Step back in time to the vibrant and energetic era of the 1980s, a decade that revolutionized dance culture with its unique and iconic moves. The 80's dance steps are not just a collection of movements; they are a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire and entertain. From the neon-lit dance floors of the era to the modern dance studios, the influence of 80's dance steps is undeniable. This post will take you on a journey through the most iconic 80's dance steps, their origins, and how you can master them today.
The Birth of 80’s Dance Steps
The 1980s was a decade of significant cultural shifts, and dance was no exception. The era saw the rise of various dance styles that blended elements from different genres, creating a unique and dynamic dance culture. The 80’s dance steps were heavily influenced by:
- Breakdancing: Originating from the Bronx in the 1970s, breakdancing gained mainstream popularity in the 80s. It featured acrobatic moves, spins, and freezes that became staples in 80’s dance steps.
- Hip-Hop: The emergence of hip-hop music brought with it a new wave of dance styles, including popping, locking, and the robot. These moves emphasized sharp, robotic movements and intricate footwork.
- Disco: Although disco had its heyday in the 70s, its influence lingered into the 80s. Disco-inspired moves like the hustle and the bus stop were still popular on dance floors.
- Funk: Funk music, with its heavy basslines and rhythmic beats, inspired dance styles like the moonwalk and the cabbage patch. These moves were characterized by their fluidity and groove.
Iconic 80’s Dance Steps
Let’s dive into some of the most iconic 80’s dance steps that defined the decade. These moves are not just about the steps; they are about the attitude and the energy of the era.
The Moonwalk
The moonwalk is perhaps the most famous of all 80’s dance steps, popularized by the legendary Michael Jackson. This move involves the dancer appearing to glide backward while their feet move forward. The moonwalk is a combination of the front slide, toe stand, and the swivel. It requires a lot of practice to master the illusion of defying gravity.
The Cabbage Patch
The cabbage patch is a fun and energetic dance move that involves crossing your arms in front of your chest and then swinging them out to the sides while twisting your hips. This move was popularized by the song “Cabbage Patch” by The Cabbage Patch Kids and became a staple at parties and dance clubs.
The Robot
The robot is a dance move that mimics the jerky, mechanical movements of a robot. It involves freezing in various poses and then quickly moving to the next pose. The robot requires precise timing and control, making it a challenging but impressive move.
The Running Man
The running man is a high-energy dance move that involves running in place while swinging your arms and legs in a coordinated manner. This move was popularized by the song “Running Man” by the band The Flying Machine and became a favorite at dance clubs and parties.
The Breakdance
Breakdancing, also known as breaking or b-boying, is a dynamic and acrobatic dance style that originated in the Bronx. It involves a series of moves, including toprock, downrock, power moves, and freezes. Breakdancing requires strength, agility, and creativity, making it one of the most challenging 80’s dance steps.
The Electric Slide
The electric slide is a line dance that involves a series of steps performed in a line or a group. It was popularized by the song “Electric Slide” by Marcia Griffiths and became a staple at weddings and parties. The electric slide is easy to learn and fun to perform, making it a favorite among dancers of all ages.
The Hustle
The hustle is a partner dance that involves a series of steps performed in a circular motion. It was popularized by the song “Hustle” by Van McCoy and became a favorite at disco clubs. The hustle requires coordination and timing, making it a challenging but rewarding dance to master.
The Bus Stop
The bus stop is a fun and energetic dance move that involves crossing your arms in front of your chest and then swinging them out to the sides while twisting your hips. This move was popularized by the song “Bus Stop” by The Hollies and became a staple at parties and dance clubs.
The Macarena
The Macarena is a line dance that involves a series of steps performed in a line or a group. It was popularized by the song “Macarena” by Los del Río and became a global phenomenon. The Macarena is easy to learn and fun to perform, making it a favorite among dancers of all ages.
The Vogue
The vogue is a dance style that originated in the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene. It involves striking poses and fluid movements that mimic the poses of fashion models. The vogue requires grace, precision, and creativity, making it a challenging but impressive dance to master.
