Kimiko Versatile defends raunchy video - Says it was only to win top prize in Ishawna’s challenge

Popular dancer and choreographer Kimiko Versatile's latest video created social-media thunder when it hit Instagram earlier this week.

In the video, a skimpily clad Kimiko is seen performing erotic dance moves on a man to Ishawna's single Want It in a bedroom, which, according to the dancer, was her way of embodying the energy and lyrics of the song.

She stressed that it was done specifically for the entertainer's 'Want It Challenge', which offers a $100,000 top prize.

Kimiko, who is one of Ishawna's choreographers, said, "The mood of the song is very sensual and sexual ..., so I knew I had to go out of the box."

Later in the video, the male, clearly aroused, has an erection, which has elicited a strong reaction from some persons on social media.

Several social-media users have also said that the video was not creative and have even stated that Kimiko cannot dance.

"It depends on what perspective the viewer takes, but to say I can't dance is not a fair critique because while it is out of character, if the same persons were to look at all my work, they would see I am a great dancer and choreographer," she said. "It was not me being provocative or promoting the selling of sex. I am very creative, whether it involves me being sexy or in an abstract way, and to bring off that horny effect, I thought it would be a great, though extreme, measure to take to win the competition to gain $100,000 easily."

Her video received more than 50,000 views in less than two hours after Ishawna shared it, but Instagram has since removed the post as it has been deemed inappropriate for the platform.

A slightly disappointed Kimiko says she has an idea who reported the video but also complained that her work, which usually sets positive examples for women and youth, hardly gets attention.

She said, "When I put up valuable work with great concepts that show woman power through dance, like my Fresh and Clean video that demonstrated me baptising myself and coming out a stronger, renewed being, it never got the same reaction. But as soon as I posted a video shaking my ass and wining on a man who gets an erection, it gets so many views. It goes to show how social media is hypocritical. It is the most views I ever got in the matter of hours."

Kimiko does not regret her risque video entry, especially because for her, it is part of her work.

"This is how I earn my money - through blood, sweat, tears and hard work in dance. I have sustained injuries through dance but still do it. I just saw it as a quick way to make money, and the plan was to win without being mediocre," she said.