Dance for You
Encyclopedia
"Dance for You" is a song recorded by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles
for the deluxe edition her fourth studio album, 4
(2011), which is sold exclusively at Target Corporation
, in the United States. It was written by Knowles, Terius "The-Dream" Nash
and Christopher "Tricky" Stewart while production was handled by the former two. "Dance for You" is a midtempo
R&B
song, in which Knowles adopts sensual vocals. It is instrmantally complete with echoing drum
patterns and clapping
synthesizer
s, among others. In "Dance for You", Knowles, as the female protagonist, speaks of the love she has for her man and about all the things she will do to show him her appreciation.
"Dance for You" was well received by contemporary music critics, who noted its aural resemblance to songs by Prince as well as Janet Jackson
, and praised the song's production as well as Knowles' vocals. Following the release of 4, "Dance for You" charted at number 200 on the South Korean International Singles Chart
. An accompanying music video for the song was directed by Knowles and it debuted on November 25, 2010. The clip was also placed on Live at Roseland: Elements of 4
. Inspired by the 1940′s film noir
, the video is shot in black-and-white and captures Knowles dancing and flipping her hair in a detective's office to seduce him. Critics wrote that the video contains Knowles' trademark moves, called her a femme fatale
, and commented that its concept effectively matched the track's lyrics.
"Dance for You" was written by Knowles, Terius "The-Dream" Nash
and Christopher "Tricky" Stewart while production was handled by the former two. It was made available on the deluxe edition of 4, which is sold exclusively at Target Corporation
, in the United States. The deluxe edition consists of an additional two deluxe only tracks, "Schoolin' Life" and "Lay Up Under Me" and three remixes of the album's lead single
, "Run the World (Girls)
" (2011). "Dance for You" is a midtempo
R&B
song with a sensual vibe. It consists of gasps and groans, such as "yes" and "aye's" in the background. In the song, Knowles sexifies her vocals and she sings over echoing drum
patterns, church organs, clapping
synthesizer
s, and a bluesy guitar
. "Dance for You" bears resemblance to Prince's work as well as Janet Jackson
's work. Thematically, "Dance for You" is similar to Destiny's Child
's "Cater 2 U
"; it is about showing appreciation and gratitude.
In "Dance for You", Knowles, as the female protagonist, speaks of the love she has for her man and how down she is for him. Jocelyn Vena of MTV News
wrote that the song is "about keeping things hot with her man." Echoing Vena's sentiments, Marc Hogan of Spin
magazine added that the lyrics of "Dance for You" detail a "triumphantly monogamous relationship". In the first verse
, Knowles sings about how understanding, loyal, and patient her man is. She further states that she totally cares about his heart, has a lot of valuable things to say, and that for all these reasons and more, she is going to dance for him.
In the chorus lines
, she states all the things she will do to show her lover her appreciation, "Tonight I'm gonna dance for you / Tonight I'm gonna dance for you / Tonight I'm gonna put my body on your body / Boy, I like it when you watch me / Tonight it's going down." In the second verse, she sings: "You'll never need two, because I will be your number one / Them other chicks are superficial / But I know you know I'm the one / That's why I'm all into you/
Cuz I can recognize that you know that / That's why I’m backin' this thing back / Pop poppin' this thing back [...]".
's staff members commented that "Dance for You" is a "dangerously slick slow-jam". Similarly, Carrie Batta of Pitchfork Media
commented that the song is an "impeccable slow jam". Describing the song as "saucy", Pip Ellwood of Entertainment Focus wrote that "Dance for You" is the best of the three deluxe tracks and compared Knowles' to Janet Jackson on the sensual number. Natalie Finn of E! Online described the song as a "come-hither love letter to the man in her life, set to a sultry beat." By contrast, Joshua Glossner of The Daily Collegian found the song to be too lengthy, adding, "Well I hope she hurries up and shows him how much she loves him before the eternity-long track is done." He also added that "Dance For You" immediately reminded him of Ciara's "Promise
". Marc Hogan of Spin magazine fount "Dance for You" to be a "a sort of strip-club jam set, as with the rest of the album". He commended that instrumentation used and added that the song would not be out of place on a track by The Weeknd
. However, he concluded that "[...] it's not exactly worth plunking down another 32 bucks for."
in the music video. She said that she wanted the video to have the same rawness that both the melody and the lyrics of the song have because "Dance for You" is one of her most intimate songs.
