Top 20 Dance Moves That Defined the '80s

Top 20 Dance Moves That Defined the 80s

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re moonwalking back in time to boogie down with the dance grooves everyone was busting out in the 80s.

#20: “Old Time Rock and Roll”

“The Risky Business” dance became one of the most iconic sequences of the ’80s, and it’s mostly because of how effortlessly cool Tom Cruise looked doing it. The moment starts with Cruise, in just a shirt and socks, sliding across the floor to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll.” It’s the perfect mix of swagger, carefree energy, and a song that fits like a glove. What made it truly iconic wasn’t just the dance—it captured that rebellious ’80s teen spirit, where spontaneity and a little silliness could make you feel like a star. Who wouldn’t want to reenact that carefree confidence? Indeed, it’s been copied and parodied endlessly.

#19: Tiffany’s Heel Slide Dance

If you were near a mall, school gym, or TV in late ’80s, you saw Tiffany turning a performance into teen pop phenomenon. This signature heel slide, forever linked to her name, became rite of passage for teen idols everywhere. She danced it with such ease: a silky, gliding step that made it look like she was floating on a wave of synth-pop beats. It was easy enough to imitate, which meant we could all live out our teen pop star sensation fantasies. Sometimes, the simplest moves are the ones that stick with us, the ones we can’t help but dance to, even when no one else is watching.

#18: The “Dirty Dancing” Lift

Who didn’t dream of being in Johnny and Baby’s shoes, ready to have the time of our lives? For a generation raised on the magic of “Dirty Dancing,” it was a rite of passage to believe, for a moment, that we could pull off that final choreography and maybe soar through the air in that unforgettable lift. Suddenly every spot became a stage for our own dance-floor destiny. Of course reality had other plans. For every successful leap there were a dozen wobbly landings and more than a few soggy mishaps. A generation of would-be dancers learned the hard way that some movie moments are best left to the professionals.

#17: The Alf

Only in this wonderfully weird decade could a wisecracking alien puppet inspire a dance craze. That’s how “The Alf” was born, a move that honored TV’s favorite Melmacian by turning his awkward charm into a fun dance. Fans copied ALF’s shuffles and big arm swings, adding their own silly twist. It wasn’t so much about skill, but about joining in the playful, anything-goes spirit of the time. Decent enough co-ordination aside, just a willingness to let loose and have fun was really all that you needed. As ALF became a hip-hop culture hit, this dance became a way for fans to strut their stuff and look effortlessly rad while doing so!

#16: Da Butt

If you grew up in the late 80s, there’s a good chance you remember the electric moment when E.U. brought “Da Butt” to the world, thanks in no small part to its unforgettable spotlight in Spike Lee’s “School Daze.” “Da Butt” was all about letting go and allowing the booty to do its thing. It became a Billboard Black Singles chart topper, bringing Go-go music to a wider audience. Long before twerking, “Da Butt” was already the star of the party, spreading energy and a welcoming vibe that made everyone feel at home on the dance floor. Even now, it can bring everyone together.

#15: “The Safety Dance”

The “Safety” gesture might not have been your typical club move, but it quickly became an '80s classic by capturing the decade’s fearless, rebellious streak. While disco reigned elsewhere with its polished grooves, Men Without Hats crashed the scene with their quirky “S” sign and skipping steps, turning their music video into a celebration of pure self-expression. They took “pogoing” and transformed it into a synth-pop anthem for every outsider who ever wanted to dance their own way. “The Safety Dance" became a rallying cry for individuality and fun, inviting everyone to join the party on their own terms, unless your friends don’t dance...

#14: The Wop

The Wop is classic fun, a dance that brought the cool vibe of street culture to anyone willing to try. Its signature bounce and arm swings and optional funky footwork made it a great way to show off your groove. While some trace its roots to late-70s house parties, it truly exploded in 80s clubs, where its expressive, adaptable style made it a dance floor staple. The beauty lies in its versatility: rock it solo or with a crew and still look right at home. The Wop became about expressing yourself and bringing people together, and it was great at keeping the party alive.

#13: The Snake

Slithering its way onto our list is a dance that demanded incredible body control and fluidity. The dancer creates a ripple effect throughout their body, starting with their heads and working their way down in one slick continuous move. It truly mimics the smooth, flowing motion of a serpent, whether performed standing up or on the floor. It’s rooted deeply in funk, popping and Boogaloo, which prioritize that continuous, liquid energy. When done well, it's undeniably impressive to watch, adding, almost hypnotic visual flair to any dance routine and challenging dancers and non-dancers alike to see just how far their snakes could slide.

#12: “The Loco-Motion”

Talk about a dance with staying power! While its origins trace back to the early 60s, “The Loco-Motion” experienced a massive resurgence in the 80s, thanks to a beloved Australian pop star. This universally recognized line dance perfectly mimics the actions of a train, while stepping rhythmically. Kylie Minogue’s infectious 1987 cover of the classic tune breathed new life into the simple, communal steps, introducing it to an entirely new generation of party-goers. Its enduring appeal lies in its sheer simplicity and the joyous, light-hearted atmosphere it instantly creates, making it an absolute must for any group gathering or celebration, bridging decades with its undeniable fun.

#10: “Footloose”

When a movie tells you to cut loose, people usually listen. “Footloose” became a cultural permission slip to break free and dance with abandon, with an energetic style that still feels electric. The dancing in Footloose isn’t one single signature step so much as a burst of loose-limbed, joyful freestyle energy inspiring fans everywhere to kick off their shoes and lose themselves in the moment. The "Footloose" phenomenon swept through talent shows, school dances, and backyard gatherings, proving that you didn’t need to know the steps to be part of the fun. All you needed was the music and the nerve to let go.

