business to show the contestants how it’s done.

For her 2006 performance of “Get Up,” Ciara rocked a metallic bra and baggy pants, and used up every inch of the stage. This rendition in particular marked one of her most memorable televised dance breaks, showcasing her unquestionable ability to fully rock a crowd.

Instead of delivering the choreography from the song’s music video in a straightforward fashion, she did so while sliding across a slanted glass bridge. Many might find the task of crawling up a narrow platform while booty-popping to be pretty difficult, but it’s Ciara, so she and made it look easy.

This number saw Ciara fully tap into her sensual side, and also wound up representing a pivotal moment in her career that had her standing on business. Despite the intentional “less is more” approach — featuring her sporting a simple black fit and dancing alone in a studio — her erotic moves were so striking that they stirred up some controversy. 

OG Ciara fans will remember when the songstress claimed the “Ride” video was banned from being played on BET for being “too sexual.” Directed by Diane Martel, the solo routine boasted mesmerizing body rolls and thrusts, rightfully earning its spot at No. 14 on Rolling Stone’s Sexiest Music Videos of All Time list. The Ludacris-assisted release was one of the first times Ciara fully showcased her sensuality through dance, and it was well worth it.