Jocelyn Vena of MTV News
commented that the clip has "a film noir vibe." Similarly, Erika Ramirez of Billboard
magazine wrote that the video was "[19]40's film noir-inspired." The Improper Bostonian
additionally noted that the setting looks like a Humphrey Bogart
movie, further calling it "a clear take-off" on mid-20th Century film noir
, due to its utilization of sharp camera angles and deep shadows. Although initially planned to debut on November 27, 2011, the release of the video was changed to November 25, 2011 on E! Online. However, it premiered online before its official release on that website. "Dance For You" is the seventh video debut from 4, and it was also placed on the track-listing of the deluxe edition of Live at Roseland
DVD (2011), which was released on November 29, 2011.
The man, who wears a fedora, a tie and suspenders, is now satanding, his arms crossed and looks on in delight as Knowles gives him a private dance. After several minutes of of teasing, Knowles approaches the now smiling detective and knocks a stack of papers off of his desk so she can rub against him. She pulls open the blinds to let a little light in. At the same time, several other girls are seen to be present in the room. They were apparently there the whole time, but they could not be seen because it was too dark. Together, they give a choreographed teaser dance in front of their own respective antique fans while their hair is blowing. The girls move about to continue the dance elsewhere in the room, shaking their rumps and whipping their hair back and forth. The video ends with a fade to black as Knowles approaches the man at his desk.
commented that Knowles in the video "channel[s] a 1920s-inspired look, while dancing seductively in a vintage, New York-styled office." Andrew Martin of Prefix Magazine wrote: "To anyone who finds Beyonce attractive or has ever wanted her to dance for them, we bring you her latest video. The visuals for 'Dance For You' are more or less a chance for her to show off why so many of you think her husband, Jay-Z, is the luckiest man alive." A writer of the website Idolator called Knowles a femme fatale
in the video. The writer further commented, "'Dance For You' doesn't compare to the spectacle of say, the 'Run The World (Girls)' clip, but it is effective. [...] It's a mostly private dance — until all those other ladies show up." Similarly, Sarah Anne Hughes of The Washington Post
commented that Knowles "goes full on femme fatale" and concluded that the concept of the video "is about as straightforward as can be." A writer of Vibe magazine noted that Knowles was "keeping things sexy" with the video for the song.
Leah Collins of Canadian magazine Dose
wrote, "For anyone who thinks the steamy classic film pairing of Bogey and Bacall could use a modern (or porno) update, noted pop star and film historian Beyonce delivers in this latest clip." Collins concluded, "It's all very sultry and intimate to a point -- that point being the moment she unveils a line-up of back-up dancers". Ben Kaye of the website Consequence of Sound
wrote, "[In the clip], we witness the always mesmerizing songstress seducing a private detective with a sultry version of the twisting and twerking she's famous for. Essentially, it's just what you'd expect from the track's lyrics, and that's in no way a bad thing." Derek Johnson of Long Island Press
commented that the video is "heating up the Internet and we're pretty sure we know why" referring to Knowles' figure. He further stated that "Beyonce takes us back to the days of black and white television and into the office of a lonely detective on a rainy day. We’ve all seen that show before, but not like this."
Michael O'Connell of The Hollywood Reporter
found Knowles' "trademark moves" in the video. Katie Hasty of the website HitFix
praised Knowles' look in the video but commented "If you're a hetero sexual lady detective, however, this is sort of boring." Contessa Gayles of The Boombox wrote that "Beyonce rocks the racy shoot in satin hot pants, garters and a slinky wrap dress" further describing her look and the set as "sexy." Matt Donnelly of Los Angeles Times described the video as "sultry" and further found a "a Jessica Rabbit
vibe." Donnelly also wrote, "The video carries the standard Bey DNA -- wind machines, plunging necklines and lots of hair. Not that we're complaining." Marc Hogan of Spin magazine noted that "The video follows pretty literally from the song's theme, with Mrs. Jay-Z grinding sensuously in a superfluous film-noir setting." Natalie Finn of E! Online compared the video with the one for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
adding that it "sticks with the power of black and white to set the mood, which in this case is a naughty film noir vibe." MTV Buzzwothy's Jenna Hally Rubenstein praised Knowles' look further describing it as "fierce".
, selling 3,142 digital downloads.
Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles , often known simply as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child...
for the deluxe edition her fourth studio album, 4
4 (Beyoncé Knowles album)
4 is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles, released through Columbia Records on June 24, 2011. Three weeks before its scheduled release, 4 leaked in full. The twelve-song set marks the first release by Knowles since separating professionally with father and manager,...
(2011), which is sold exclusively at Target Corporation
Target Corporation
Target Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
, in the United States. It was written by Knowles, Terius "The-Dream" Nash
The-Dream
Terius Youngdell Nash , better known by his stage name The-Dream, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He is known for co-writing "Umbrella" for Rihanna and "Single Ladies " for Beyoncé, as well as for his three solo albums, Love Hate, Love vs...
and Christopher "Tricky" Stewart while production was handled by the former two. "Dance for You" is a midtempo
Tempo
In musical terminology, tempo is the speed or pace of a given piece. Tempo is a crucial element of any musical composition, as it can affect the mood and difficulty of a piece.-Measuring tempo:...
R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
song, in which Knowles adopts sensual vocals. It is instrmantally complete with echoing drum
Drum
The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments, which is technically classified as the membranophones. Drums consist of at least one membrane, called a drumhead or drum skin, that is stretched over a shell and struck, either directly with the player's hands, or with a...
patterns and clapping
Clapping
A clap is the sound made by striking together two flat surfaces, as in the body parts of humans or animals. Humans clap with the palms of their hands, often in a constant drone to express appreciation or approval , but also in rhythm to match sounds in music and dance...
synthesizer
Synthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
s, among others. In "Dance for You", Knowles, as the female protagonist, speaks of the love she has for her man and about all the things she will do to show him her appreciation.
"Dance for You" was well received by contemporary music critics, who noted its aural resemblance to songs by Prince as well as Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American recording artist and actress. Known for a series of sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows, television and film roles, she has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 25 years...
, and praised the song's production as well as Knowles' vocals. Following the release of 4, "Dance for You" charted at number 200 on the South Korean International Singles Chart
Gaon Chart
The Gaon Chart is a national record chart of South Korea. It is complied by the Korea Music Content Industry Association and sponsored by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; with an aim to create a national chart for Korea similar to the Billboard charts and Oricon charts...
. An accompanying music video for the song was directed by Knowles and it debuted on November 25, 2010. The clip was also placed on Live at Roseland: Elements of 4
Live at Roseland: Elements of 4
Live at Roseland: Elements of 4 is a live DVD concert film by American R&B recording artist, Beyoncé Knowles. It was directed by Knowles, Ed Burke and Anthony Green, and was executively produced by Knowles. The DVD was filmed during her 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé concert, which was held at the...
. Inspired by the 1940′s film noir
Film noir
Film noir is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations. Hollywood's classic film noir period is generally regarded as extending from the early 1940s to the late 1950s...
, the video is shot in black-and-white and captures Knowles dancing and flipping her hair in a detective's office to seduce him. Critics wrote that the video contains Knowles' trademark moves, called her a femme fatale
Femme fatale
A femme fatale is a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers in bonds of irresistible desire, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations. She is an archetype of literature and art...
, and commented that its concept effectively matched the track's lyrics.
