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Backup dancer

A backup dancer is a performer who dances with or behind the lead performers in a live musical act. Their movements (especially where there are many moving together) provide a visual symmetry and rhythm to accompany the music.

Some notable artists began their music careers as backup dancers for other artists, including:

• Tupac Shakur (for the Digital Underground)
• Jennifer Lopez (for the New Kids on the Block and Janet Jackson's 1993 video "That's the Way Love Goes")
• Cris Judd (for ex-wife Jennifer Lopez' 2001 video "Love Don't Cost a Thing")
• Rain (for Park Jin-Young and Park Ji-Yoon)