1. The Macarena
Ah, the Macarena. If you were alive during the ‘90s, you’ve definitely tried it. The catchy beat and simple moves made it a favorite at every school dance, wedding, and even just casual hangout. You didn’t have to be a dancer to get in on the action, which is probably why it spread like wildfire. You’d start by holding your hands out in front of you and then go through a series of moves that included twisting your arms, waving them in the air, and even a hip wiggle. The choreography was so easy, you could do it without thinking, but for some reason, it was always fun. Everyone could join in, and it became a social ritual. The Macarena reached iconic levels, with people doing it in the street and even getting down in the middle of malls. Even if you weren’t exactly sure what the song was about, you could still bust a move to it says Yahoo.
But then, it faded away. One minute it was everywhere, and the next, it was gone. People still break it out every now and then, but it’s not quite the same. The Macarena was essentially the epitome of a one-hit wonder that became more of a group memory than an actual dance style. It became one of those “remember when?” moments, where people would laugh and wonder how they were so obsessed with it in the first place. The Macarena didn’t just leave the airwaves; it took a part of the collective culture with it. Today, we might look back with a mix of nostalgia and cringe, but there’s no denying it had its time as the dance craze of the moment. If you ever find yourself at a party where the Macarena gets cranked up, just know you’re not the only one who secretly remembers every single move.
2. The Electric Slide
The Electric Slide has remained a classic in dance circles. It’s one of those moves that somehow manages to stay relevant even when everything else fades out. It’s a line dance that people have been doing since the ‘70s, yet it gained even more popularity during the ‘90s. Everyone’s usually on the same step, moving in sync, and it almost feels like a big dance family. The sequence of steps is simple enough, yet so satisfying to pull off, especially when everyone is on the same beat. From the smooth side steps to the iconic slide to the right, you could count on the Electric Slide to bring everyone together in one big, synchronized moment of fun explains the Guardian.
While it’s not as ubiquitous as it used to be, it still makes appearances at various events. Weddings, BBQs, family reunions—if there’s a crowd, there’s a good chance someone will call for the Electric Slide. Its beauty lies in its simplicity: it doesn’t require much, just a good playlist and a few people who remember the moves. Despite its years of being the go-to line dance, it hasn’t lost its magic. The Electric Slide still has the power to pull people onto the dance floor, from grandparents to little ones. Everyone can do it, and that’s part of the charm. It’s a move that doesn’t rely on skill, just rhythm and the ability to follow along. Plus, there’s something special about being in sync with everyone around you, all moving in perfect harmony. The Electric Slide will always have a place in dance history, even if we only break it out on special occasions now.
3. The Cha-Cha Slide
Move over, Electric Slide. The Cha-Cha Slide is here, and it’s got moves that make you feel like a dancing pro—even if you’re not. Made famous by DJ Casper in the early 2000s, this line dance quickly became a favorite at any event with a large crowd says NPR. The catchy lyrics (you know, “slide to the left, slide to the right”) make it easy for anyone to follow. Unlike the Electric Slide, the Cha-Cha Slide has more of a rhythm to it, giving it a Latin flair that adds an exciting twist to the traditional line dance. As you follow along, you’ll hear the callouts—step to the left, step to the right, kick, kick, cha-cha-cha. It was like the song itself was telling you what to do, leaving no room for confusion.
But the Cha-Cha Slide wasn’t just a one-hit-wonder for a summer or two. It became a staple in parties and dance floors across the country. What made it so appealing was its interactive nature—everyone participated, and the DJ knew exactly how to hype it up. The simplicity of the steps allowed it to be accessible for people of all skill levels. You didn’t have to have any real rhythm to get the moves down. Whether you were at a backyard barbecue or at a formal event, the Cha-Cha Slide was the dance that could bridge gaps. Even now, it’s common to see people hop on the dance floor when it’s played, as if they can’t help themselves. Sure, it’s a little corny, but that’s what makes it so lovable. It’s timeless in its own way.
4. The Worm
If you grew up in the ‘80s or ‘90s, you’ve likely witnessed the Worm in all its glory. It’s the kind of move that looks more impressive when someone else does it, but once you’ve seen it, you can’t unsee it. The idea is to drop to the floor and use your body to undulate in a way that resembles a worm, moving in and out of the ground. It’s a combination of core strength and flexibility, but not necessarily in a graceful way—more of a fun, exaggerated movement. People would pop, lock, and drop into it, spinning around the floor like they were performing a professional dance routine. The best part? The Worm wasn’t just for breakdancers or professionals—it became something anyone could try.
