For those of us who remember the vibrant 1960s, dance was more than just movement; it was a language, a social connection, and a whole lot of fun. Growing up in that era meant that dance was simply woven into the fabric of our lives from the very beginning. However, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? Many of us haven’t had the chance to witness, let alone participate in, our beloved 1960s dances in years.
So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the most iconic 1960s dances. Get ready to rediscover the Twist, the Watusi, the Mashed Potato, and the Pony, among other fantastic moves that defined a generation. If you’re eager to jump straight into the action, feel free to scroll down to the videos and get inspired!
My Journey with 1960s Dance and Music
From a young age, music and dance have always held a special place in my heart. I vividly recall those elementary school days when music would fill the playground. We’d gather in small circles, letting the rhythm move us. It makes you wonder if schools still do that today – somehow, it feels like a bygone era!
As my friends and I grew a bit older, dancing remained a central part of our social lives. It was how we connected, expressed ourselves, and simply had a blast.
American Bandstand and the Rise of Dance Craze
Do you remember rushing home to watch American Bandstand hosted by the legendary Dick Clark? This show was our window into the world of music and dance. Dick Clark introduced us to a constant stream of exciting new bands and artists. Like countless young girls of my generation, I’d be glued to the TV, dancing right along in front of the screen, trying to learn every new step.
This was the era where line dances were taking off, and my group of girlfriends was always eager to try out the latest steps. We were constantly experimenting, trying to perfect the moves we saw on TV and at school dances.
The Birth of Iconic Dance Moves: Twist, Mashed Potato, Pony, and More
When I turned thirteen, my family relocated to Detroit, a city pulsating with the incredible sounds of Motown. This move intensified my passion for dance. The rhythmic music was everywhere, and the dances that we now recognize by their fun, descriptive names became an integral part of my life. The Twist, the Watusi, the Mashed Potato, and the Pony – I embraced them all with open arms and dancing feet!
The Twist, undeniably, reigned supreme as the most famous. But if I’m being completely honest, the Mashed Potato held a special place as my personal favorite!
Lost in the Movement: Dance as a Social Statement
With my long, dark hair flowing like Cher’s, I’d lose myself in the sheer joy of movement. Our favorite 1960s dances were more than just steps; they fostered camaraderie and connection. Dancing was definitely a social statement, a way to belong and express ourselves. I have such vivid memories of going to the Grande Ballroom in Detroit and dancing with friends until curfew. Those were truly amazing, high-energy times!
Looking back at the videos of these dances, it’s clear how energetic, fun, and carefree they were. They reflected a different, more optimistic attitude towards music and social interaction. These dances were designed to make you feel good, to let loose and enjoy the moment! We truly knew how to have fun!
Here’s a rundown of 10 famous 1960s dances that you might remember, each with a video to refresh your memory.
1. The Twist: The Dance Craze That Swept the Nation
While many associate The Twist with Chubby Checker, the original song actually came out in 1959. However, it was Chubby Checker’s 1960 cover that ignited the dance craze and made The Twist an international phenomenon.
Check out this video and get ready to twist again!
Chubby Checker performing The Twist, a popular 1960s dance.
2. Mashed Potato: A 60s Dance Floor Staple
Unlike The Twist, the Mashed Potato wasn’t tied to a single song. Instead, it became the go-to dance move for numerous hits. Dee Dee Sharp’s “Mashed Potato Time” is perhaps the most iconic song associated with this fun, ground-stomping dance.
Get your feet moving with this Mashed Potato video!
3. The Monster Mash: A Spooky 60s Dance Classic
Another 1960s dance with roots in the Mashed Potato is The Monster Mash. Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s novelty song, “Monster Mash,” became an instant Halloween classic and remains a favorite for generations. It’s one of those 60s tunes that even grandkids today are likely to recognize!
Dare to do The Monster Mash with this video!
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4. The Madison: The Quintessential 60s Line Dance
The Madison was the line dance of the 1960s, maintaining popularity well into the 70s. It’s a structured and stylish dance that gets everyone moving in sync.
Learn the steps with this instructional video for The Madison.
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5. The Hully Gully: Shake Your Shoulders!
“Shake your shoulders and wiggle your knees!” The Hully Gully was another beloved dance from the 60s, known for its catchy tune and playful moves.
See The Olympics perform the song that inspired The Hully Gully dance.
