A still from the video for "Running Up That Hill" by Kate Bush
If you’ve ever wanted to perform a five-minute interpretive dance recital, tackle someone you care about to the ground, or get lost in a crowd of aimless walkers all wearing your outfit and a mask of your dance partner’s face, this music video is for you…
On a more sincere note, the 1985 video for “Running Up That Hill” truly showcases Kate Bush’s talents as a dancer, as well as her commitment to incorporating movement into her music as a form of self-expression.
While some singers disappeared under shoulder pads, in front of elaborate sets or behind the moves of “backup dancers,” Bush took center stage in her videos and put herself out there. Dramatically.
Opting out of leggings and off-the-shoulder dancewear, she instead chose traditional Japanese clothing in lavender for this intense music video.
Choreographed by Dianne Grey, the routine features dancer Michael Hervieu and a series of moves that look spontaneous enough to be improvised, yet had they truly been improvised, someone would’ve ended up dead.
Enjoy, and Happy Friday.
I didn't think it was possible to like this song MORE. That video was amazing! When the drum-roll transition happened, the segments of them dancing together alone became a played-backwards "remember when" sequence!
I do appreciate the minimal clothing against the dramatic movements. Let the dance speak for itself 🙂 How come I haven't seen at least the arms pumping in the air move at the clubs? Not going to the hardcore places, I guess.
Thanks for this, Kate!
Beautiful song and video.
Wow–has it been 30 years since this video? Time sure flies. Today’s music (or what passes for music these days) dosen’t have anything on this.
Beautiful passionate video!