The opening sequence is an intertextual reference to 'Flashdance.' The video takes the form of a song and dance routine, a typical sequence of a musical yet draws heavily from Flashdance. The intertextual reference is so blatent it is purposely making it clear that it is using intertextuality.
The judges look a lot older than Geri, they appear very formal and stiff. After 30 seconds, the diegetic sounds create a sense of expectation or anticipation. The fragmented body shots create an enigma.
The panel of judges appear to be looking at Geri in a voyeuristic manner, providing the impression that they have a low expectation of her dancing ability before she has even started.
The judges' mode of address is very formal which has the effect of authority and builds tension further. Their body language is completely closed which appears to be very intimidating.As the music begins to play within the video, the camera begins to move. It begins with a between the legs shot of the judges. The camera movement becomes motivated by the music; this becomes more and more relevant as the video progresses and the music really picks up. The audience now see an over-the-shoulder shot behind the judges of Geri. She becomes objectified through the shots emphasising her attractiveness.
As we hear the lyric 'rising' the camera tilts upwards connecting the camera movement to the visuals. The audience within the video begins to build giving her 'star status' within the narrative. The video then cuts away to extracts from the film 'Bridget Jones' Diary' as it contains synergy with the soundtrack.
The audience within the video enter the room that Geri is dancing (as they were previously admiring her from a doorway afar). They pile into the room in an energetic and excited manor which almost seems reminiscent of a carnival, the viewer now has their suspicions confirmed that it is in fact a dance school.
The costumes are all very bright and clashing, yet Geri is always foregrounded. The attention-seeking outfits of the other characters in the video does not draw the majority of attention from Geri herself. She is typically centre frame and close up. There is a clear juxtaposition between Geri's knickers and a cut to a clip from Bridget Jones of her knickers, trying to connect the two as much as possible.
The video shows a clear patriachal order (the judges being at the very top) and the boundaries are evidently broken with the extravagant dance routine yet are well received. This shows a huge contrast and transformation from the initial gawky girl who began dancing at the start of the video.
The reference to the film 'Fame' now begins with a clear close-up with a soft focus. The effect wind has upon the shot in unison with the low angle shot makes her seem incredibly powerful and dominant. The viewer now sees her boxing, kickboxing, taking part in aerobics and practicing ballet which is all aspects of a school such as the one in 'Fame'- a New York high school that specialises in dance and the performing arts.
Geri shows signs of being almost a Pied Piper character amongst the other students as she leads them outside. She is now wearing a leather jacket, leather being symbolic of rebellion. We now see a remake of the song 'Dancing in the Street', arguably the most famous song within 'Fame'. She is air punching and very enthusiastic, looking as though she is really enjoying herself. An aerial shot shows us that there are always onlookers throughout this routine yet she seems unphased. Her t-shirt has the word 'Famous' on written in the memorable Fame typeface.
The lyrics now read 'I feel stormy weather moving in' which becomes a literal interpretation, using green screen methods to create a storm behind her. She now wears a crop top emphasising her trim and petite figure as she gyrates in slow motion in time to the music.
To finish the video she kisses to the camera acknowledging the position of the audience.
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