The 1980s was a decade of cultural transformation, where dance played a significant role. In this article, we will explore the top 10 dance moves of the 80s and their impact on the dance culture of the decade.

The dance culture of the 80s was a melting pot of various styles and influences. The popularity of MTV and music videos fueled the dance craze of the decade. Pop, rock, and hip-hop were the dominant music genres of the era, each with its unique dance style.

Dance was more than just entertainment in the 80s. It was a means of self-expression, a way to escape the daily grind, and a form of exercise. Dance was also a way to connect with others and form communities based on a shared passion for movement and music. The dance culture of the 80s reflected the spirit of the times, and it continues to influence dance trends today.

The Top 10 Dance Moves of the 80s

The 80s was the era of the dance floor, and there were many iconic dance moves that defined the decade. Here are the top 10 dance moves that became cultural phenomena during the 80s:

1. The Moonwalk

The Moonwalk is one of the most iconic dance moves of all time, popularized by Michael Jackson during his live performance of "Billie Jean" in 1983. The move involves a sliding motion where the dancer appears to be walking forward while moving backward.

The Moonwalk dance @ youtube

 2. The Robot

The Robot dance move became popular in the 80s thanks to the music video for "Rockit" by Herbie Hancock. The dance involves stiff, jerky movements that mimic the motions of a robot.

The Robot dance @adobestock

 3. The Running Man

The Running Man was a popular dance move that involved running in place while moving your feet in a shuffle motion. The move was popularized by MC Hammer's hit song "U Can't Touch This."

The Running Man @adobestock

 4. The Cabbage Patch

The Cabbage Patch was a dance move that involved bouncing from side to side while swinging your arms and making a circular motion with your hands. The dance move was named after the popular toy of the same name.

The Cabbage Patch @youtube

 5. The Electric Slide

The Electric Slide was a line dance that became popular in the 80s. The dance involved a series of steps that were performed in unison with a group of people, often at weddings and parties.

The Electric Slide @wedding

 6. The Worm

The Worm is a breakdancing move that involves lying on the ground and moving your body in a wave-like motion. The move became popular in the 80s thanks to breakdancers like Turbo from the movie "Breakin'."

The Worm @youtube

 7. The Humpty Dance

The Humpty Dance was a dance move created by Shock G, the frontman of the hip-hop group Digital Underground. The dance involves a series of gyrating movements and was named after the group's most famous song.

The Humpty Dance @youtube

 8. The Roger Rabbit

The Roger Rabbit was a dance move that involved hopping from one foot to the other while moving your arms in a circular motion. The move was popularized by the song "Do the Roger Rabbit" by the group Bunny and the Crew.

The Roger Rabbit @youtube

 9. The Breakdance

The Breakdance, also known as B-boying, was a dance style that emerged in the 80s, originating from hip-hop culture. Breakdancing involves acrobatic and athletic movements, including spins, flips, and freezes.

The Breakdance @ Britanica

 10. The Thriller

The Thriller dance was created by Michael Jackson for his hit song and music video "Thriller." The dance involves a series of zombie-inspired movements, including the famous zombie walk and the claw-like hand gestures.

The Thriller dance @ Getty images

Final thoughts

The top 10 dance moves of the 80s we've explored in this article were some of the most iconic and memorable moves of the era. These moves became part of pop culture and continue to inspire dancers today.

The influence of 80s dance culture can be seen in current dance trends. Many of the moves popularized in the 80s have been adapted and modified to create new dance styles. For example, the Running Man has evolved into the Floss dance, which became popular in the 2010s thanks to the video game Fortnite.

Overall, the 80s was a time of dynamic and exciting dance culture. Dance played an important role in the lives of people during this decade, providing a means of expression, escape, and community. The legacy of 80s dance culture lives on today and continues to inspire new generations of dancers and performers.

>>> Watch this video to know more about 80’s dance moves: