Can you Dougie? Can you Walk it Out? Can you do the Stanky Legg? Well, if you can’t, you’re about to be able to. It’s not as if instructional dance songs are a new phenomenon — everyone in the world has been doing the Twist on command since 1959 — but it certainly feels like songs with a built-in dance move have been getting a lot more numerous, not mention a lot more ridiculous, in recent years. We don’t know about you, but we’ve always had a hard time keeping them straight, so we thought we’d put together a list of the decade’s most popular hip-hop inspired dance moves. Dance along after the jump — and let us know what other club staples you’d add to the list.
Cha-Cha- Slide – DJ Casper, 2000
Yes, this is an actual song that happened. Originally developed for Bally Total Fitness, it proceeded to play at every high school dance ever. No instructions necessary on this one — but we’re glad we finally know what “Charlie Brown!” means.
Lean Back – Terror Squad, 2004
For the lazy dancer. Just pull up your pants and lean on back.
1, 2 Step – Ciara, 2004
The “izzle”-ing really dates this song, but regardless, we logged a lot of hours trying to perfect what we thought was the 1, 2 Step before we saw the video and realized it was mostly just a side shuffle with a heel tap. Sigh.
Walk It Out – Unk 2006
The Walk It Out is really the same as doing the twist – just do it deep and loose. And pick up your feet. It’s a pretty good quad workout, actually.
Chicken Noodle Soup – Webstar, 2006
This one’s easy. Just act out the lyrics: let it rain, clear it out, dance for your chicken noodle soup, drink a soda. And throw in some kicky shuffling just for fun.
Crank That – Soulja Boy, 2007
One of the most immediately recognizable — it’s just three bounce-jumps sideways with your arms out. There’s some fancy footwork in there too, but that’s not necessary for the casual dancer.
Stanky Legg – GS Boyz, 2008
As far as we can tell, all you have to do is kind of slowly shake one leg while standing on the other one.
You’re A Jerk – New Boyz, 2009
Jerkin’ is splaying your legs out wide and bouncing and dipping on your heels and/or toes. It’s actually kinda cool if you can make it work/stay standing.
Teach Me How to Dougie – Cali Swag District, 2010
Apparently all you do is “put your hands out/ lean side to side”, but we think it’s mostly in the shoulders. And the attitude.
Bonus link: These girls can do them all and then some. Plus they’re hilarious.