Paula Abdul - Straight Up (official Music Video) May 2026

The video begins with a famous tap dancing sequence before transitioning into high-energy dance-pop choreography.

The video was a critical triumph, dominating the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards by winning four categories: Best Dance Video (the first year this category existed) Best Choreography Best Editing Legacy and Career Impact Paula Abdul - Straight Up (Official Music Video)

The "Straight Up" video is noted for several key production elements: The video begins with a famous tap dancing

Movements were designed to be both "sharp and snappy" to match the upbeat tempo and easily replicable for a broad commercial audience. The Social Network ).

It was directed by David Fincher , who later became an acclaimed film director ( Fight Club , The Social Network ).