Paula Abdul - Straight Up (official Music Video) • Top & Pro

Abdul’s background as a Laker Girl and choreographer for artists like heavily influenced the video's focus on technical skill:

Analysts often highlight how the "hard, physical" aspect of the choreography emphasized the song’s new jack swing and pop-rock influences. Awards and Critical Reception Paula Abdul - Straight Up (Official Music Video)

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 Abdul’s background as a Laker Girl and choreographer

It was directed by David Fincher , who later became an acclaimed film director ( Fight Club , The Social Network ). It proved that high-quality visual style and dance

Before the video, "Straight Up" was already rising on the charts, but the visual component is credited with cementing Abdul’s stardom. It proved that high-quality visual style and dance capability could propel an artist to the top of the industry, even when critics were skeptical of their vocal range. The video remains a definitive example of the "MTV Generation" aesthetic. Paula Abdul: Straight Up (Video 1989) - IMDb

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