Thanks to viral videos and exceptionally well-coordinated music stars, hip hop line dances have been riding a trend of popularity that shows no sign of slowing down.
Hip Hop Line Dances
Line dances to hip hop music are similar to the more well-known country line dances in the way they are performed. They contain very simple dance steps that can be quickly learned and executed in large groups. When a hip hop song with an accompanying dance catches on in the public, you will often see large groups of fans dancing the steps in a club or special event. Below are just a few of the hip hop line dances you may see out there and are worth learning if you want to join in on the fun.
The Mississippi Cha Cha Slide
Also known as STOMP 2007, this should not be confused with the Cha Cha Slide, which is another dance entirely. The moves to the Mississippi Cha Cha Slide are simple. Start by stomping your right foot, followed by a left stomp. Next, "cha cha" to your right, and then alternate directions to "cha cha" to your left. Turn a quarter of a turn to your right, move to your left, back up and jump!
That's all you need to know to pull off this dance. The catchy rhythm of the music by Mixx Master Lee keeps dancers of all ages interested, and you'll find it performed everywhere from school assemblies to wedding receptions.
Soulja Boy (Crank That)
Wildly popular when it came out during the summer of 2007, many people still dance the Souja Boy (named after the rapper who performed the song by the same name) all over the nation. Again, the moves are quite simple:
- Jump and land with your legs crossed, then jump again to uncross.
- Bend your right foot up and behind your left leg, like you are kicking your left hand. Touch your hand to your foot and then return to a standstill position.
- Turn your hips slightly three times in a row with a small lean to the right. On the third twist, turn your arms upward and stomp your right foot as you snap your fingers.
- Stomp your right foot again, and then cross the right leg across the left.
- Raise up your right knee and touch it to your right hand, and release.
- Push off toward the right and then raise your left leg up and your arms forward. A good visual aid is to imitate the position Superman is famous for, right as he's taking off to fly.
- Next, you will hear the lyrics "crank that soulja boy", which is your cue to jump on one foot traveling in one direction, while simulating cranking a motorcycle with your hands. Finally, put your arms by the sides of your head and position your fingers so they all point in one direction - touching your knees back and forth.
- Repeat.
Other Hip Hop Dances
These are only two of the popular line dances out there. You may have also heard of:
- Hip Hop Police Line Dance
- Dance Club Boogie
- Hip Hop Bunny Hop
- Booty Call Line Dance
- Cupid Shuffle
- Down South Shuffle
How to Learn
Many instructional videos are online free of charge if you would like to try to teach yourself some of these dances. Spending time out socializing at clubs can also teach you what you need to know, as you pick up the steps from observing others and getting hands-on experience. Finally, you can go to a social dance studio, where the younger instructors will surely know some of the dances or be able to figure them out quickly enough. No matter how you choose to learn, these line dances are fun, high energy, and a great stress release after a long week.
