Fun Hip Hop Moves To Try At Your Next Dance Class

Hip Hop is one of a few music genres that have enjoyed a massive resurgence in recent years, and it’s no surprise. Being full of energy and life in an infectious sort of way, it’s perfect for dancing! Dancing offers a bunch of health benefits (think improved balance, coordination and cardiovascular health) (1). Signing up for a hip hop dance class is a great way to get your body moving. But before you take the leap, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with some of the most popular hip hop moves. We’ve curated a list of some of the best fun hip hop moves you can try out at your next dance class. (And included a brief description of their original intent and some variations to keep it fresh).

The Roger Rabbit

First on our non-exhaustive list is the Roger Rabbit. Fun, energetic, and sure to make you stand out, this dance move has interesting origins and slightly complex choreography. 

History

This dance is named after an animated character in the 1988 movie ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’, where a cartoon rabbit dances his way out of trouble.

How to do the Roger Rabbit:

1. With your feet together and hands to your side, start by rocking back and forward, slowly
2. Bend your waist and knees to give your moves a more cartoonish feel
3. Bring your hands up and start to move them like you’d be doing the swim stroke
4. Now add some shoulder shimmies as you alternate between rocking back and forth, swimming arms, and shoulder shrugs.

Variations: You can mix up your Roger Rabbit routine by adding some spins, kicks, swipes and other hip hop movements for a more dynamic performance. 

The Cabbage Patch

The cabbage patch is another fun dance move that’s sure to bring you back in time to the 1980s. It was a favorite among kids of all ages during the era and it’s enjoyed a resurgence in recent years.

Read More: 3 Simple Hip Hop Moves For Newbies, And Everything You Need To Know To Start Dancing

History

This dance move was inspired by the upper body movements of popular 1980s toy dolls called Cabbage Patch Kids.

The hip hop group Gucci Crew also popularized the dance in their 1986 hit single ‘Cabbage Patch’. Around the same time, Dr. Dre’s ‘Deep Cover’ featured Snoop Dogg and others doing the cabbage patch.

How to do the Cabbage Patch:

1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent.
2. Put palms together in front of you like you’re praying.
3. Begin rocking side to side, pushing your palms forward and back as you sway.
4. Now alternate between pulling your hands in towards each other and pushing them out, while continuing to rock side to side.
5. Add some shoulder shimmies for an extra boost of energy.

Variations: For a more modern take on the cabbage patch, add in some robotic movements or arm swings for a modern twist. 

Moonwalk

The moonwalk is one of the most popular hip hop dance moves and has been featured in countless routines over the years. Its smooth, effortless style is hard to match and it’s sure to make an impression on any dance floor. 

History

The moonwalk was first popularized by Michael Jackson when he performed it during a performance of ‘Billie Jean’ on Motown 25 in 1983. Since then, it has been featured in countless routines and is considered a hip hop classic.

How to do the Moonwalk:

1. Start with your feet together and slightly bent at the knees.
2. Take a small step back with your left foot, while bringing your right leg in towards your chest.
3. Push off the floor with your toes and slide your left foot backwards, as if you are walking forward but in reverse.
4. Repeat the same motion on the other side.

Variations: You can mix up your moonwalk routine by adding some spins, kicks, and robotic movements for a more dynamic performance.

RoboCop

This seemingly straightforward move has a lot of attitude and is sure to turn some heads. It’s a great way to add an element of surprise to your routine, as well as some cool transitions. 

History

The RoboCop dance was inspired by the 1987 movie ‘RoboCop’, in which a cyborg police officer with robotic movements fights crime.  The dance move has been a mainstay of hip hop dance routines since the early 90s. 

How to do the RoboCop:

1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Bring both hands up, elbows bent at 90 degrees, in an ‘L’ shape.
3. Make a fist with your right hand and make sure your left hand is relaxed.
4. Start to move both arms up and down in a robotic, jerking motion.
5. Alternate between moving the arms forward/backward and side/side for an extra boost of energy.

Variations: The RoboCop is a forgiving dance move, so feel free to add in your own variations and transitions. You can make it more dynamic by adding some spins or robotic movements to the mix.

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Arm Wave/Worm/Windmill

Arm movements are a great way to add some dynamic energy to your hip hop routine. The arm wave, worm, and windmill are all related moves that involve swinging the arms in different directions and can be used as transitions or as part of a larger combo.

