Janelle Monae gave an energetic performance of her single “Yoga” on Jimmy Kimmel last night that included back up dancers wearing black and white striped yoga pants paired with crop tops, and lest anyone take the use of yoga too literally, their outfits also included heels for a very au courant ath-leisure look. The song also includes an assist from Jidenna with back up by the Roots. Throughout the performance, everyone was active and on the move and even the back-up singers held mics and kept step with the routine.
Just like the official video, it’s awesome to see a song themed on a black woman commanding her own body’s movement especially given how much of popular culture is flooded with images of women of color playing the role of a hyper sexual dancer whose moves are dictated by males. Twerking is a beautiful thing no doubt but there are many other forms of dance women enjoy! Interestingly, it seems Monae swapped out use of the word “areola,” which, if it’s related to censorship, adds a dollop of irony to the performance given that the original lyrics, “Get off my areola,” reference Monae’s right to own her own body and space.
“Yoga” is part of an upcoming Monae EP called The Eephus, which will lost this summer under her newly launched Wondaland label, which is associated with Epic Records.
