Ciara Announces ‘Dance Icon’ Competition, Encourages Competitors to ‘Always Go For It’ (Exclusive)

Ciara is looking for the next dancing icon.

The “Level Up” singer, 39, has launched “Dance Icon” — in partnership with Colossal — an online, dancing fundraiser competition where people can vote to give an unknown dancer their big break. The winner will get to appear in Ciara’s newest music video and take home $20,000.

“I identify with the power of dance and how it inspires others. I thought ‘Dance Icon’ would be such a fun way to engage with the world of dancers out there,” Ciara shared in an exclusive statement to Us Weekly on Monday, December 9. “I know firsthand that really amazing things happen when the dance community unites, and I’m looking forward to realizing the impact we’re capable of when we come together.”

Ciara’s resume proves she’s the perfect choice to lead the competition. She released her hit single “Goodies” and album of the same in 2004, which became her first No. 1 single and topped Billboard’s Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks. In 2006, she won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video for Missy Elliot‘s “Lose Control,” which she was featured on. Most recently, Ciara released “Wassup” with Busta Rhymes in September and a 20th anniversary vinyl of the album Goodies.

However, in addition to her accomplishments vocally, the “1,2 Step” singer is also known for her killer dance moves: she’s won three Soul Train Awards in the Best Dance Performance category in 2010, 2013 and 2018.

“Dancing allows me to express my truest creative self,” Ciara told Us on Monday. “I love dancing to upbeat tempos, but ultimately it’s the music that inspires how I move. Whether fast or slow — whenever I start to dance, I feel something special happening and that something allows me to be fully free in the music.”

Dance Icon will benefit the Why Not You Foundation, Ciara and her husband, Russell Wilson’s nonprofit that supports student access to equal education opportunities, children’s health and food security initiatives.

Voting begins on Monday, February 3, and ends on Friday, April 18, 2025. All voters earn one free vote every 24 hours; additional votes can be purchased and proceeds go to the Why Not You Foundation. Dancers with the most votes are narrowed down weekly and the final eight dancers will head to Scottsdale, Arizona, for a live, dance-off competition, and perform in person for Ciara and Jamaica Craft, her longtime choreographer.

“You never know what ‘your moment’ could be, so please, always go for it!” she told Us. “I want to find the perfect spot in my music video to create a forever moment for the dancer who wins. Trust that even when the tiniest door opens for you, that it could lead you into your next era.”

Registration for Dance Icon is now open for dancers nationwide aged 13+.