7 Amazing Dance Moves Which Ruled The 80’s
The 1980s featured Alf, E.T., and The Cosby Show. The Reebok Pump and jelly shoes were all the rage. Macaroni and cheese were a “comfort food” craze. Whimsical dance moves were popular faves. Below are foot-stomping prances that took center stage.
About this new dance craze, called acid What people really want to know Is how the story, all goes, about acid (This is acid ?x) This is acid I'm gonna give you acid This is acid I'm giving you acid Acid is the latest sound Can you feel it, all around, as you dance? Acid has a certain groove That makes your body wanna move When you hear it. A village twist on an internet dance craze takes the world by storm. In Kiki Challenge, Muddy Indian Farmers Show World How to Groove. Sriram Srikanth, founder of a YouTube channel called My Village Show, directed.
ELECTRIC SLIDE
Advertisement:
This line dance was a highlight at wedding receptions, graduation parties, and social events. It originated as a hit cover for singer Marcia Griffiths. Choreographer Ric Silvern designed the dance to match the song’s catchy rhythm.
How To:
- Take four steps to the right and then four to the left.
- Take four steps back.
- Step to the front, reach out and smack the air.
- Take one step back to the start position.
- Step-kick. The foot that’s in front steps forward. The one behind kicks backward. Then turn your body to the right.
Demo:
See It In Action:
ROBOT
Also known as “The Mannequin,” this style imitates a robot. Charles “Robot” Washington invented the dance in 1967, and Michael Jackson made it famous. Moves resemble those of a music box doll and have their roots in mime.
How To:
- Keep your body stiff.
- Isolate your muscles, moving one muscle group at a time.
- Move in one direction and then stop abruptly. Freeze in place.
- Move in another direction and stop abruptly. Freeze.
- Shake in place.
- Vary the pace by speeding up and slowing down.
Demo:
See It In Action:
MC HAMMER DANCE
MC Hammer was born to a poor family and grew up in a rough neighborhood. To stay out of trouble, he immersed himself in music. He created the first rap group, the “Holy Ghost Boys,” and founded the music production company “Bust It Records.” Currently, he conducts concert tours worldwide. Prior to each show, he leads his 15 dancers, 12 backup singers, seven musicians, and two deejays in prayer. Then he jumps into action. The Hammer Dance is his signature prance.
How To:
- Stand with your legs and shoulders spread apart.
- Jump and cross your legs.
- Land in the original position.
- Roll your body in segments, from head to waist to knees.
- Squat slightly and shuffle to the right.
- Keep squatting and scurry to the left.
- Repeat.
Demo:
See It In Action:
CABBAGE PATCH
This dance derives from the popular line of dolls called the “Cabbage Patch Kids.” The patented, soft sculpture dolls were created in 1978 by a 21-year-old art student. Originally termed “Little People,” they were “adopted” rather than “sold.” Each doll came with its own birth certificate and adoption papers. The Cabbage Patch song and dance were introduced by the music group Gucci Crew II.
How To:
- Fist your hands.
- Move your arms in a horizontal, circular motion across the front of your body.
- Do eight circles.
- Lean your body left and right while you step in place.
- Now do the arm and leg movements simultaneously.
Demo:
See It In Action:
LAMBADA
Lambada is a Brazilian partner dance. There are several dance styles, based on the number of beats. The two-beat form originated in 1983 and is termed “carimbo.” The word “lambada” is Portuguese for “whip.” It refers to the wave-like motion of the moves. The flowing motion is reproduced in the dancers’ bodies and emphasized at the hips. This movement distinguishes the lambada from other Latin dances.
How To:
- Straddle your partner’s thigh with both legs.
- The man’s right hand is at the woman’s waist.
- The woman holds the man’s left hand.
- Step side-to-side, in place, for a series of 8 steps.
- Do double-steps in place x 4.
- Continue the sequence of single steps while turning.
- Do the double sequence while turning.
- Repeat.
Demo:
See It In Action:
MOONWALK
The King of Pop skyrocketed to stardom in the 1980s. His signature moves have been immortalized in the dance world. One of them was the moonwalk, originally termed the “backslide.” Michael debuted this move in 1983, during a performance of “Billie Jean.”
How To:
- Wear socks or flat-soled shoes on a smooth surface.
- Position your left foot about 12″ behind the right.
- Stand on the ball of your left foot with the heel raised.
- Keep your right foot flat on the floor.
- Put your weight on the left foot.
- Slide the right foot back, keeping it flat on the floor.
- Lower the heel of your left foot.
- Raise your right heel and stand on the ball of the foot.
- Put your weight on the right foot, and slide the left foot back, keeping it flat on the floor.
- Repeat the moves, which will propel you backward across the floor.
Demo:
See It In Action:
CIRCLE SLIDE
Michael Jackson could also rightfully be called the “King of Dance.” The Circle Slide is another classic Michael move. It combines the moonwalk with heel and toe pivots. While standing straight, slide your feet in a box shape.
How To:
- Wear socks or flat-soled shoes on a smooth surface.
- Position your right foot about 12″ behind the left.
- Stand on the ball of your right foot with the heel raised.
- Keep your left foot flat on the floor.
- Put your weight on the right foot, and slide the left foot back, keeping it flat.
- Shift your weight to your heels.
- Raise your toes off the floor, while pivoting 90 degrees to the left.
- Lower your toes so the feet are flat on the floor.
- Raise your right heel and pivot on the ball, 45 degrees to the right.
- Slide the left foot behind your right, and pivot again on your heels.
- Repeat.
Demo:
See It In Action:
DANCE FAVES OF THE ’80s
Now you have 10 dances to dazzle your friends So, sweet jitterbugs, what’s your favorite ’80s dance?
Advertisement: