As this year’s Winter Formal comes closer, you’ve probably clicked on this article to find some inspiration. Luckily for you, I’ve got 10 easy dance moves that anyone can learn!
- The Two-Step
Courtesy of Tenor
The Two-Step is a simple dance even Steve Harvey knows how to do!
A simple step, touch, step, touch. The Two-Step was probably the first dance you learned when you went to your first party. It’s not too flashy, but it’s perfect for beginners and those who want to vibe with the music.
- The Dougie
Courtesy of Tenor
Make sure to whip out this move on your way out of the hair salon if you ever get a fresh new haircut.
I was actually surprised when I discovered the origin behind the iconic name (I thought it was a name for a dog — Dougie, Doggy? Get it?); apparently, this move was performed by Doug E. Fresh, an ’80s rapper; with a repetitive hair-smoothing gesture and some shoulder movements, I guess that’s why his hair was so slick-backed.
- The Biz Markie
Courtesy of STEEZY
If losing weight ever feels repetitive for you, change up your workout routine by doing three sets of this every day.
I was laughing when I tried to do this myself — the bouncy movements, along with swinging one arm, are sure to give you a workout. Instead of “Biz Markie,” they should call this dance the “Fit Cardie,” just to go along with how exhausted you are after.
- The Sprinkler
Courtesy of GIPHY
Even Jimmy Fallon is doing it! I guess he wanted to rain on everyone’s parade (not in a sad way).
If your plants are feeling a bit dry (probably always, especially because this is California), the Sprinkler comes to the rescue! With one hand on your head and the other wildly pivoting around your torso, I’m sure this dance move will not only cover the water bill, but also give those sad, dehydrated plants a treat.
- The Billy Bounce
Courtesy of STEEZY
This is a dance only for the extreme, and by extreme, I mean people who want to dislocate their legs (not really).
The Billy Bounce was popular for a while on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. People did this dance in challenge videos, transitions and skits set to the song “Billy Bounce” by Yvng Swag. To perform this silly dance, just wobble your knees and kick your feet in the air ‘till your legs start malfunctioning — it is that simple!
- The Twist
Courtesy of Tenor
Turn into a pretzel, better than Wetzel’s! If you’re not sure how to teach someone how to bake pretzels, just do this dance for them.
Popularized in the 1960s, Chubby Checker’s song “The Twist” transforms the process of making delicious pretzels right into a dance, captivating everyone from teenagers to grandparents. But what’s the twist (get it)? Nothing, just twirl your bent legs and arms around your torso as you slowly, but surely, turn into a dysfunctional human blender.
- The Charleston
Courtesy of Pinterest
Originating in the 1920s from Charleston, South Carolina, The Charleston is the grooviest dance in town! I wonder if there was ever a Charlestonian… named Charles… who danced the Charleston… a ton…
Even if it takes a bit of practice, the Charleston is the funkiest dance you could ever learn. Crisscross your legs as you simultaneously move your feet to the beat. It was the first dance I personally knew, and it didn’t disappoint! Whip this out during the function, and all the flappers (search it up if you’re confused) will come running to you.
- The Running Man
Courtesy of Tenor
Unfortunately, this would not be a great move to get away if someone were chasing after you.
Have you ever wondered what it would look like to run in place? The Running Man, created in the late 1980s during the New Jack Swing era, makes a “running in place” illusion as your feet constantly slide back every time you take a new step.
- The Macarena
Courtesy of Tenor
A very exaggerated parody of the Macarena dance was featured during “Hotel Transylvania 3.” I wonder if anyone in real life can actually do that…
I’m pretty sure everyone’s done this dance; it’s simply a classic. The sequence is simple: palms down, palms up, left and right shoulders, the back of the head, crossing arms, then the hips. From elementary school to now, it’s been my reliable choice for whenever someone tells me to dance to a song.
- The Moonwalk
Courtesy of GIPHY
Performed by the legend himself, Michael Jackson, I have no doubts that everyone would stop to stare if you pulled this off in front of a crowd.
Don’t let its smoothness deceive you! It’s simply all about practice. The Moonwalk is tricky, but easy to pull off, as all you’re doing is sliding and swapping feet during a simple sequence. If you manage to learn this one, your charisma bar will go through the roof — and you’ll be over-the-moon happy as you light up the dance floor.