Background and composition
Dance for You' is about giving yourself fully to one person, it’s about being able to lose control with the person you’re meant for. Both the melody and the lyrics make it one of my most intimate songs, so I wanted the video to have the same rawness. I wanted the video to have a classic feel; to be seductive but still keep the sense of mystery. When I write, when I perform, and when I make music videos, I don’t hold anything back. Dance for you is about that same passion; to be free and unrestrained.—Beyoncé Knowles, on the composiiton of "Dance for You"
"Dance for You" was written by Knowles, Terius "The-Dream" Nash
The-Dream
Terius Youngdell Nash , better known by his stage name The-Dream, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He is known for co-writing "Umbrella" for Rihanna and "Single Ladies " for Beyoncé, as well as for his three solo albums, Love Hate, Love vs...
and Christopher "Tricky" Stewart while production was handled by the former two. It was made available on the deluxe edition of 4, which is sold exclusively at Target Corporation
Target Corporation
Target Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
, in the United States. The deluxe edition consists of an additional two deluxe only tracks, "Schoolin' Life" and "Lay Up Under Me" and three remixes of the album's lead single
Lead single
A lead single is usually the first single released by a musician or a band before the release of its home album.During the era of the grammophone record, all music arrived in the marketplace as what is now termed a single, one potential hit song backed by an additional song of generally less...
, "Run the World (Girls)
Run the World (Girls)
"Run the World " is a song performed by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles. It was written by Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Knowles, Nick "Afrojack" van de Wall, Wesley "Diplo" Pentz, David "Switch" Taylor, and Adidja Palmer and produced by Switch, The-Dream, Knowles and Shea Taylor...
" (2011). "Dance for You" is a midtempo
Tempo
In musical terminology, tempo is the speed or pace of a given piece. Tempo is a crucial element of any musical composition, as it can affect the mood and difficulty of a piece.-Measuring tempo:...
R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
song with a sensual vibe. It consists of gasps and groans, such as "yes" and "aye's" in the background. In the song, Knowles sexifies her vocals and she sings over echoing drum
Drum
The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments, which is technically classified as the membranophones. Drums consist of at least one membrane, called a drumhead or drum skin, that is stretched over a shell and struck, either directly with the player's hands, or with a...
patterns, church organs, clapping
Clapping
A clap is the sound made by striking together two flat surfaces, as in the body parts of humans or animals. Humans clap with the palms of their hands, often in a constant drone to express appreciation or approval , but also in rhythm to match sounds in music and dance...
synthesizer
Synthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
s, and a bluesy guitar
Blues guitar playing
Blues guitar playing is an instrumental technique which is used to accompany the singing of blues music. It often incorporates the use of a slide guitar technique.-History of the blues:...
. "Dance for You" bears resemblance to Prince's work as well as Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American recording artist and actress. Known for a series of sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows, television and film roles, she has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 25 years...
's work. Thematically, "Dance for You" is similar to Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child was an American R&B girl group whose final line-up comprised lead singer Beyoncé Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Formed in 1997 in Houston, Texas, Destiny's Child members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name Girl's Tyme...
's "Cater 2 U
Cater 2 U
"Cater 2 U" is a song by American recording trio Destiny's Child, taken from their fourth studio Destiny Fulfilled . It was written by band members Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, and Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Ricky "Ric Rude" Lewis and Robert Waller, with Knowles, Rude and...
"; it is about showing appreciation and gratitude.
In "Dance for You", Knowles, as the female protagonist, speaks of the love she has for her man and how down she is for him. Jocelyn Vena of MTV News
MTV News
MTV News is the news division of MTV, one of the first and most popular music television network in the U.S., as well as some of MTV's related channels around the world. MTV News began in the late 1980s with the program The Week In Rock, hosted by Kurt Loder, the first official MTV News correspondent...
wrote that the song is "about keeping things hot with her man." Echoing Vena's sentiments, Marc Hogan of Spin
Spin (magazine)
Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
magazine added that the lyrics of "Dance for You" detail a "triumphantly monogamous relationship". In the first verse
Song structure (popular music)
The structures or musical forms of songs in popular music are typically sectional, repeating forms, such as strophic form. Other common forms include thirty-two-bar form, verse-chorus form, and the twelve bar blues...
