Line dances are a fantastic way to get everyone at your wedding reception onto the dance floor, regardless of age or dancing ability. From classic favorites that have been filling dance floors for decades to modern hits that have gone viral on platforms like TikTok, Wedding Line Dance Songs are experiencing a vibrant resurgence. While line dances enjoyed peak popularity in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, they are making a strong comeback, thanks to catchy new tunes and the infectious energy of dance trends online. Before we explore the latest hits, let’s dive into some of the most iconic wedding line dances that have become staples at celebrations worldwide.
The Cupid Shuffle
“Cupid Shuffle,” released in 2007 by singer Cupid from his album “Time for a Change,” isn’t just a song—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The associated line dance, “The Cupid Shuffle,” became a defining dance craze of the early 2010s. Its immense popularity at wedding receptions, school dances, proms, and various festive gatherings made it a must-know for anyone hitting the dance floor.
Often compared to DJ Casper’s “Cha Cha Slide” due to its instructional lyrics, the “Cupid Shuffle” guides dancers through each step with vocal cues within the song itself. It’s common to hear the “Cupid Shuffle” played immediately after the “Cha Cha Slide” at weddings and school events, ensuring a continuous flow of guided dance fun.
Cha Cha Slide
For those who grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s, the “Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper might seem like it has always been around. However, this party anthem was only released in August 2000. Initially marketed for aerobics classes and nightclubs, it quickly transcended its initial target and exploded into the wider entertainment and event scene. Today, the “Cha Cha Slide” is a global staple heard at school dances, proms, birthday parties, ice rinks, roller rinks, bar/bat mitzvahs, quinceaneras, weddings, and sporting events.
Like its successor, the “Cupid Shuffle,” the “Cha Cha Slide” features lyrics that explicitly instruct dancers on each move, from the signature “slide to the left” and “slide to the right” to the essential “cha cha real smooth.” This interactive nature makes it incredibly accessible and enjoyable for groups of all ages and dance skill levels.
Electric Slide
When it comes to wedding line dances, you can never have too many slides! The “Electric Slide,” similar to the “Cha Cha Slide,” is a four-wall line dance. This means dancers rotate through all four walls of the room as the dance progresses, adding an element of dynamic movement and spatial awareness. It has been a wedding reception favorite since its creation.
Richard L. “Ric” Silver, a choreographer, pianist, and Broadway performer, created the “Electric Slide” in 1976, setting it to Marcia Griffiths and Bunny Wailer’s song “Electric Boogie.” The original choreography consists of 22 steps, but the more widely known variation is the simplified 18-step “Electric Slide 2.”
Beyond “Electric Boogie,” there are numerous songs perfect for the Electric Slide, expanding its versatility. Here are just a few examples:
- “Another One Bites the Dust,” Queen
- “Brick House,” The Commodores
- “December 1963 (Oh What A Night),” The Four Seasons
- “Get Down On It,” Kool & the Gang
- “Ice Ice Baby,” Vanilla Ice
The Wobble
“Wobble,” a song by rapper V.I.C., launched a line dance phenomenon. Originally released in the summer of 2008, the song gained traction over time, eventually reaching number 94 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in January 2012. This delayed popularity is largely credited to the emergence of “The Wobble” dance.
“The Wobble” is a straightforward dance, sharing similarities with the “Electric Slide” and “Cha Cha Slide” in its simplicity and repetitive movements. However, it brings a more contemporary hip-hop and R&B vibe to the line dance scene. More recently, “The Wobble” and its associated dance have experienced renewed popularity as younger generations discovered it through the video-sharing app TikTok, proving its enduring appeal across generations.
Macarena
“Hey, Macarena!” “Macarena,” a Spanish dance song by Los del Río about a woman named Macarena, took the world by storm. Featured on their 1993 album “A mí me gusta,” the song became an international sensation and a global dance craze in the latter half of 1996. VH1 even crowned Los del Río the “No. 1 Greatest One-Hit Wonder of All Time” in 2002, largely due to the massive impact of “Macarena.” The “Macarena” dance, primarily involving arm and hand movements, is an inclusive wedding reception dance, perfect for groups with diverse ages and mobility levels. Its simple yet engaging choreography ensures everyone can participate and have fun.
Y.M.C.A.
Disco is alive and well! “Y.M.C.A.,” the 1978 hit by The Village People, is arguably one of the most famous songs of all time, and the dance of the same name has enjoyed equally enduring popularity. “Y.M.C.A.” is among a select few singles to have sold over 10 million physical copies globally, cementing its place in music history.
“Y.M.C.A.” stands for Young Men’s Christian Association, an organization historically providing affordable housing and community spaces for underserved youth and city residents. In the 60s and 70s, the YMCA was recognized as a safe haven for young men of color and LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness and discrimination. This context inspired Victor Willis, The Village People’s lead singer and lyricist, to write the song.
The song’s global appeal continues at events worldwide, with crowds enthusiastically performing the iconic dance where arm movements spell out the four letters of the song’s title. Similar to the “Macarena,” the “Y.M.C.A.” dance, relying on arm movements, is an excellent choice for diverse groups, including those with varied activity levels or mobility considerations.
The Chicken Dance
Believe it or not, “The Chicken Dance” dates back to 1950! This catchy tune originates from Swiss accordion player Werner Thomas. Originally titled “Der Ententanz” (The Duck Dance), it was a popular drinking song at Oktoberfest in Germany. The song’s transformation into “The Chicken Dance” happened somewhat by accident in 1981 at the Tulsa, Oklahoma Oktoberfest. When performers couldn’t find duck costumes, a local TV station donated a chicken costume, inadvertently giving “The Chicken Dance” its now-famous name.
Since then, this polka-style song has become a fixture at Oktoberfests, wedding receptions, school dances, proms, and festivals across the nation. Its four simple dance moves—mimicking a chicken beak, flapping wings, shaking hips, and clapping—make it incredibly easy for everyone, from children to adults, to learn quickly and join in. However, it’s worth noting that “The Chicken Dance” frequently appears on couples’ “do not play” lists for their wedding DJs, so its reception can be mixed depending on personal preferences!
Boot Scootin’ Boogie
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” released by country music duo Brooks & Dunn in 1992, became a line dance sensation. As the fourth single from their album “Brand New Man,” the song’s infectious beat and memorable lyrics resonated deeply with country music fans. The associated line dance, choreographed by Canadian instructor Bill Bader, rapidly gained popularity. The 1994 movie “The Cowboy Way,” featuring Woody Harrelson and Kiefer Sutherland, further propelled “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” into mainstream awareness with a memorable honky-tonk scene showcasing the dance.
Ever since, this energetic line dance has become a wedding, party, dance club, and country music event staple. It consistently gets people onto the dance floor, making it a cherished and enduring wedding line dance choice, especially for couples who love a touch of honky-tonk flair at their celebration.
Modern Wedding Line Dance Songs & TikTok Trends
Social media video platforms like YouTube and TikTok have injected new life into the world of line dancing! Over the past decade, many artists have seen their songs achieve viral fame and reach younger audiences through these platforms. Notably, hip-hop tracks, and songs blending hip-hop and country influences, have emerged as popular genres for contemporary line dances. Let’s explore some of the most popular new line dances and TikTok trends that could be perfect for your 2024 wedding playlist.
Old Town Road
“Old Town Road” marked the breakthrough debut single for American rapper Lil Nas X. Originally released in 2018, and then again in 2019 as a remixed version featuring country icon Billy Ray Cyrus, this country-rap fusion track gained initial popularity on TikTok before dominating the Billboard charts. TikTok users creatively developed their own dance steps for the song, which led to its widespread recognition as a dance track, even though it was initially released without official choreography. The song’s danceability was further cemented with its inclusion in the dance-focused video game “Just Dance 2020.”
“Old Town Road” is an excellent choice for modern couples seeking to incorporate a contemporary twist into their wedding soundtrack’s country elements. While older guests might be less familiar with the dance due to its social media origins, the steps are generally easy to learn, particularly for those with line dancing experience.
Fancy Like
If you’ve watched an Applebee’s commercial recently, you’ve likely heard “Fancy Like!” During the COVID-19 pandemic, country singer Walker Hayes and his family started creating TikTok videos for fun, choreographing dances to songs from his EP “Country Stuff” with his children. The TikTok video for “Fancy Like” went viral, amassing over 2.4 million likes and 23,000 comments overnight. The song’s lyrics mentioning Applebee’s prompted the restaurant chain to feature the track in their commercials, significantly boosting its mainstream popularity.
The dance created by Hayes and his family blends elements of classic line dances with modern hip-hop movements. As journalist Chris Deville noted in Stereogum in 2021, there’s a clear connection between the hip-hop-influenced “Fancy Like” dance and the traditional line dances that accompanied country hits in the late 20th century. This blend of familiar and fresh makes “Fancy Like” a crowd-pleasing option.
The Git Up
“Country rap” went viral again in early 2019 with “The Git Up” by American rapper Blanco Brown. Often described as a “sequel” to “Old Town Road” due to its similar blend of hip-hop and country styles and viral trajectory, “The Git Up” quickly became a dance craze. Despite its modern origins, the dance associated with “The Git Up” echoes the classic line dances of the 80s and early 2000s. Brown himself demonstrated a line dance to the song in a self-recorded video, which became a meme and was later incorporated into the official music video.
“The Git Up” dance incorporates familiar country line dance steps like side steps, heel-toe taps, and turns, but infuses them with a looser, more relaxed body language reflecting its hip-hop roots. “The Git Up” is versatile enough to fit seamlessly into both city weddings and rustic farm celebrations, thanks to its genre-bending appeal.
Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)
Thanks to a viral YouTube clip in 2015, Silentó’s song “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” became a dance phenomenon, even with mixed critical reception of the track itself! The dance combines two popular moves highlighted in the title: the “Whip” and the “Nae Nae.” Both moves require a wide stance and active use of the arms and hips, making this a more energetic and physically engaging dance.
Since its initial viral surge, “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” has taken on a life of its own, becoming a popular choice at sporting events, dance clubs, school dances, proms, and weddings. It has also been adopted as an alternative song for other hip-hop dances, such as those from “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” and “Stanky Legg,” demonstrating its adaptability and staying power.
Baby Shark Dance
“Baby Shark Dance” is undeniably a children’s song and dance sensation—making it a guaranteed hit with any kids at your wedding party and reception! Originating as a campfire song and dance where participants use their hands to mimic shark jaws, “Baby Shark” exploded in popularity in 2016 after South Korean entertainment company Pinkfong released a viral YouTube music video. In January 2022, it became the first YouTube video to reach 10 billion views, and it currently holds the title of YouTube’s most-viewed video of all time. While primarily for children, “Baby Shark Dance” can be a fun, lighthearted way to include younger guests and create memorable, silly moments at your wedding reception.
Gangnam Style
“Gangnam Style” became a global phenomenon in 2012 with its release by South Korean rapper Psy. “Gangnam Style” refers to the trendy lifestyle associated with the Gangnam District of Seoul, Korea. Psy’s humorous dancing throughout this K-pop dance song sparked a worldwide craze, generating countless memes, parodies, and sketches. The “Gangnam Style” dance is high-energy, involving galloping and lassoing motions, pulses, and small kicks. Anyone who remembers this major cultural moment will likely rush to the dance floor when “Gangnam Style” plays at your wedding reception, ready to relive the fun and energy of this global hit.
Crank That (Soulja Boy) – “Superman”
“Crank That (Soulja Boy)” was hailed as “the biggest dance fad since the Macarena” upon its release in 2008. This debut single by American rapper Soulja Boy Tell’em topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks and received a Grammy nomination, solidifying its impact. An instructional YouTube video for the associated dance quickly surpassed 27 million views by early 2008, demonstrating its widespread appeal and learnability.
Inspired by dance trends in Atlanta, Georgia, Soulja Boy and his friends invented the moves that became synonymous with “Crank That.” As The Wall Street Journal described, “dancers bounce back on their heels, ripple their hands, crank their wrists like motorcyclists, then lunge into a Superman pose.” The dance became immensely popular in dance clubs and school dances at the time and remains a recognizable and memorable line dance today, perfect for adding a throwback vibe to your wedding reception.
The Time Warp
Originally featured in the 1973 musical “The Rocky Horror Show” and the subsequent 1975 film adaptation “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Time Warp” is a glam rock parody of the dance song genre. The associated dance is a major audience participation highlight during screenings of the film and performances of the stage show. Like many popular line dances, the lyrics of “Time Warp” are largely dance step instructions, making it easy for anyone to join in.
“Time Warp” has transcended its cult classic origins and become a popular song beyond “Rocky Horror.” It’s frequently played at dances and weddings due to its fun, interactive nature and broad appeal. Especially if the couple are fans of sci-fi or cult films, “Time Warp” is an excellent choice for wedding reception groups of all ages, offering a unique and entertaining dance floor experience.
More Wedding Line Dance Song Ideas
Country Wedding Line Dance Songs
Given country music’s strong connection to line dancing, there are many more country hits perfect for wedding line dances:
- “Achy Breaky Heart,” Billy Ray Cyrus (1992)
- “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” Trace Adkins (2005)
- “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” Shania Twain (1997)
Hip Hop Wedding Dance Songs
The options for great hip-hop dance songs are almost endless! Here are a few more to consider for your wedding reception:
- “Harlem Shake,” Baauer (2012)
- “Jump On It,” The Sugarhill Gang (1999)
- “Teach Me How to Dougie,” Cali Swag District (2010)
Additional Fun Wedding Reception Dances
Here are some more of our favorite pop, Latin, and R&B-inspired songs that are guaranteed to get your guests dancing:
- “Thriller,” Michael Jackson (1982)
- “Conga,” Miami Sound Machine & Gloria Estefan (1996)
- “Twist & Shout,” The Beatles (1963)
- “Sweet Caroline,” Neil Diamond (1969)
Ready to dance the night away? Choosing the right wedding line dance songs can transform your reception into an unforgettable celebration filled with energy and fun. Consider incorporating a mix of classics and modern hits to appeal to all your guests and create a truly memorable wedding dance floor experience.
