16 Dance Crazes That Took Over for a Week
These 16 short-lived dance crazes burned bright in pop culture before disappearing almost as fast as they arrived.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Dance trends can explode overnight. They can take over parties and social media instantly. Some become timeless classics. However, others vanish as quickly as they came, leaving us with viral videos and memories. Here’s a look back at the fleeting dance crazes that ruled for a week before disappearing.
1. The Dab (2015)
Shinchan500 on Wikimedia Commons
The dab swept the world after athletes and rappers made it iconic. Simple and sharp, it was just tucking your head into your elbow, yet it showed up everywhere from classrooms to NFL end zones.
2. The Harlem Shake (2013)
greyloch on Wikimedia Commons
This craze started with a single person dancing solo before the room erupted into chaos. Short, 30-second videos flooded YouTube, making them a meme sensation.
3. The Floss (2017)
U.S. Department of Agriculture on Flickr
Popularized by the “Backpack Kid” on Saturday Night Live, the Floss had everyone swinging their arms like human windmills. It was goofy, addictive, and surprisingly tricky to master.
4. Gangnam Style Dance (2012)
Korea.net on Wikimedia Commons
PSY’s viral hit brought the galloping horse dance to the global stage. Everyone from celebrities to politicians tried it, making it the first YouTube video to hit a billion views.
5. The Jerk (2009)
Pappy068 on Wikimedia Commons
Fueled by the song “You’re a Jerk,” this dance involved hopping backward while swinging your arms. Teenagers across the U.S. uploaded endless tutorials and freestyle videos.
6. The Macarena (1995)
John Sherwell on Wikimedia Commons
Few dances became as instantly recognizable as the Macarena. Weddings, school dances, and sporting events all had crowds swaying and turning to its simple steps.
7. The Shmoney Dance (2014)
Earport on Wikimedia Commons
Bobby Shmurda’s signature move took off after the “Hot N***a” music video went viral. It was casual, bouncy, and perfect for Vine clips.
8. The Soulja Boy (Crank That) (2007)
Jesús Gorriti on Flickr
Soulja Boy’s dance was practically a workout routine, complete with hops, crosses, and spins. It was a viral sensation across schoolyards and YouTube.
9. The Chicken Noodle Soup (2006)
Kampus Production on Pexels
Originating in Harlem, this energetic shuffle had dancers hopping and swinging their arms while chanting the song’s catchy lyrics. It was quirky and fun but never broke into mainstream longevity.
10. The Shoot Dance (2017)
Manass Rex on Pexels
A single-armed, hopping dance, the Shoot dominated Fortnite streams and short social media clips. Its appeal was in its simplicity and bold energy.
11. The Lean Back (2004)
Harrison Haines on Pexels
Terror Squad’s “Lean Back” turned a subtle shoulder rock into a hip-hop anthem dance. It was effortless, almost lazy, but that was the charm.
12. The Whip/Nae Nae (2015)
Mike Von on Unsplash
Silentó’s viral song launched two simple moves: the Whip and the Nae Nae. Kids, celebrities, and even teachers posted videos trying it out. After a brief takeover of social media, it became another dance left in the digital archives.
13. The Stanky Legg (2009)
Slizzgsboyz on Wikimedia Commons
GS Boyz introduced this leg-twisting move that was all about swagger and rhythm. Its awkward look was part of its appeal.
14. The Carlton (1990s)
5of7 on Flickr
Alfonso Ribeiro’s dorky, swinging-arm dance on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air became a surprise sensation. Fans copied it at school dances and talent shows everywhere.
15. The Cha-Cha Slide (2000)
Eric Mesa on Flickr
Every school gym and wedding played the Cha-Cha Slide at least once. Its step-by-step instructions made it impossible to mess up, which fueled its initial popularity.
16. The Kiki Challenge (2018)
thecomeupshow on Wikimedia Commons
Inspired by Drake’s “In My Feelings,” people jumped out of moving cars to dance alongside them. It was thrilling, funny, and dangerously viral.