, Knowles sings about how understanding, loyal, and patient her man is. She further states that she totally cares about his heart, has a lot of valuable things to say, and that for all these reasons and more, she is going to dance for him.
In the chorus lines
Refrain
A refrain is the line or lines that are repeated in music or in verse; the "chorus" of a song...
, she states all the things she will do to show her lover her appreciation, "Tonight I'm gonna dance for you / Tonight I'm gonna dance for you / Tonight I'm gonna put my body on your body / Boy, I like it when you watch me / Tonight it's going down." In the second verse, she sings: "You'll never need two, because I will be your number one / Them other chicks are superficial / But I know you know I'm the one / That's why I'm all into you/
Cuz I can recognize that you know that / That's why I’m backin' this thing back / Pop poppin' this thing back [...]".
Critical reception
IdolatorIdolator (website)
Idolator is a music blog. Created by the blog network Gawker Media in August 2006, Idolator was later sold to rival blog network Buzz Media, which also owns music blog Stereogum. From the 2007 departure of original head writer Brian Raftery until November 2009, the blog's head writer was Maura...
's staff members commented that "Dance for You" is a "dangerously slick slow-jam". Similarly, Carrie Batta of Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
commented that the song is an "impeccable slow jam". Describing the song as "saucy", Pip Ellwood of Entertainment Focus wrote that "Dance for You" is the best of the three deluxe tracks and compared Knowles' to Janet Jackson on the sensual number. Natalie Finn of E! Online described the song as a "come-hither love letter to the man in her life, set to a sultry beat." By contrast, Joshua Glossner of The Daily Collegian found the song to be too lengthy, adding, "Well I hope she hurries up and shows him how much she loves him before the eternity-long track is done." He also added that "Dance For You" immediately reminded him of Ciara's "Promise
Promise (Ciara song)
"Promise" is a R&B song recorded by American singer-songwriter Ciara. Written by Ciara, Jasper Cameron, Jamal Jones, and Elvis Williams, it is the official lead single and second release in the North America from Ciara's second studio album, Ciara: The Evolution...
". Marc Hogan of Spin magazine fount "Dance for You" to be a "a sort of strip-club jam set, as with the rest of the album". He commended that instrumentation used and added that the song would not be out of place on a track by The Weeknd
The Weeknd
Abel Tesfaye , better known by his stage name The Weeknd is an Ethiopian Canadian singer. Songs recorded under The Weeknd name first leaked in late 2010, though the identity of the individual behind the project was initially unknown.The Weeknd released a nine-song mixtape, House of Balloons, on...
. However, he concluded that "[...] it's not exactly worth plunking down another 32 bucks for."
Background and concept
An accompanying music video for "Dance for You" was co-directed by Knowles and Alan Ferguson. It was filmed before Knowles growing baby bump started showing. Two previews of the video were posted online on November 21, 2011. In the first preview, Knowles wears pants, garters and a wrap dress as she performs a sexy dance routine on a desk while a man watches her dance. In the second preview, she wears the same outfit and dances seductively in front of a chair in an office as the camera cuts to the man who is watching her. Knowles channels screen siren Marlene DietrichMarlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich was a German-American actress and singer.Dietrich remained popular throughout her long career by continually re-inventing herself, professionally and characteristically. In the Berlin of the 1920s, she acted on the stage and in silent films...
in the music video. She said that she wanted the video to have the same rawness that both the melody and the lyrics of the song have because "Dance for You" is one of her most intimate songs.
Jocelyn Vena of MTV News
MTV News
MTV News is the news division of MTV, one of the first and most popular music television network in the U.S., as well as some of MTV's related channels around the world. MTV News began in the late 1980s with the program The Week In Rock, hosted by Kurt Loder, the first official MTV News correspondent...
commented that the clip has "a film noir vibe." Similarly, Erika Ramirez of Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
magazine wrote that the video was "[19]40's film noir-inspired." The Improper Bostonian
The Improper Bostonian
The Improper Bostonian is a glossy lifestyle guide for the city of Boston. The magazine comes out bi-weekly and reports on the area trends in a young and entertaining way.The magazine is a staple of the city, being free to people inside the city, and $14.95 a year for people who live outside Boston...
additionally noted that the setting looks like a Humphrey Bogart
Humphrey Bogart
Humphrey DeForest Bogart was an American actor. He is widely regarded as a cultural icon.The American Film Institute ranked Bogart as the greatest male star in the history of American cinema....
movie, further calling it "a clear take-off" on mid-20th Century film noir
Film noir
Film noir is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations. Hollywood's classic film noir period is generally regarded as extending from the early 1940s to the late 1950s...
, due to its utilization of sharp camera angles and deep shadows. Although initially planned to debut on November 27, 2011, the release of the video was changed to November 25, 2011 on E! Online. However, it premiered online before its official release on that website. "Dance For You" is the seventh video debut from 4, and it was also placed on the track-listing of the deluxe edition of Live at Roseland
Live at Roseland: Elements of 4
Live at Roseland: Elements of 4 is a live DVD concert film by American R&B recording artist, Beyoncé Knowles. It was directed by Knowles, Ed Burke and Anthony Green, and was executively produced by Knowles. The DVD was filmed during her 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé concert, which was held at the...
DVD (2011), which was released on November 29, 2011.
Synopsis
The video is shot in black-and-white and is set in a dimly lit, smoky detective's office, where Knowles puts on a private show for him. As the clip begins, the detective is seemingly gazing out the window. Knowles then arrives and stands in an open doorway while the rain pours outside. With wavy hair and winged eyeliner, Knowles is dressed in a thigh-length leather trench coat and high stockings. After walking inside the office, she immediately strips off her coat. She is now in a satin dress over black panties and thigh-high pantyhose held up by garters. When the music starts, Knowles sits on a desk and plays with her hair with her back facing the face of the detective. The latter leans against his desk while watching Knowles who starts to dance sensually on the desk and flips her hair to seduce him. As Knowles dances around the armchair, she exposes her vintage-style underwear.The man, who wears a fedora, a tie and suspenders, is now satanding, his arms crossed and looks on in delight as Knowles gives him a private dance. After several minutes of of teasing, Knowles approaches the now smiling detective and knocks a stack of papers off of his desk so she can rub against him. She pulls open the blinds to let a little light in. At the same time, several other girls are seen to be present in the room. They were apparently there the whole time, but they could not be seen because it was too dark. Together, they give a choreographed teaser dance in front of their own respective antique fans while their hair is blowing. The girls move about to continue the dance elsewhere in the room, shaking their rumps and whipping their hair back and forth. The video ends with a fade to black as Knowles approaches the man at his desk.
Reception
Erika Ramirez of Billboard magazine commented that the video was "sexy" and that "Beyoncé pops it back for a mysterious detective." Lewis Corner of the website Digital SpyDigital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
commented that Knowles in the video "channel[s] a 1920s-inspired look, while dancing seductively in a vintage, New York-styled office." Andrew Martin of Prefix Magazine wrote: "To anyone who finds Beyonce attractive or has ever wanted her to dance for them, we bring you her latest video. The visuals for 'Dance For You' are more or less a chance for her to show off why so many of you think her husband, Jay-Z, is the luckiest man alive." A writer of the website Idolator called Knowles a femme fatale
Femme fatale
A femme fatale is a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers in bonds of irresistible desire, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations. She is an archetype of literature and art...
in the video. The writer further commented, "'Dance For You' doesn't compare to the spectacle of say, the 'Run The World (Girls)' clip, but it is effective. [...] It's a mostly private dance — until all those other ladies show up." Similarly, Sarah Anne Hughes of The Washington Post
The Washington Post
The Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
commented that Knowles "goes full on femme fatale" and concluded that the concept of the video "is about as straightforward as can be." A writer of Vibe magazine noted that Knowles was "keeping things sexy" with the video for the song.
