We’ve all heard them, seen them, and even taken part in them. You’re at a party on Friday night and all of a sudden, you become squished in between hoards of people moving to one side screaming “Youuuuuu.” Many dance moves learned through music videos, such as “Crank Dat,” have grown to become cultural phenomena. Numerous YouTube videos are made each time a new wack track is released. Even at BC’s very own ALC Showdown, groups showcased these moves. In case you’ve forgotten a few from your past, I’ll break down each of these dances by year!
2000: Cha Cha Slide
Oh, how the Cha Cha Slide brings backs memories of middle school bar mitzvah parties. This line dance with DJ Casper (Mr. C) calling out instructions (“Everybody clap your hands!”) was a rager at middle school dances, skating rinks, and weddings. It was originally developed for Bally Total Fitness but caught on as a dance craze a year later. We still love Cha Cha Slide-ing to bring us back to the good ol’ middle school days!
2004: Lean Back
Fat Joe and the Terror Squad created a dance where you simply shrug one shoulder back and progressively “lean back” with the beat. Throw down with this song at your next party and watch the crowd lean back in style.
2006: Snap Yo Fingers
“Snap ya fingers, do ya step.” This snapping of the fingers by Lil’ Jon has become multi-functional. You can now snap to other songs too, such as “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It.” To look like you know how to snap yo fingers, snap with both hands while rocking to the right and then snap and rock to the left. The best thing about this dance is: “You can do it all by yo self.”
2006: Pop, Lock, & Drop It
Girls, let’s pop, lock, and drop it when Huey comes on! These moves are exactly how they sound: popping that booty and dropping it to the floor. Get ready to drop it like it’s hot at the Mods!
2007: Crank That
Where the infamous “youuuuuu” stems from. The Crank That dance blew up after the music video was posted on YouTube. Now, do I really have to explain what this dance looks like? Just watch the video if you really don’t know.
2008: Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)
Beyoncé, one of hip-hop’s leading ladies, created such a big hit that it was parodied on Saturday Night Live by Justin Timberlake. The “Single Ladies” dance consists of a signature hand wave with the other hand pointing to your ring finger. It is only the greatest video of all time, right Kanye? Sorry, T. Swift.
2009: Jerking
Now I personally like this one, but it could be because it represents the west coast. Yes, the song only says “You’re a jerk, jerk, jerk” but it has caught on as a phenomenon, especially in California. I can best describe “jerking” as backwards skipping. Some may throw a little of their own style in to make it their own.
2009: Hoedown Throwdown
Originated from the lovely Miley Cyrus. This song premiered during Hannah Montana: The Movie in 2009. Pre-teens (and college girls) were learning how to “hoedown throwdown” for parties after seeing that movie.
2010: Teach Me How to Dougie
Dance move or pick up line? However you use it, Cali Swag District introduced the “Dougie” dance into the music scene in 2010. The “Dougie” dance can be explained as “casual shoulder leans and elbow twists.” Lil’ Phunk definitely taught us how to Dougie during Showdown.
2010: Move it Like Bernie
This is the one of the most recent and most most ridiculous crazes. Apparently, it is based on the 1980’s movie Weekend at Bernie’s. Now, I don’t know if you guys have seen this dance, but to do it you lean back, looking up at the sky, and let your arms hang behind you as you walk around. Warning: if you do this dance at a party, you will be made fun of!
Try these dance moves this weekend in the Mods or while raging with your roommates! I wonder when the next dance fad will come out next? Anyways, party hard BC!