#9: “Walk Like An Egyptian”

To this day, we still love a song that tells us exactly how to dance. Songwriter Liam Sternberg actually got the idea for The Bangles’ hit while riding a ferry. When the boat hit rough waters, passengers tried to stay balanced while still walking. Something about their movements reminded him of ancient Egyptian artwork and boom, inspiration. Interestingly, dances inspired by Egyptian-style poses go way back, like the “sand dances” of the early 1900s, which the music video even subtly referenced. The “Walk Like an Egyptian” dance features stylized arms, angular poses, and simple side steps. It became one of the most memorable novelty dances of the late ‘80s—and it’s still a bit of fun today.

#8: “The Breakfast Club” Detention Dance

John Hughes’ “The Breakfast Club” is peak ’80s teen movie energy, packed with iconic moments we still quote and copy. One of the most unforgettable is that detention dance scene where the gang kills time by breaking out their wildest moves. The standout is Molly Ringwald’s thrashy solo. It’s not about being polished; it’s all about the attitude. She makes flailing look effortlessly cool, which is probably why it became a go-to on dance floors everywhere. Fun fact: that sequence was meant to be a solo for Ringwald, but she got shy, so it became a group thing. It’s one of those dances you just have to throw yourself into, no second thoughts.

#7: Lambada

Ah, the forbidden dance! The Lambada’s roots go back to at least the 1920s, tying into various Latin dance styles, but it truly exploded in 1989 thanks to the French-Brazilian group Kaoma. This cheeky partner dance keeps your legs bent while your hips do the heavy lifting as you glide side to side. It’s all swaying, smooth turns, and a rhythm so hot it’ll work up a sweat, not just from the dance but from the heat between you and your partner. The trend of short skirts made the women’s hip action even more hypnotic. This isn’t your grandma’s partner dance—if flirting were a dance, this would be it.

#6: The Running Man

This step might look easy, but it’s more than just running in place. It’s a mix of shuffling and sliding that gives the illusion of running while pulling something toward you. While this move might’ve existed before the ’80s, it was artists like Janet Jackson, Selena, and Vanilla Ice who got us all trying it. Some even trace its roots back to MC Hammer. It’s timeless because it’s insanely adaptable; it works in any setting, and people just can’t resist joining in. Bobby Brown apparently even tweaked it into the Roger Rabbit in his 1989 “Every Little Step” video. It’s one of those moves that, to this day, hasn’t gone out of style.

#5: Harlem Shake

Straight up, we’re not talking about that 2010s trend. The original Harlem Shake was created by Albert Boyce, aka Al. B, who would perform it during basketball halftime shows. It’s a sharp, popping dance with moves meant to mimic someone who’s had one drink too many. It caught on with Hip-Hop dancers and quickly evolved into the style we know today. Named after Al’s hometown of Harlem, the dance spread through different crews, each adding their own flavor. It later resurfaced as one of the earlier viral dance crazes on social media. But trust us, if you mention it to anyone in the Hip-Hop world, they’ll be quick to inform you that it’s not the same thing!

#4: Cabbage Patch

As the story goes, this dance move’s name comes from the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls, which were all the rage at the time. Although if anyone knows why, please drop a comment and enlighten us! At its simplest, it’s about moving your arms in outward, circular motions with clenched fists. But if you want to score extra cool points, get your whole upper body into it—and maybe even step into it. It’s so easy, anyone can do it! The move was such a hit that it even inspired multiple songs throughout the ‘80s. You might even find yourself doing the Cabbage Patch as your go-to celebratory dance—it has that vibe of pure self-celebration.

#3: The Electric Slide

The Electric Slide may have been around before the ’80s, but it hit its peak after the 1983 hit “Electric Boogie.” There’s been some debate about who originally created it, but that’s another story. It’s a line dance with 22 steps, although the number can vary depending on the version. What made the Electric Slide so popular was how easy it was to learn. Its simple, repetitive steps allowed people of all ages and skill levels to join in without needing a partner. This made it perfect for large gatherings where not everyone knew each other, creating a sense of shared fun. By the late ’80s, it was a staple at social events.

#2: “Thriller”

The Moonwalk dates back to at least the 1930s, but when we say Moonwalk, most people probably picture this. Michael Jackson made it iconic, but if we’re talking MJ-inspired dance crazes, it’s gotta be the “Thriller” routine, choreographed by Michael Peters. In 1983, fans everywhere transformed into stiff-legged zombies with claw hands, grooving to peak ’80s pop. It’s one of the most recreated dances in pop culture history. The video became the first to earn a spot in the National Film Registry, and in 2024, it became the fourth music video to join YouTube’s exclusive one billion views club. Play “Thriller” at any party and just watch—no ’80s kid can resist joining in. Zombies, assemble!

#1: Breakdancing

Breakdancing—also called breaking—is cool personified. It started in the late ’60s and early ’70s in NYC, created by Black and Latino communities. At its core, it’s a mix of rhythm, creativity, and straight-up athleticism. You’ve got your toprock (fancy footwork while standing), then the drop (literally dropping to the floor), followed by downrock and power moves—think spins, freezes, and headstands. It pulls from martial arts, gymnastics, and more. The media labeled it “Breakdancing” in the ’80s, lumping it in with Pop'n Lock, Funk, and other styles. But Breaking’s always been its own thing. It’s now an Olympic sport and has even been performed at the Vatican—but it all started on the streets.

Did we miss any of your go-to moves from the decade of big hair and even bigger shoulder pads? (Electric) Slide into the comments below and let us know!