Jam On: Music’s Best Dancers Since Michael Jackson

Five years after MJ's death, his performance legacy lives.

Beyoncé - If Michael Jackson was the King of Pop, then Beyoncé is arguably the Queen. Dancing has always been a major component of Queen Bey’s career since her Destiny’s Child days. While Bey wrote a tribute to MJ on the third anniversary of his death, recalling how he influenced her as a vocalist, DC’s hit song "Bootylicious" became synonymous with MJ tributes as the trio donned MJ's signature fedora and matching single-handed glove with each performance. In addition to the nods to iconic MJ fashions, Bey, Kelly and Michelle had the MJ-like choreography down pat as well. They showcased his one-of-a-kind moves in 2001 on the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special.(Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Coachella)
Ciara - When Ciara stepped on the scene with her debut video for "Goodies," it was obvious that she was a fan of the Jackson household. She gave Janet Jackson-meets-Aaliyah vibes, both of whom were inspired by MJ, with her pelvis-thrusting moves. Ci Ci showed that, besides her singing abilities, her dancing skills would be her ticket to fame, as her flexibility and agility captivates audiences.(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images for BET)
Omarion - Not only does Omarion have a set a pipes to make the ladies swoon, but his dance skills are just as solid. Dancing since the age of five, his days bump-bump-bumpin' with B2K solidified his place as a double threat. But one of his most notable dance performances came with his solo hit "Touch." The music video featured the acrobatic dancer pulling moves straight out of MJ’s catalogue. The now-MMG affiliate took his career as a dancer even further with an appearance in You Got Served.(Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)
Usher - The list would not be complete without Usher. With the release of his second album, My Way, came a series of hit singles with accompanying videos highlighting Usher's talent as a dancer. He immediately was called the "next Michael Jackson" thanks to his ability to mirror many of MJ's memorable moves –– not to mention his vocals. "I studied his moves, studied them down to a T," Usher told MTV in 2009, following Jackson’s death. Prior to that, he shared the stage with the King of Pop in 2001 for a dance-off on the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special. Usher has said that without MJ, there would be no him, and that's not hard to believe.(Photo: Christie Goodwin/Redferns via Getty Images)Aaliyah - It was as if her sultry and mature vocals came secondary to her dance skills. With the help of famed choreographer Fatima Robinson, Aaliyah kept even the most skilled dancers on their toes. She continuously incorporated rigorous dance routines into her music videos and had the world trying to impersonate her moves in "Are You That Somebody?," "More Than a Woman" and the final video she appeared in before her death, "Rock the Boat."(Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/ImageDirect)

Next Gallery

12 Powerful Quotes from Black Women Athletes to Inspire Greatness

12 Photos

5 / 13

Ciara - When Ciara stepped on the scene with her debut video for "Goodies," it was obvious that she was a fan of the Jackson household. She gave Janet Jackson-meets-Aaliyah vibes, both of whom were inspired by MJ, with her pelvis-thrusting moves. Ci Ci showed that, besides her singing abilities, her dancing skills would be her ticket to fame, as her flexibility and agility captivates audiences.(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images for BET)

ADVERTISEMENT