Despite the fact that the “new normal” you have come to know and love (kidding) is nearing its end, I have a feeling that at least a few Unprecedented Things are here to stay. I present to you, as Exhibit A, online dance workout videos, which skyrocketed in popularity during the pandemic. While in-person fitness classes inarguably have their time and place (at the gym, at their respective scheduled times — duh), online classes offer many benefits that traditional classes can’t. Seriously, just try to pause your in-person instructor (trust me, it doesn’t work) or find a live, free, 10-minute class given at one in the morning. Online classes also provide the opportunity to dance like nobody’s watching — because nobody is.
In support of the continuation of online dance workouts as we enter a new new normal, I present to you the best Youtube dance workout videos in ten different categories.
The best Latin dance workout
30-Minute Cardio Latin Dance Workout by Popsugar fitness
Join Nicole Steen from Equinox as she teaches the basic moves of merengue, mambo, salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, cha-cha and samba. Your favourite Popsugar instructors Deja, Tarra, and Kristel assist Nicole with modifications and advanced moves to make this 30-minute class perfect for ballroom dancers of all levels (yes, even you).
The best hip hop dance workout
Fun Dance Cardio 10 Mins by Team 3XT
In this cardio dance workout, Ferly from Team 3XT demonstrates a few simple moves that you somehow don’t ever get tired of repeating. Also, the A+ music selection of “Rockstar” by DaBaby and “Like That” by Doja Cat makes the ten minutes fly by.
The best Tiktok-inspired dance workout
15 Min Tiktok Dance Party Workout – Full Body/No Equipment by Madfit
You legit won’t even feel like you’re working out while you bop along with Madfit to popular 2019 and 2020 Tiktok songs “Roxanne,” “They Call me Tiago,” “Roses,” “Say So,” “Savage,” “Wait a Minute,” “Supalonely,” and “Boss B*tch.” And, if you like the first 15 minutes of this workout, you can check out part two for more Tiktok-inspired moves.
The best Afrobeats dance workout
Afrobeats Dance Workout | 20 Minutes | Easy to Follow by Tara’s Body
After garnering fame for her “Live Afrobeats” workouts on Instagram, Tara posted her first Youtube workout video in October of 2020. Fourteen videos later, and here we are. Just a heads up that Tara teaches in French, but dw; her energy is contagious, and her instruction is clear, regardless of whether or not you speak ~français~.
The best shuffle dance workout
Shuffle Tutorial Basics: Running Man, T Step and Variations by Emylee Ratzlaff
There’s still time to learn to shuffle before you return to festivals and raves, and this fifteen-minute video by Emylee Ratzlaff is the perfect place to start. In this beginner tutorial, Emylee goes over the two most basic shuffle steps: the Running Man and the T Step. Once you get the hang of these moves, you can check out her other, more advanced videos.
The best advanced dance workout
Choreo Intensive: Dancer’s Picks playlist by the Fitness Marshall
Let me just start by saying that Caleb Marshall is so much fun. This playlist of 70+ dances to songs by artists like Dua Lipa, Britney Spears, Cardi B and Justin Bieber will engage even the most advanced dancers among us. Each video is just three to four minutes long, allowing you to dance for as long or as short a time as you please — theoretically, that is; once you start you won’t want to stop!
The best take-you-back-to-your-childhood dance workout
“All For One” Dance Tutorial (High School Musical 2) | Quaroutines by Sheila Watko
Relive your DCOM days with this fifteen-minute “High School Musical 2” dance tutorial by Sheila Watko. Sheila has been making dance tutorials for songs from Disney Channel Originals for over 10 years… let’s take a moment to appreciate that. Although her most popular tutorial is for “We’re All in this Together,” this one is a good starting point because it’s easier and (arguably) more fun.
The best game dance workout
Just Dance 2021 Full Gameplays playlist by James Cannon the Cat
Or, throw it back to your “Just Dance” days with this 54-track playlist by James Cannon the Cat. They still make “Just Dance,” btw — who knew?! (Is this common knowledge? I’m honestly not sure…) The 2021 edition features songs like “Rain on Me,” “Rare,” “Juice,” “Temperature,” and “Blinding Lights.” This playlist easily solves the problem of not having a Wii (although Youtube, unfortunately, unlike a Will, will not declare a winner).
The best twerking dance workout
Brazilian Booty Burn Workout: Burn to the Beat – Keaira LaShae by Keaira LaShae
If you consider twerking to be a workout (which, just saying, it is) then this ten-minute Burn to the Beat class instructed by Keaira LaShae is so right for you. But don’t expect it to be easy; this workout is full of booty rolls, hip twists, single leg twerks, gallops, and chest pumps to get your heart rate up. You might get your ab workout in too with this video; Keaira’s commentary is so funny that you’ll be laughing the entire time.
The best Zumba dance workout
Zumba Reggaeton by Entrena con Rosa Fitness
You can tell that Rosa is truly enjoying herself while teaching this full 40-minute Zumba class. The great thing about Zumba (and about Rosa’s classes in particular) is the variety of movements it includes — movements that are actually super easy to learn. Full disclosure that this class is taught in Spanish, but you should still totally try it (seriously, try it). You might even pick up a new language in the process!
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