Line dancing in the Black community traces back to African traditions, where dance served as a way to tell stories, pass down history and unite people. Black line dancing remains a cherished part of our social fabric, a way to break the ice, uplift spirits and reinforce community bonds. Every few years, a new line dance sweeps through the Black community, becoming the must-learn move for the next family reunion or cookout. Missing out on these dances means risking serious side-eye from your friends and family who have been practicing for weeks. These dances aren’t just routines-they’re traditions.
These are the types of line dances you should know before any family reunion, BBQ, or party. So, before you hit the next cookout, wedding, or family reunion, make sure you’ve got these line dances you should know down. When songs like “Candy” come on, everyone floods the dance floor to do the Electric Slide, and you make sure you’re in unison with everyone else.
The popularity of line dancing has increased as a result of the quick dissemination of new dance steps and music on social media. Soul line dances are a fun and easy way to get your groove on while getting in shape. Get ready to get down and groove in style! No matter what your skill level is, soul line dances are the perfect way to have a blast and get some exercise! So gather up your friends, crank up the music, and let's get ready to dance! Follow these tips for your next soul-line dance party, and you will have a blast!
No, although soul or urban line dances such as The Wobble, Cupid Shuffle, Cha Cha Slide, Zydeco slide dances, and Biker's Shuffles utilize funk, r&b, gospel hip-hop, or contemporary pop music--similar to country line dances--they also use different types of footwork.
Classic and Contemporary Line Dances
How to Do the Cupid Shuffle | Sexy Dance Moves
Here are some essential line dances to add to your repertoire:
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
- Cha Cha Slide
You can’t talk about line dances you should know without starting with the Cha Cha Slide. DJ Casper’s creation has been a staple at parties for decades. Chicago legend DJ Casper, the creator behind the beloved “Cha Cha Slide.” DJ Casper created this dance with simple, direct instructions, making it a staple at parties and school functions.
- Electric Slide
This classic line dance has existed since the ’70s, but it’s still a go-to at any Black function. The “Electric Slide,” a line dance craze in the ’90s, originated in ’70s Jamaica. It was written by Bunny Wailer (of Bob Marley’s reggae group The Wailers) in 1976. You can perform this dance to several songs, but Cameo’s “Candy” is the main one that gets everyone up besides the original single. That tune is Cameo’s “Candy.” It’s the second single from Cameo’s album Word Up!, released in 1986. Many musicians have sampled the song, including 2PAC, Will Smith and Mariah Carey.
- The Wobble
Created by V.I.C., “The Wobble” quickly became a favorite. Victor Grimmy Owusu, better known by his stage name V.I.C., is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. These easy-to-follow steps get everyone shaking and wobbling with a big smile. The beat drops, and suddenly, the dance floor is packed.
- Can’t Get Enough
This next line dance is for the advanced steppers, which is Tamia’s “Can’t Get Enough.” The song was always a hit, but it recently regained popularity when it became the anthem of a dance challenge. Tamia and NBA legend Grant Hill, inspired by a YouTube video of line dancing to her 2006 song “Can’t Get Enough of You,” decided to learn the dance. Their daughter recorded the couple’s “Tamia Line Dance” on their 23rd wedding anniversary in 2022.
- Before I Let Go
Beyoncé’s cover of Frankie Beverly and Maze’s classic gave us another reason to hit the dance floor. The line dance to “Before I Let Go” combines a bit of old-school flavor with new-school style. It’s a must-know for any true Bey fan and a hit at every event.
Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas
- Cupid Shuffle
The “Cupid Shuffle” stands as another classic line dance, teaching folks how to “to the right, to the right” and “to the left, to the left” since 2007. “Cupid Shuffle” was created by Bryson Bernard, who goes by the stage name Cupid. The song was released in 2007 on Cupid’s album Time for a Change. Cupid, a musician from Lafayette, Louisiana, created the line dance “Flex” and is known as “The Line Dance King.” Cupid created the popular line dance “Cupid Shuffle.” In 2008, Cupid broke the Guinness World Record for the largest line dance with over 17,000 people at Ebony’s Black Family Reunion Tour in Atlanta. Cupid’s music has been featured in the films Step Up 2: The Streets, P.S. I Love You, Nancy Drew, and Jumping the Broom. The song has been featured in several movies, including Jumping the Broom (2011), Step Up 2: The Streets, P.S.
- Swag Surfin'
“Swag Surfin'” by Fast Life Yungstaz isn’t just a song; it’s an experience, especially if you have attended an HBCU. The line dance is simple, but you must stay on beat. It’s literally like riding a wave.
- Set It Off
Lil Boosie’s “Set It Off” isn’t just a hype track-it’s the foundation for a high-energy line dance that takes over the dance floor. When this song drops, you know it’s time to set it off.
- Jerusalema
After a video from an Angolan dance studio went viral in February 2020, the South African song Jerusalema became well-known. Jerusalema became a pan-African pop anthem because of the video, which included their choreography. It also started a dance competition that went viral.
- Boots On Ground
Douglas Furtick a.k.a. 803 Fresh was born in Augusta Georgia. He took the nation by storm with his viral hit “Boots On Ground.” Hurry to the dance floor and get your cowboy hats, boots and fans ready.
Read also: Techniques of African Jewellery