Leah Collins of Canadian magazine Dose
Dose (magazine)
Dose is a daily Canadian news website and former daily print magazine.Dose was a mixture of standalone features and coverage of daily news, sometimes from an irreverent perspective...
wrote, "For anyone who thinks the steamy classic film pairing of Bogey and Bacall could use a modern (or porno) update, noted pop star and film historian Beyonce delivers in this latest clip." Collins concluded, "It's all very sultry and intimate to a point -- that point being the moment she unveils a line-up of back-up dancers". Ben Kaye of the website Consequence of Sound
Consequence of Sound
Consequence of Sound, also known often as CoS, is a Chicago-based music website featuring news, album and concert reviews, and editorials. In addition, the website also features the Festival Outlook micro-site, which serves as an on-line database for music festival news and rumors...
wrote, "[In the clip], we witness the always mesmerizing songstress seducing a private detective with a sultry version of the twisting and twerking she's famous for. Essentially, it's just what you'd expect from the track's lyrics, and that's in no way a bad thing." Derek Johnson of Long Island Press
Long Island Press
The Long Island Press is a free newsweekly serving Long Island with extensive coverage of arts and entertainment, sports, and alternative political viewpoints. The newspaper started in 2003 after its parent company, Morey Publishing, bought The Long Island Ear, which was a free bi-monthly...
commented that the video is "heating up the Internet and we're pretty sure we know why" referring to Knowles' figure. He further stated that "Beyonce takes us back to the days of black and white television and into the office of a lonely detective on a rainy day. We’ve all seen that show before, but not like this."
Michael O'Connell of The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter
Formerly a daily trade magazine, The Hollywood Reporter re-launched in late 2010 as a unique hybrid publication serving the entertainment industry and a consumer audience...
found Knowles' "trademark moves" in the video. Katie Hasty of the website HitFix
HitFix
HitFix, or the HitFix.com is an entertainment news website that launched in December 2008 specializing in breaking entertainment news, insider information and providing reviews and critiques of film, music and television...
praised Knowles' look in the video but commented "If you're a hetero sexual lady detective, however, this is sort of boring." Contessa Gayles of The Boombox wrote that "Beyonce rocks the racy shoot in satin hot pants, garters and a slinky wrap dress" further describing her look and the set as "sexy." Matt Donnelly of Los Angeles Times described the video as "sultry" and further found a "a Jessica Rabbit
Jessica Rabbit
Jessica Rabbit is a fictional character from the Roger Rabbit film-and-novel franchise.Jessica Rabbit may also refer to:* Jessica Rabbit vibrator, a sex toy* Melyssa Ford , Canadian model-See also:...
vibe." Donnelly also wrote, "The video carries the standard Bey DNA -- wind machines, plunging necklines and lots of hair. Not that we're complaining." Marc Hogan of Spin magazine noted that "The video follows pretty literally from the song's theme, with Mrs. Jay-Z grinding sensuously in a superfluous film-noir setting." Natalie Finn of E! Online compared the video with the one for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
"Single Ladies " is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles from her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce. It was released by Columbia Records on October 12, 2008 as the album's lead single, and appeared with "If I Were a Boy" as a double A-side single, demonstrating the...
adding that it "sticks with the power of black and white to set the mood, which in this case is a naughty film noir vibe." MTV Buzzwothy's Jenna Hally Rubenstein praised Knowles' look further describing it as "fierce".
Chart performance
For the week ending July 2, 2011, "Dance for You" debuted at number 200 on the South Korean International Singles ChartGaon Chart
The Gaon Chart is a national record chart of South Korea. It is complied by the Korea Music Content Industry Association and sponsored by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; with an aim to create a national chart for Korea similar to the Billboard charts and Oricon charts...
, selling 3,142 digital downloads.
| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| South Korea Gaon International Chart Gaon Chart The Gaon Chart is a national record chart of South Korea. It is complied by the Korea Music Content Industry Association and sponsored by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; with an aim to create a national chart for Korea similar to the Billboard charts and Oricon charts... |
200 |
External links
- Official music video at YouTubeYouTubeYouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
- Beyoncé Knowles' Official Website