The most popular dances have a way of grabbing hold of the world and sweeping us up in a frenzy of rhythm. While many dance fads fade into obscurity, some become cultural phenomenons that are taught in ballet schools and embraced by people of all ages, nationalities, and genders. Regardless of its origins, a good fad can bring people together and make them laugh and smile.
One of the most famous fads in history was the Macarena, a Latin pop hit that brought people from all walks of life together and created a dance style that’s still used today. The limbo, a fun and challenging dance that requires participants to stand under a sinking bar and glide forward, also became a craze that lasted for decades after it first swept the music scene in 1958.
In the 1920’s, building on the popularity of swing dancing, other dances emerged including The Charleston, a partnered dance with twists and turns, which became even more popular after it was featured in the movie “Cab Calloway’s Jitterbug Party.” This was followed by the Foxtrot, which grew from a slower couples dance to an uptempo, fast-paced style that is still enjoyed by countless people.
The 2000s saw hip hop, rap and RnB take over the world and spawned several new dance styles such as the Electric Slide and the Nae Nae. These dances often feature simple moves but are made much more interesting by the right amount of attitude and body language.
