Dance and music have always been linked, but the influence goes even deeper as celebrities add dance moves to complement their records. From Michael Jackson's iconic moonwalk to his silent viral whip/nae nae dance, these dances weren't just danced to top charting songs, they left their mark on the music industry.
michael jackson – moonwalk
The King of Pop revolutionized the entire concept of dance with his moonwalk move. During her performance of “Billie Jean” in 1983's Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, she performed the moonwalk, a gravity-defining move that made her appear to be walking forward while simultaneously sliding backwards. This is done by: The moonwalk quickly became a staple of dance history and continues to be imitated by many dancers around the world.
Lil' Kim “Ducking” Dance
Lil' Kim isn't just creating dance moves, she's saving lives. The spicy New York rapper showcased her “ducking” dance move, which violently moves her body and arms from side to side while bending her hips. Ever since Lil' Kim popularized this dance during her performances, the “ducking” motion has now become one of her most frequently repeated dances. Outside of love, Lil' Kim's “ducking” dance is getting people out of dangerous situations. An Alabama woman recently revealed how she was able to use Lil' Kim's “Ducking” dance to dodge bullets and survive a gunfight.
MC Hammer Hammer Dance
MC Hammer dominated the music scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s with his memorable hits and energetic performances. To add more flair to his hit song “U Can't Touch This,” the infectious rapper uses his legendary Hammer dance, which features quick side-to-side movements and exaggerated arm movements. introduced to the world. This dance move has become an unforgettable symbol of hip-hop culture and inspired dance battles around the world.
Chingy – Chicken Head
Chingy's “chickenhead” dance burst onto the scene in the early 2000s. His single “Right Thurr” features his iconic dance moves that involve him circling his arms in and out and bouncing his head. Inspired by slang, “chickenhead” has been described as a derogatory term referring to women. Chingy's dance execution, coupled with his extremely enthusiastic stage presence, cemented his and “Chickhead's” dance moves as a defining moment in hip-hop history.
Silento – The Whip/Nae Nae
In 2015, Silent burst onto the scene with their debut song “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).” The song quickly turned into something big and even earned her her own dance. “Whip/Nae Nae” is characterized by the cracking sound of a whip followed by arm movements that mimic the gentle swinging of the arms, known as “Nae Nae.” Shortly after its introduction, this dance became an important part of dancing at gatherings.
These iconic dance moves created by celebrities have surpassed their accompanying songs and shaped the way we move freely on the dance floor. Whether it's a timeless moonwalk or an energetic whip/nae nae, these dances keep us entertained and prove that music and movement have the power to unite us all.
