Dance crazes through the decade

In the world of dance, knowing the latest moves is just important as the classics; it allows dancers to be creative, imaginative and current. Some dance moves will always remain in a dancer’s repertoire such as the Charleston and Lindy hop, but will the latest trends make a lasting impact also?

The Nae Nae

Silento’s ‘Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)’ became a global hit in 2015. It wasn’t just dance fans who were throwing bodies around, children of all ages as well as adults, were whipping it on the floor. The song peaked at number 19 in the UK Singles Chart. In the last five years, the dance has continued with popularity, even as a move for other songs, but we’re not so sure we’ll be doing the whip in another five years’ time.

The Floss

After 15-year-old Russel Horning performed the dance on Saturday Night Live in 2017; he was lovingly nicknamed ‘the backpack kid’, which is why some people refer to it as the backpack dance. The enthusiastic swinging of hips and arms have eclipsed the younger generation, with everyone attempting the dance. It has travelled across the world and featured on Disney Channel, The Simpsons and the popular video game Fortnite.

The Dougie

Another dance craze that was born from a song is the Dougie. The song titles ‘Teach Me How To Dougie’ was sung by somewhat of a one-hit-wonder group, Cali Swag District. Released in 2010, it was their debut single, and although the group released another seven songs, none made any real impact on the music or dance industry the same way as the Dougie. 

Quite often dances crazes stem from music, but it’s important to note them. Choreography and learning to choreograph plays a big role in the dance industry, understanding each move and its origin is necessary to represent it on the dance floor. 

There have been plenty other dance crazes over the last decade, could you be at the front of the next one? If you’re interested in discovering the world of dance, take a look at the dance courses the University of Bolton are providing in partnership with Shockout Arts here.