Top 10 Funniest SNL Dance Sketches
#10: “Cha Cha Slide”
Top 20 Funniest SNL Dance Sketches
In 2019, ex-SNL writer and returning host John Mulaney got an opportunity to show off his dancing skills in this sketch, along with cast member, Ego Nwodim. The two play a couple attending a wedding and Mulaney is riddled with nerves about meeting his girlfriend's family. Shaking off his worries on the dancefloor, the pair partakes in the wedding staple of dancing to DJ Casper’s 2000 hit “Cha Cha Slide”, but this time, it features a bunch of new moves. Turns out this plus one knows everyone better than he thought and proves to be a pretty good dancer, too.
#9: “Cobras & Panthers”
It’s been said that imitation is the highest form of flattery and if that’s true, then this sketch is one heck of a compliment. Parodying music theatre legend Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece, “West Side Story”, this sketch features host Robert Downey Jr. and a gang of singing and dancing gang members à la Sharks and the Jets. The choreography features “West Side's” signature snap and ballet inspired moves made famous by Jerome Robbins. The sketch is a funny and lighthearted poke at not only the musical but also the entire musical genre for its spontaneous nature of breaking into song and dance.
#8: “Dancing in the Dark”
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When it comes to comedy, sometimes the most simple idea is the most effective. During this skit, Steve Martin and Gilda Radner play googly-eyed strangers who meet each other’s gaze in the middle of a crowded restaurant. The lights dim and time stops as they begin to dance across the famous 8H studio and around the live audience. They’re not the most graceful or skilled dancers, but it’s their commitment to playing it straight while simultaneously looking absolutely ridiculous that makes this sketch comedy gold.
#7: “Single Ladies”
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In 2008, Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” took the world by storm. Not only did the song, music video and signature choreography become a sensation, but so did this sketch. Featuring Queen Bee herself, Justin Timberlake and cast members Andy Samberg and Bobby Moynihan, the scene asks: what if these guys were her backup dancers? Outfitted in the famous black leotards and heels, the guys put their own spin on the dance - which is less than stellar. However, when it comes to comedy, the badder the better, making this dance absolute perfection.
#6: The Spartan Cheerleaders
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It’s hard to name a more dynamic duo than cheerleading hopefuls, Craig and Arianna. These characters, created and performed by Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri, are full of school spirit, high kicks and a willing attitude in their recurring sketches. The Practice one sees them sneaking into the gym to rehearse for tryouts, where they pull out all of their best moves. Unfortunately, for this pair, their enthusiasm gets the better of them. Between their ridiculous chants and messy high kicks, their dreams of joining the Spartan cheerleading squad might never come true, but their commitment and dedication are certainly admirable.
#5: The Roxbury Guys
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Inviting viewers into a ‘90s club, Chris Kattan and Will Ferrell offer up two of the most memorable characters of their era on “SNL”. Known as The Roxbury Guys, they’re two club dwellers who can't dance, can’t flirt and have zero game, often joined by a third person. When that person is host Jim Carrey, the trio bounce around from party to party, bobbing and bouncing along to Haddaway’s “What Is Love”. The recurring sketch became such a hit that it successfully head bobbed its way right to the big screen when the characters received a big screen adaptation in 1998’s “A Night at the Roxbury”.
#4: “Haunted Elevator” (ft. David S. Pumpkins)
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In 2016, “Saturday Night Live” introduced viewers to one of its most talked about characters of all time. Featuring host Tom Hanks, this sketch starts off with a couple visiting a haunted attraction. There, they are introduced to David S. Pumpkins, a man dressed head-to-toe in a Jack-o-lantern patterned suit, accompanied by two dancing skeletons. The sketch, from the costumes to the dancing, is truly bizarre and even the characters themselves can’t quite figure out who or what is happening. Despite all this, the character became so popular he even received his own animated special a year later.
#3: “Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp”
National treasure, Liza Minnelli, is a triple threat. She can do it all: sing, dance and act - but can she turn off a lamp? It's a question for the ages and thanks to “SNL”, we have an answer. Starring Kristen Wigg and Jonah Hill, in this sketch they play Minnelli and her unnamed friend as they prepare to leave her apartment to watch the opening night of the Broadway musical, “Cats”. Before they go, Liza has to turn off a lamp, but instead turns the simple task into a dance. Wigg makes a meal out of her Fosse-inspired gestures and earns every laugh in what has to be one of her funniest moments on the series.
#2: “Lunch Lady Land”
As an “SNL” cast member, Adam Sandler gained notoriety for his original musical comedy. Armed with his guitar, Sandler blessed viewers with this song told through the perspective of a high school lunch lady. The unsung, played by fellow cast member, Chris Farley, dazzles with his graceful turns, spins and commitment to the sketch. The two are even joined onstage by a cast of foods like garlic bread and a Sloppy Joe sandwich. From the get-go, Farley goes the extra mile to try and make Sandler laugh, which he successfully pulls off several times throughout the performance. What makes this sketch stand out is that not only is it hilarious, but also a special moment between two friends. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Omeletteville” Justin Timberlake Plays a Dancing & Highly Competitive Restaurant Mascot “What Up with That?” This Recurring Sketch Featured Jason Sudeikis Doing a Running Man Dance He Later Did on “Ted Lasso” “Boy Dance Party” With Bruce Willis, This Sketch Features a Move Called "Shake That Sack" “Late Night Battle” Rival Dance Troupes Meet to Battle, Featuring Awkwafina & Travis Scott “Disco Booty Junction” Sigourney Weaver & Kristen Wiig Perform a Disco-Inspired Number
#1: “Chippendales Audition”
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In this sketch, Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley play aspiring Chippendale dancers who make it to the final round of auditions. Both Swazye and Farley are totally committed to the outrageous choreography that includes lots of thrusting, jumps and even The Worm. In the 21st century, the sketch from 1990 has received criticism for its portrayal of body image. It's an important reflection, especially considering that the sketch still continues to gain a lot of attention today. Farley’s athleticism, energy and fuel are the driving forces of the piece and prove that no matter how much time passes, he’ll always be one of the best and brightest in the history of the show.