But the Worm didn’t stay trendy forever. After the initial burst of popularity, it faded out of mainstream culture, but you’d still catch glimpses of it in the odd dance competition or at school talent shows. Its legacy, however, lives on in the memories of the people who managed to pull it off (and maybe even in the few of us who tried and failed spectacularly). Looking back, it wasn’t about perfection; it was about having fun with a move that made you feel free and a little ridiculous. There’s something undeniably silly about flopping around on the floor, but that’s what made the Worm a highlight of many a dance party. If you ever feel the urge to bring it back, go ahead—people will still cheer you on.
5. The Running Man
The Running Man was another signature move of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s that had its brief moment of glory. It was like a mini marathon on the dance floor—without actually moving anywhere. Picture yourself standing still but making it look like you’re running in place, all while adding in some arm swings and foot shuffles. The key to the Running Man was the rhythm and speed; it was all about maintaining that steady pace while keeping your energy high. It was a hit in breakdancing circles and later became a mainstream favorite. The song My Prerogative by Bobby Brown certainly helped solidify the Running Man as a dance craze of its time.
As time went on, the Running Man faded into the background, especially as other moves took its place. But every now and then, you can still spot someone busting it out at a reunion party or wedding, reminding everyone of the good old days. The Running Man was never meant to be elegant or polished; it was fun, fast, and just a little bit goofy. It’s the kind of dance that makes you feel like a kid again, trying to show off but laughing at yourself the whole time. Even if you only manage a few steps, it’s all about the effort. The Running Man lives on in the hearts of those who remember its rise to fame—and perhaps in the occasional viral video of someone doing it in a dance battle.
6. The Tootsie Roll
If you remember the Tootsie Roll, you probably remember it being a big deal at every school party. The moves were so simple that even the most dance-challenged among us could pull it off. The key steps involved swinging your hips, rocking side to side, and occasionally adding a little spin for extra flair. It was a low-key move, more about the groove than any sharp, fast motions. That laid-back rhythm made the Tootsie Roll one of those dances everyone could do without feeling judged. It’s like it was made for parties where you just wanted to hang out with friends and have fun.
But as the years passed, the Tootsie Roll became a distant memory. As newer dances took center stage, the Tootsie Roll became more of a retro move, one that you’d only hear about in nostalgic conversations or on a “best of” playlist. It didn’t die completely, though. It still shows up every now and then, especially at nostalgic parties, where people whip it out just for the fun of it. It’s kind of like that one song that’s been stuck in your head for decades—it’s never gone, it’s just hidden for a while. The Tootsie Roll may not be the headline act anymore, but its easy-going style will always hold a special place in party-goers’ hearts.
7. The Carlton
Who could forget the Carlton? If you watched The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, you saw Will’s best friend, Carlton Banks, bust this iconic move. It was an awkward, exaggerated dance that had everyone laughing, but somehow it was also a showstopper. The Carlton wasn’t about precision; it was all about the energy and the attitude. The move itself was relatively simple: hands in the air, little hip wiggles, and a whole lot of enthusiasm. It wasn’t particularly cool by typical dance standards, but that’s what made it so beloved—it had this hilarious charm that was totally unique to Carlton himself.
Today, the Carlton is remembered with fondness, often referenced in memes or TV shows for its quirky, nostalgic appeal. People still try to replicate it, often failing but embracing the ridiculousness of it all. It’s one of those dances that became more about the fun of trying than about actually being a good dancer. Whether you’re performing it in front of a crowd or just goofing off at home, the Carlton will always be part of the pop culture lexicon. It’s the kind of dance move you can’t help but smile at—whether you’re doing it or just watching someone else take it on.
8. The Stanky Legg
The Stanky Legg was another one of those dances that became a viral hit for a time. The name alone made it memorable, and the move itself was even more ridiculous. The Stanky Legg involved turning one leg out and then using the opposite leg to do a little kicking motion, as if you were trying to shake off something gross attached to your foot. It was all about attitude: the funkier, the better. When it came out in the early 2000s, it quickly became a party favorite, especially at clubs and dance halls. Everyone wanted to see who could do the most exaggerated version of it, and the more stank you could put on it, the better.
