Getty Images/Christopher PolkNobody ever taught me how to dougie, but I can still lean like a cholo, do the rockaway (lean back), and cupid shuffle all over the place. Any time, day or night. In fact, my “How-To” speech in high school was “How To Pop, Lock, and Drop It.” Perhaps I shouldn’t say that so proudly, but I know I’m not the only one who busted out these moves, nor can I resist them when I hear them playing now.Chicken Noodle Soup
I’ve always loved this song (don’t ask), but have always been baffled by why anyone would ever want a chicken noodle soup with a soda on the side? Whatever, the dance is still fun.
Pop, Lock, & Drop It
“You movin’ that thing around as if you practice in the mirror.” Um, yes. Yes, I do practice in the mirror. How else would you know how good your butt looks on your way up from dropping? C’mon, Huey.
Walk It Out
I like to try to dance to everything UNK says in this song. I hit the dance floor (with my hands), then I bend my back low. I only just found out that he’s saying “do it with no hands,” and my years of doing this dance without pants now seem mildly regrettable.
Like a Cholo
All the homies, they know what I mean. This is one of the most fun dances to do, as long as you aren’t standing next to someone else who is leaning like a cholo. You don’t have to do a whole lot, just enough.
Lean Back
I guess this one wouldn’t actually be considered a dance, since it just involves adjusting one’s pants, decidedly not dancing, and doing the rockaway.
Crank That (Soulja Boy)
I can very proudly say I have never done this dance, on principle. I don’t know what that principle is (I can lie and pretend it’s that I don’t want to endorse the “superman” aspect of the routine and its vulgar meaning, but I would be a hypocrite since I never hesitate to shout “skeet, skeet, skeet,” during “Get Low“). I do respect it as much as one can respect this sort of thing, though.
Stanky Legg
If I were capable of feeling shame, this dance would probably be one of the main sources. I don’t know why we ever let this happen, or why I still do it. I have no defense here. It’s fun?
Teach Me How To Dougie
You wouldn’t believe me if I told you how many times I’ve watched the YouTube tutorial to this dance unsuccessfully. Halfway through, I intentionally do something ridiculous as a defense mechanism. I have seen some seriously impressive dougies in my day, and I will remain eternally envious of those who are capable.
Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It
These dance crazes can get a bit tricky now, because I’m still not entirely sure what the difference is between leaning back and leaning wit it, rocking wit it, if I’m being honest. I think maybe you don’t pull up your pants before doing this one.
Bye Bye Bye
Is it even possible to listen to this song without the hand movements? I really don’t think it is.
You’re a Jerk
I can’t do this one without falling. I’m sure it’s enjoyable though.
The Ketchup Song
I think I may have nailed this dance at one point, maybe. I’m not sure. My hands just always spazzed out and I played it cool. Confidence is key for most of these, anyway. Right?
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
I am not going to make an “I’ma let you finish” reference. I am not going to make a “I’ma let you finish reference.” I am not. Ugh, but COME ON. It really is one of the best videos of all time! Of ALL TIME!
Wobble/Get Silly
“Wobble” is way more fun, way more enjoyable for dances and whatnot. I just find it kind of hard to do (I said, don’t judge me). That’s why I’ve also listed “Get Silly,” because its level of difficulty makes me feel better about myself. We all know “Wobble” is better, but let’s still be grateful to V.I.C. for both of these gems.
1, 2 Step
Ciara is the greatest dancer of her generation, arguably on earth. It all started with this very basic dance that I still try to bust out every time I hear it (which is quite often since the “Goodies” album is a staple of my listening habits). Infinite bonus points for Missy Elliott‘s rap. This dance really is sophisticated fun.
Cupid Shuffle
One of my first nights in college was spent learning to do this dance with my new floormates and my R.A. It took us way longer than I’m willing to admit before we got it down, but now it fills me with the utmost happiness to shimmy (x4) to the right, then the left (x4), then kick (x4), then walk it by myself (x2).
Cha Cha Slide
If there is anyone reading this that has never done the “Cha Cha Slide,” that needs to be amended right now. Literally anyone can do it. It’s easy to follow along to. Pro tip: when you’re told to “Charlie Brown,” just stand absolutely still and observe what everybody else is doing. Now, don’t you feel better about yourself?
The Macarena
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiBYM6g8Tck
Okay…it’s not from the 2000s… but we all did it. And it’s embarrassing, but amazing.