History

These moves were popularized by breakdancers in the late 80s and early 90s, but have since become staples of hip hop routines.

How to do the Arm Wave/Worm/Windmill:

1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Bring one arm up over your head and swing it forward in a circular motion, like you’re waving to someone.
3. Next, bring your arm back and repeat the motion on the other side.
4. Now move to a worm/windmill combo by alternating between swinging both arms forward and backward at the same time.
5. For an extra boost of energy, add some shoulder shimmies or body rolls.

Variations: The arm wave, worm, and windmill can be mixed up in countless ways. For a more dynamic performance, try adding some spins or isolation moves to the mix.

Two-Step

The two-step is a classic hip hop move that has been around since the early days of hip hop dance. It’s a great way to add some swagger and style to your routine, as well as an element of surprise. 

History

The two-step originated in the streets of New York City in the late 70s/early 80s and is now considered a hip hop staple.

How to do the Two-Step:

1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Take a small step to the side with your left foot.
3. Now bring your right foot sideways to the left foot.
4. Repeat the same motion on the other side.

Variations: The two-step can be mixed up in countless ways. A popular variation is the reverse two-step, where you start with your right foot back and take a small step to the side with your left foot. You can also add some spins or robotic movements for a more dynamic performance.

Read More: Heels Dance FAQs: Expert Answers To All Your Heel-Dancing Questions

Tootsee Roll

This funky, fun hip hop move is sure to draw attention. Lovers of the Tootsee Roll are rewarded with an infectious beat and smooth transitions from one move to the next. 

History

This funky move was popularized by the rap collective 69 Boyz in 1994. The Orlando-based group released their hit single “Tootsee Roll”, which featured the dance move as its signature choreography.

How to do the Tootsee Roll:

1. Start by standing with your feet hip width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Bring one arm up over your head, palm facing forward.
3. Start to roll your body forward and backward, one vertebra at a time.
4. As you roll your hips, make sure to use your arm for momentum and keep it moving in circles.

Variations: Try alternating between rolling your body forward and backward for a more dynamic performance. You can also add some arm swings or shoulder shimmies to the mix.

The Jerk

New school hip hoppers are sure to love this dynamic, funk-fuelled move. The Jerk is a great way to show off your coordination and add some attitude to your routine. 

History

This spastic move was popularized by the Southern Cali hip hop group New Boyz in 2009. The group released their hit single “You’re a Jerk”, which featured the jerking dance move as its signature choreography. 

How to do The Jerk:

1. Start by bending slightly with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Lean to the left and open your knees.
3. Now lean to the right and bring your knees in.
4. Add some bounce with your upper body as you lean left then right with knee movement.
5. When you’re ready to add arm movement, remember to swing your arms opposite your body lean.

Variations: The jerk can be mixed up in countless ways. Try alternating between swinging both arms forward and backward at the same time, or adding hand claps or isolations for a more dynamic performance. 

Dabbing

This funky move is sure to make you stand out in the crowd. Lovers of the dab will be rewarded with an energetic burst of hip hop swag. 

History

This arm-swinging move was popularized by Atlanta rapper Migos in 2015. The group released their hit single “Look at My Dab”, which featured the dabbing dance move as its signature choreography.

How to do the Dab:

1. Lift your arms out to your sides.
2. Bend your left elbow and bring your left hand up to your shoulder. Keep your right arm stretched out to the side.
3. Tuck your head down to the nook of your left elbow.
4. Return to the starting position, and repeat on the other side.

Variations: The dab can be taken up a notch by doing the windmill in between each move. You can also add some chest pops or head bobs for a more dynamic performance.

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Nae Nae

Young hip hoppers get full credit for this popular, funky move. The Nae Nae is sure to give your routine an extra dose of energy and attitude. 

History

This groovy move was popularized by the Atlanta hip hop group WeAre Toonz in 2013. The group released their hit single “Drop That NaeNae” which featured the grooving dance move as its signature choreography.

A group member has been quoted saying the move is inspired by Sheneneh, Martin Lawrence’s character from the 1990s sitcom Martin. 

How to do the Nae Nae:

1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Sway your body side to side.
3. Bring one arm up over your head and swing it in a circle, like you’re reaching for something.
4. As your arm is swinging, make sure to point your fingers up and keep your elbow bent.
5. Add some subtle hip action as you swing your arm around.