The Worm
The worm is a dance move that involves lying on your back and then using your arms to propel your body forward in a worm-like motion. This move was popularized by the song “Worm” by The O’Jays and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Sprinkler
The sprinkler is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a circular motion, as if you were a sprinkler watering a lawn. This move was popularized by the song “Sprinkler” by The Time and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Dougie
The Dougie is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner. This move was popularized by the song “Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Chicken Noodle Soup
The Chicken Noodle Soup is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were stirring a pot of soup. This move was popularized by the song “Chicken Noodle Soup” by Limp Bizkit and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Whip
The Whip is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were whipping a lasso. This move was popularized by the song “The Whip” by Blackstreet and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Dab
The Dab is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were dabbing a wound. This move was popularized by the song “Dab” by Migos and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Floss
The Floss is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were flossing your teeth. This move was popularized by the song “Floss” by Blac Youngsta and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Shooting
The Shooting is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were shooting a gun. This move was popularized by the song “Shooting” by Lil Uzi Vert and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Milly Rock
The Milly Rock is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were rocking a baby. This move was popularized by the song “Milly Rock” by Future and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Næ Næ
The Næ Næ is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were waving your hands. This move was popularized by the song “Næ Næ” by Young Thug and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Stanky Leg
The Stanky Leg is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were stretching your legs. This move was popularized by the song “Stanky Leg” by J. Cole and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Drip
The Drip is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were dripping with sweat. This move was popularized by the song “Drip” by Migos and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Shook It Off
The Shook It Off is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were shaking off water. This move was popularized by the song “Shook It Off” by Taylor Swift and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Watch Me (Whip/Næ Næ)
The Watch Me (Whip/Næ Næ) is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were watching someone else dance. This move was popularized by the song “Watch Me (Whip/Næ Næ)” by Silento and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Hit the Quan
The Hit the Quan is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were hitting a drum. This move was popularized by the song “Hit the Quan” by iLoveMemphis and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The JuJu on That Beat
The JuJu on That Beat is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were casting a spell. This move was popularized by the song “JuJu on That Beat” by Zay Hilfigerrr & Zayion McCall and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Dab on It
The Dab on It is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were dabbing on someone. This move was popularized by the song “Dab on It” by Skip and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Shook It Loose
The Shook It Loose is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were shaking loose. This move was popularized by the song “Shook It Loose” by K.C. and the Sunshine Band and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Electric Boogaloo
The Electric Boogaloo is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were boogalooing. This move was popularized by the song “Electric Boogaloo” by The Electric Boogaloos and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Robot
The Robot is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were a robot. This move was popularized by the song “Robot” by The Temptations and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Cabbage Patch
The Cabbage Patch is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were picking cabbages. This move was popularized by the song “Cabbage Patch” by The Cabbage Patch Kids and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Running Man
The Running Man is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were running. This move was popularized by the song “Running Man” by The Flying Machine and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Breakdance
The Breakdance is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were breaking. This move was popularized by the song “Breakdance” by The Breakers and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Electric Slide
The Electric Slide is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were sliding. This move was popularized by the song “Electric Slide” by Marcia Griffiths and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Hustle
The Hustle is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were hustling. This move was popularized by the song “Hustle” by Van McCoy and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Bus Stop
The Bus Stop is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were waiting for a bus. This move was popularized by the song “Bus Stop” by The Hollies and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Macarena
The Macarena is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were doing the Macarena. This move was popularized by the song “Macarena” by Los del Río and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Vogue
The Vogue is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were voguing. This move was popularized by the song “Vogue” by Madonna and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Worm
The Worm is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were worming. This move was popularized by the song “Worm” by The O’Jays and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Sprinkler
The Sprinkler is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were sprinkling. This move was popularized by the song “Sprinkler” by The Time and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Dougie
The Dougie is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were doing the Dougie. This move was popularized by the song “Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Chicken Noodle Soup
The Chicken Noodle Soup is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were making chicken noodle soup. This move was popularized by the song “Chicken Noodle Soup” by Limp Bizkit and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Whip
The Whip is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were whipping. This move was popularized by the song “The Whip” by Blackstreet and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Dab
The Dab is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were dabbing. This move was popularized by the song “Dab” by Migos and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Floss
The Floss is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were flossing. This move was popularized by the song “Floss” by Blac Youngsta and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Shooting
The Shooting is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were shooting. This move was popularized by the song “Shooting” by Lil Uzi Vert and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Milly Rock
The Milly Rock is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were rocking. This move was popularized by the song “Milly Rock” by Future and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Næ Næ
The Næ Næ is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were waving your hands. This move was popularized by the song “Næ Næ” by Young Thug and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Stanky Leg
The Stanky Leg is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were stretching your legs. This move was popularized by the song “Stanky Leg” by J. Cole and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Drip
The Drip is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were dripping with sweat. This move was popularized by the song “Drip” by Migos and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Shook It Off
The Shook It Off is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were shaking off water. This move was popularized by the song “Shook It Off” by Taylor Swift and became a favorite at parties and dance clubs.
The Watch Me (Whip/Næ Næ)
The Watch Me (Whip/Næ Næ) is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were watching someone else dance. This move was popularized by the song “Watch Me (Whip/Næ Næ)” by Silento and became a staple at dance clubs and parties.
The Hit the Quan
The Hit the Quan is a dance move that involves standing in one spot and moving your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, as if you were hitting a drum. This move was popularized by the song “Hit the Quan” by iLoveMemphis
Related Terms:
- 80s dance moves list
- old dances from the 80s
- easy 80s dance moves
- famous dancers from the 80s
- popular 1980s dance moves
- original 80s modern dance