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6. The Watusi: Bringing Latin Rhythms to the 60s Dance Floor
In 1961, Puerto Rican jazz musician Ray Barretto released “El Watusi,” a hit song that sparked the Watusi dance craze. With its infectious Latin beat, The Watusi became a dance that endured for years.
Watch The Lennon Sisters perform “Wah-Watusi” on The Lawrence Welk Show.
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7. The Pony: Gallop onto the Dance Floor
Chubby Checker, famous for The Twist, also gave us The Pony. Inspired by his song “Pony Time,” this dance mimicked the movements of riding a pony.
Giddy up and watch Chubby Checker perform “Pony Time.”
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8. The Hitch Hike: A Marvin Gaye Dance Classic
The Hitch Hike, an iconic dance hit, was born from Marvin Gaye’s hit song of the same name. This dance involved a simple, yet engaging arm movement that became instantly recognizable.
See Marvin Gaye himself perform “Hitch Hike” and the accompanying dance.
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9. The Swim: Dive into 60s Dance Fun
The Swim dance moves were, in retrospect, quite straightforward – you simply pretended you were swimming! Simple as it may have been, The Swim was incredibly fun and popular.
Take a dip and watch Bobby Freeman perform The Swim.
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10. The Locomotion: Get in Line and Dance!
Little Eva’s “Locomotion” was a smash hit, and the dance was just as catchy and easy to learn. This dance had everyone forming a chain, moving like a train on the dance floor. The backup dancers in this video are fantastic!
All aboard! Watch Little Eva perform “The Locomotion”.
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11. The Jerk: Jerk Your Arms to the 60s Beat
The Jerk was characterized by a basic step where you “jerked” your arms back and forth while stepping in place. It gained widespread popularity after The Larks released “The Jerk” in 1964, turning the dance into a sensation.
12. The Boogaloo: A Fusion of R&B and Latin Grooves
The Boogaloo emerged from African American communities and swept the nation by the mid-1960s. It was linked to a music style that blended R&B with Latin influences. The dance featured smooth, flowing movements with significant shoulder action and fancy footwork. James Brown often incorporated Boogaloo moves into his performances, further boosting its popularity.
1960s Dance Fashion: Dressing the Part
No discussion of 1960s dances would be complete without mentioning the fashion that went hand-in-hand with these iconic moves. From mini skirts and go-go boots to bell-bottoms and psychedelic prints, the outfits were as much a part of the dance culture as the music itself.
Getting dressed for a night of dancing was an event in itself. Many of us would spend hours perfecting our look. Do you remember what you used to wear to your favorite dance nights? Whether it was a mod dress, a fringed vest, or a brightly colored top, fashion played a crucial role in the 1960s dance scene, allowing us to express our individuality and embrace the spirit of the era.
The Enduring Influence of 1960s Dances on Today’s Dance Trends
The dances of the 1960s didn’t simply disappear; they’ve had a lasting impact on countless dance trends we see today. Many moves from that era have been integrated into modern dance styles, experiencing a revival in various forms. Whether it’s the playful energy of The Twist showing up in a modern Zumba class, or the line dance influences of The Madison in contemporary wedding dances, the spirit of 1960s dance lives on. Have you noticed any 1960s dance moves making a comeback in today’s music videos or dance shows? It’s a testament to their timeless appeal and infectious energy.
Recreating 1960s Dance Moves Today
If you’re feeling nostalgic and inspired to try out some of these classic 60s dance moves again, why not throw a 1960s-themed dance party? It’s a fantastic way to relive the past while getting some great exercise and having fun with friends. Invite your friends, create a playlist of your favorite 1960s hits, and see how many of these dances you can still remember. You can even find online tutorials that break down the steps, making it easy to teach them to others and introduce these groovy moves to a new generation.
[People at a 1960s themed dance party, recreating iconic 60s dance moves.
Get 60s Photo Booth Props on Amazon
Did you enjoy this nostalgic dance down memory lane? If you did, please share this article with your friends! Let’s see if we can spark a revival of some of the most fun and iconic dances ever created!
You might also like to read about 1970s dances and discover how music and dance contribute to healthy aging.
Let’s Talk 60s Dances!
Which 1960s dances do you remember most fondly? Did you dance The Twist, Mashed Potato, Monster Mash, Madison, or any of the other dances mentioned here? Share your memories and let’s take a stroll down memory lane together in the comments below!