Variations: The Nae Nae can be taken up a notch by adding some hand isolations or shoulder shimmies to the mix. You can also do the Nae Nae on one side, then switch to the other for a more dynamic performance. 

Harlem Shake

Harlem, a borough in New York City, is the birthplace of this iconic hip hop move. This dance craze has been around for decades and still continues to be a favorite among hip hoppers today. 

History

The Harlem Shake was first popularized by a dance group called the Crazy Boyz in 1981. They released their hit single “Do the Harlem Shake” which featured the dance move as its signature choreography. G-Dep, a rapper from Harlem, also popularized the move in his song “Let’s Get It”.

How to do the Harlem Shake:

1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Bring both arms up to the sides of your head and begin shaking them like crazy.
3. Shake your shoulders and upper body as well, but make sure to keep a steady beat.
4. Add some subtle hip action for an even wilder performance.

Variations: The Harlem Shake can be taken up a notch by adding some head spins or body rolls to the mix. You can also add some arm isolations or finger snaps for an even funkier performance.

Tutting

This precise, geometric dance move requires lots of practice and patience, but is well worth the effort! Tutting is sure to give your routine an artistic and unique flair. 

History

This popping dance move originated in ancient Egypt and was popularized by San Francisco-based choreographer Robert Henry Johnson in 1983. The term “tutting” comes from King Tut, a famous pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.

How to do Tutting:

1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Bring one arm up, making sure that it’s bent at a 90 degree angle.
3. Using the opposite hand, make an “L” shape with your fingers and thumb.
4. Move your arm and hand in a slow, precise manner to create geometric shapes in the air.
5. Add some subtle hip action as you move your arm and hand.

Variations: Tutting can be taken up a notch by adding some elbow pops or head bobs to the mix. You can also add some hand isolations or finger snaps for an even funkier performance. 

Cat Daddy

This sexy move is sure to make the ladies swoon! The Cat Daddy requires lots of body control and confidence, so practice often. 

History

This seductive dance was popularized by hip hop artist Rej3ctz in 201o. The group released their hit single “Cat Daddy” which featured the grooving dance move as its signature choreography.

How to do the Cat Daddy:

1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Bring both arms up and bend your elbows, so that they’re pointing out to the sides.
3. Bring one arm down and make a claw shape with your hand.
4. Move your body side to side as you alternately bring each arm down and make the claw shape.
5. Add some subtle hip action for an even sexier performance.

Variations: The Cat Daddy can be taken up a notch by adding some body rolls or shoulder shimmies to the mix.

Stanky Leg

The stanky leg is a fun and funky move that’s sure to get the party started! This dance requires lots of rhythm and coordination, so practice often.  

History

This grooving dance was popularized by hip hop artist GS Boyz in 2008. The group released their hit single “Stanky Legg” which featured the funky dance move as its signature choreography.

How to do the Stanky Leg:

1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Bring one leg up, while keeping the other one planted firmly on the ground.
3. Move your body side to side as you alternately bring each leg up and make the “stanky” shape.
4. Add some subtle hip action for an even funkier performance.

Variations: The Stanky Leg can be taken up a notch by adding some arm isolations or finger snaps to the mix. You can also add some shoulder shimmies or body rolls for an even wilder performance. 

Walk It Out

This classic hip hop move is sure to bring the house down! Smooth, steady, and precise movements are key to nailing this dance. 

History

This popping dance move is credited to Rapper Unk, who released his single “Walk It Out” in 2006. The track featured the grooving dance move as its signature choreography. America’s Next Best Dance Crew keeps this dance alive to date by playing the hit song each season.

How to do Walk it Out:

1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Bend your arms, so that they’re pointing out to the sides.
3. Move your body side to side as you alternately bring each arm down and make the “walking” motion.
4. Add some subtle hip action for an even funkier performance.

Variations: Walk It Out can be taken up a notch by adding some shoulder shimmies or hand isolations to the mix. You can also add some finger snaps or body rolls for an even wilder performance.

The Bottom Line

Hip hop has been around for decades and it’s here to stay! There are countless hip hop dance moves that have come and gone, but the 15 moves mentioned in this article are timeless classics.

From the classic Running Man to the smooth Cat Daddy, mastering these moves will take your dancing game to a whole new level. So, what are you waiting for? Get up and get grooving!