Of course, like most dance crazes, the Stanky Legg didn’t last long, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t leave a mark. For a short time, it was the go-to move for anyone who wanted to prove they had the rhythm and confidence to pull it off. As it faded into obscurity, it became one of those forgotten gems that people only remember if someone dares to try it again. It might not be in rotation as much as it once was, but if you know someone who remembers it, chances are they still have a blast talking about it. The Stanky Legg didn’t just get you moving—it got you laughing too.
9. The Crank That Soulja Boy
Ah, the Crank That Soulja Boy. This was the dance move of the late 2000s, and if you didn’t know it, you weren’t truly in the loop. The song itself was catchy, and the accompanying dance steps were easy enough to learn, making it a staple of schoolyards and parties alike. The Soulja Boy move consisted of a series of simple steps: a side step, a quick little spin, a touch of the knees, and of course, the famous “crank that” motion that everyone mimicked in unison. It was a phenomenon, with everyone rushing to learn the steps and join in on the fun.
Even now, it’s hard to deny the impact of the Crank That Soulja Boy. While it may have faded from the mainstream, you’ll still catch people busting out the moves at family gatherings or in retro dance challenges. It was more than just a trend; it became a symbol of the early days of viral dance videos. Its lasting effect on dance culture is undeniable—after all, it’s hard to forget the impact of a song that literally had people yelling “yeaaaah!” at the top of their lungs. The Soulja Boy dance didn’t need to be perfect to be memorable. It just needed to be fun.
10. The Dougie
The Dougie became an instant sensation in the early 2010s, and it had everyone asking, “How do you do the Dougie?” With its smooth, laid-back style, this dance move wasn’t about fancy footwork—it was about attitude. The key to doing the Dougie right was all in the arms and the swagger. You’d sway from side to side, throwing in a little arm movement and head nod to match. It wasn’t difficult to learn, but it did require a certain cool factor to pull it off with style. You had to embody the dance, not just mimic the moves.
Once it caught on, it became one of those dances that defined a generation. Celebrities, athletes, and everyday people were all getting in on it, which gave it that social media edge. There’s something so effortless about the Dougie—you didn’t have to be perfect, just confident. Like many other dance crazes, it started to fade once the next thing came along, but it hasn’t been completely forgotten. It still has a special place in early 2010s nostalgia. You can’t think of the Dougie without also thinking of the fun that came with trying it out with friends.
11. The Spiderman
If you’ve ever seen someone getting down with the Spiderman at a party, you know it’s an unforgettable move. The Spiderman was all about getting low to the ground and using your arms and legs to mimic the web-slinging hero himself. It was a mix of fluidity and athleticism, requiring you to get on all fours and move in a way that almost looked like a low crawl. People would leap into it, hopping from one side to the other and twisting around like a cartoon spider. It wasn’t just about the dance itself—it was about feeling like you could channel your inner superhero.
As with most dance crazes, the Spiderman came and went quickly, but it definitely had its moment. There’s something hilarious and charming about the awkwardness of doing it wrong, but there was also a sense of pride when you nailed the moves. It was definitely one of those dances that had a cult following, and though it might not pop up at every party anymore, it still makes a cameo every now and then. The Spiderman wasn’t just a dance, it was an experience—and if you got it right, you felt like you had superpowers for a brief moment.
12. The Floss
By the time the Floss hit the scene, it was already a viral sensation. The internet made it explode in the late 2010s, with kids (and adults) everywhere perfecting their moves. The dance consisted of swinging your hips side to side while keeping your arms moving back and forth like you were flapping your wings. It became a favorite not only at parties but also in TikTok challenges. While the Floss was simple enough, it became synonymous with internet fame. Celebrities did it, kids did it, even your grandmother probably gave it a try.
It’s funny to think that something as simple as swinging your arms around could become such a global phenomenon. But that’s the power of a viral dance. The Floss made its way through the mainstream quickly, and even though it’s not the trend it used to be, it still brings a smile to your face whenever you see it. It’s one of those dances that will forever be tied to a specific time and era in pop culture. Even though it’s no longer in heavy rotation, the Floss will always be a reminder of when viral trends ruled the world.