Top 10 Hardest Britney Spears Dance Routines to Pull Off
#10: “...Baby One More Time” “16th MTV Video Music Awards” (1999)
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Everything about this performance’s pure ‘90s nostalgia, down to the appearance from NSYNC. But we’re not here to talk about them. After a totally epic entrance, Britney gets straight down to business with a mind-blowing showcase to her debut hit. She commands the stage with this high-energy number, complete with her signature staccato moves and high kicks. Even when she’s just posing, she has the power to captivate her audience in a way that not many can achieve. This performance alone determined how Britney garnered her reputation as the Queen of the VMAs. And to think the best was yet to come.
#9: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction / Oops!...I Did It Again” “17th MTV Video Music Awards” (2000)
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Britney returned to the VMAs the following year, and “Oops! [She] Did It Again.” Another mesmerizing performance. As much as we adore this routine, we could probably only keep up with her as she strolls down the stairs before we’d be lost entirely — or at least about three steps behind. Britney wastes no time jumping straight into the choreography, hitting every beat with popping, body rolling, or bending down just to come straight back up again at the speed of light. The routine is so dynamic that our eyes are exhausted just trying to follow it all. So, we’ll probably keep working on nailing that famous choreography from the music video instead.
#8: “The Hook Up” “Onyx Hotel Tour” (2004)
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“The Hook Up” was a little different from what audiences had come to expect from the Princess of Pop. But the reggae-influenced number gave Spears the freedom to mix things up on stage as well. Dressed in a more earthy style and dancing barefoot, the complex and magnetic choreography really highlighted her versatility as a performer. It would be hard enough to keep up with the frequent tempo changes, but that hypnotic dance break would leave us stumped. Britney makes even the most intricate moves look effortless, which is a testament to her talent. We’d happily watch this one on repeat. It’s underrated but truly breathtaking.
#7: “Megamix” “23rd Billboard Music Awards” (2016)
After taking a lengthy hiatus, Britney slayed this medley so hard that it was almost like no time had passed. It’s an ambitious, nearly eight-minute sequence that fills virtually every inch of the stage with impressive and agile steps. There’s her signature backbend, a backflip, and she even rocks out on a giant guitar. Much to our excitement, she also throws back to the iconic “Slave 4 U” choreography. But, the moves during songs like “Womanizer” and “Toxic” leave us gasping for breath. They require so much stamina and core strength that even the fittest person might struggle to keep pace. It was unforgettable. And that’s how you make a comeback.
#6: “What It's Like To Be Me” “Dream Within a Dream Tour” (2001-02)
We might not know what it’s like to be Britney, but we do know that we’d need high levels of athleticism, energy, and endurance to perform one of her dances. This routine from the “Dream Within a Dream Tour” is the perfect example. As always, there’s very little breathing space between each animated step. Surrounded by backing dancers, Britney sings the classic tune while busting out hip-hop moves and the tightest hip isolations. Equally impressive is her transition into “Lonely,” where she dances with a projection of herself. Nailing the timing is no easy task, yet we’re left scooping our jaws up off the ground.
#5: “Boys / I’m a Slave 4 U” “Britney Spears: In the Zone” (2003)
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Remember when Britney told us she wasn't a girl, not yet a woman? Well, nothing proved that more than this routine that was equal parts sultry and playful. As soon as she steps out on stage, her feet are moving, her hips are gyrating, and she has us all entranced with this thrilling and extraordinary performance. There's a quick costume change into “I’m a Slave 4 U,” and somehow, the routine becomes even more fire. It's fast, hot, and would likely leave any of us with whiplash. Of course, the famous choreography makes an appearance too. But we all know that deserves a spot of its own on this list.
#4: “Toxic” “Britney Spears: In the Zone” (2003)
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Making a dramatic entrance, Britney teased something special was about to happen, and she most certainly delivered. You almost forget how fast “Toxic” is until Spears starts dancing. It’s sharp and sleek, and each move possesses a flawless fluidity and preciseness. If you thought the previous routine was hot, this one’s downright flaming. Spears isn’t here to play, and every step oozes sexuality, femininity, and power. Britney’s in complete control, whether she’s blindfolded, being whisked around on a platform, or leading the dance. And those hair whips are enough to leave us feeling disorientated. It’s by far one of her most action-packed and electrifying performances.
#3: “(I Got That) Boom Boom” “Total Request Live” (1998-2008; 2017-19)
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Let us set the scene: it's 2003, you're watching “TRL,” and the Ying Yang Twins have just introduced Britney. You wait with anticipation because you know something memorable’s about to go down. This unique performance stands out as it deviates from Britney’s typical pop-commercial style. It’s more like a sexy, street vibe that proves no style is beyond the Princess of Pop’s abilities. She approaches each step with such attack that even the smallest moves look mighty, which isn’t as easy as she makes it look. We’d probably be left a hot, sweaty mess if we tried to mirror the dance. But that’s precisely Britney’s charm: she can make anything look effortless.
#2: “I’m a Slave 4 U” “18th MTV Video Music Awards” (2001)
Any Britney fan has probably tried to replicate the iconic choreography from the “I’m a Slave 4 U” music video. But there’s no denying that nothing quite compares to her live performances — and we all know which one stands out the most. In 2001, Britney turned the VMAs stage into her jungle. Thriving off the audience, she gave the most dynamic performance of this famously high-energy and sophisticated routine. And then, they bring out the Python. If it were us, we’d probably be too focused on the massive snake on our shoulders to remember a single step, yet Spears remains unshaken and continues to perform. She even comes back for one final, epic dance sequence. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Break the Ice,” “Britney: Piece of Me” (2013-17) Britney Can Make Any Move Look Effortless “Circus” (2008) She’s Certainly the Ringmaster of This Complex Choreography “Stronger” (2000) Did You Know That the Chairography Was All Ms. Spears’s Idea? “(You Drive Me) Crazy” (1999) That Choreography Is Enough to Drive Anyone Crazy (In the Best Possible Way) “Overprotected (Darkchild Remix)” (2002) We’re Out of Breath Just Watching
#1: “Me Against the Music” (2003)
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Choreographed by Kevin Tancharoen, this music video plays with a power dynamic between two generations of pop icons. While it’s one of the best collabs of the ‘00s, there’s no argument that Britney steals the spotlight. She confidently leads the ensemble in this vigorous dance that’s arguably one of her most challenging routines to date. The choreography shows Britney at her best, combining several dance styles to a tempo that would leave the rest of us with motion sickness. Nevertheless, she gives a fierce performance. This was Britney at her peak. While trying to copy the dance would leave us exhausted, we could never tire of watching it in amazement.
