A Triumphant Return to the Crip Walk

Serena Williams’ Super Bowl dance during Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was an unexpected event highlight. The tennis legend’s appearance alongside Lamar brought excitement and nostalgia to the performance. What’s more, her choice of dance moves stirred up memories of a controversial moment in her past.

The Olympic Controversy Revisited

Back in 2012, Williams performed the Crip Walk after defeating Maria Sharapova at the London Olympics. This celebration sparked outrage among critics, who called for severe penalties. However, Serena Williams’ Super Bowl dance served as a redemptive moment, allowing her to reclaim the move on her terms.

Behind the Scenes

Williams shared the story behind her Super Bowl appearancein a heartfelt Instagram post. She revealed that Lamar’s team reached out, referencing her Olympic dance. Consequently, Williams jumped at the chance to perform at such a prestigious event.

The Crip Walk holds deep cultural significance for Williams, who grew up in Compton, Los Angeles. Furthermore, her performance at the Super Bowl highlighted the intersection of sports, music, and Black culture. Serena Williams’ Super Bowl dance, therefore, became a powerful statement of identity and pride.

Excitement

Williams’ Instagram post also gave fans a glimpse into her preparation for the big moment. From getting glammed up to watching the game, she shared her journey. Additionally, she humorously mentioned the challenge of needing to use the restroom during Lamar’s set. After her performance, Williams expressed her joy and satisfaction with the experience. Despite her legendary status in tennis, she jokingly referred to it as her “15 seconds of fame. ” This self-deprecating humor endeared her even more to fans watching at home.

Connection to Lamar’s Music

Interestingly, Williams’ appearance wasn’t entirely unexpected for those familiar with Lamar’s music. In his 2024 track “Not Like Us,” Lamar mentioned Williams in a lyric. This connection added another layer of meaning to her Super Bowl appearance. It’s worth noting that this wasn’t Williams’ first public acknowledgment of Lamar’s music. At the 2024 ESPY Awards, which she hosted, Williams referenced “Not Like Us” in a joke about Drake. This history of support made her Super Bowl appearance even more fitting.

Representation

Serena Williams’ Super Bowl dance represented more than just a fun moment during the halftime show. It symbolized the breaking of barriers in traditionally white-dominated spaces. Williams continued her legacy of challenging norms by bringing her authentic self to the Super Bowl stage.