Paula Abdul Pokes Fun At Modern Dance Culture
Choreographer shares hilarious observation about how dance counting has evolved over time.
Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.
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In a lighthearted post that’s resonating with dance professionals and fans alike, Paula Abdul has collaborated with The Williams Fam and shared an amusing observation about the changing nature of dance instruction. The Grammy-winning pop star and celebrated choreographer took to Instagram to point out how modern dance has evolved beyond the traditional counting method that has been a staple in dance studios for decades.
The Evolution Of Dance Counts
In the Instagram post, the caption reads: “Gone are the days where dancers use 5 6 7 8 for counts…now it’s all sound effects 🤣”. The post features a video that appears to demonstrate this shift, showing how contemporary dance instruction has moved away from numerical counts to more onomatopoeic directives.
The humorous observation from the dance icon highlights the contrast between traditional dance instruction methods and today’s more expressive, sound-based approach that has become increasingly common in dance studios and on social media.
Paula’s Dance Legacy
Few people are as qualified to comment on dance evolution as Paula Abdul. Beginning her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers, Abdul quickly rose to prominence as one of the NBA’s most recognized Laker Girls before transitioning to choreography and eventually pop stardom.
Abdul’s choreography credits include work with Janet Jackson, George Michael, and numerous other artists. Her innovative dance routines helped define the visual aesthetic of 1980s and 1990s music videos. Her credentials as a dancer and choreographer made her an ideal judge on shows like “The Masked Dancer” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” where her technical knowledge of performance was frequently on display.
The Cultural Shift In Dance Instruction
Abdul’s observation about dance counting methods reflects a broader trend in how dance is taught and shared in the social media age. Traditional dance instruction, which relied heavily on numerical counting (“5, 6, 7, 8”) to establish rhythm and timing, has increasingly incorporated vocal sound effects that mimic the music or movement quality.
This shift aligns with the rise of TikTok and Instagram as platforms for dance choreography sharing, where creators often use sounds, words, and vocal cues rather than traditional counts to teach routines. The trend has made choreography more accessible to casual dancers but represents a significant departure from classical training methods.
A Continued Influence
At 61, Paula Abdul continues to influence dance culture, bringing her decades of expertise to new generations of performers. Her humorous take on the evolution of dance instruction shows she remains tuned in to contemporary trends while maintaining perspective informed by her extensive career.
As dance continues to evolve in the digital age, Abdul’s voice remains relevant—whether she’s counting “5, 6, 7, 8” or embracing the new era of sound effects.
Trivia
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