Arts >> Dance >> Dance Lessons

1980's Dance Steps

The 1980s saw the start of some dance fads that have stood the test of time and remain popular today. Breakdancing and "slam dancing"---also known as mosh pits---started during the decade. There are other dance steps you can learn as well, such as the Robot and the Worm.
  1. The Robot

    • The Robot is one of the easiest dances to do, and, with some practice, you can get good at it. The dance is fairly self-explanatory---the dancer simply moves their arms, legs and torso in a jerking motion as a robot would. Make small motions instead of big, sweeping ones.

    The Worm

    • Also known as the Centipede, this step is popular for breakdancers to perform. The move begins with the dancer lying on his stomach with his elbows bent and hands flat on the floor. To make the worm-like movements, straighten your arms and push your upper body up. Bend your elbows again and bring your upper body back down to the floor, and, as you do so, kick your legs up. As your legs are coming back down, begin the moves again so your body is going through a rippling movement. If you think you look like a worm---or as much like one as a human can---you've got the dance down.

      You can also start the moves from your feet and then lift your upper body off the floor, so the rippling movement is reversed.

    The Moonwalk

    • This dance was made popular by Michael Jackson in the 1980s, and while it looks quite simple, it actually takes a lot of practice to get right.

      Begin with both your feet side by side and standing slightly on your toes. Lift your right heel up as you bend your right knee and shift your weight to your right foot. Slide your left foot backward, then bring your right heel down and repeat the steps with your left foot. Be sure to bring one heel up as you're bringing the other down. You also want to be careful not to lift up the foot you're sliding backward while the other foot is lifted.

      For arm movements, swing your right arm forward while the left leg is sliding back and vice versa.

    The Running Man

    • The Running Man is sort of like the Moonwalk and gets your whole body involved.

      Start by moving your arms back and forth as if you're running. Then, step forward with your right foot and kick your left foot back---as if you're running in slow motion. Step forward with your left foot and kick your right foot back and repeat the steps.

Dance Lessons

Related Categories