12 Dance Crazes From the 70s You Can’t Forget That Still Get Everyone Moving

The 1970s brought a wild wave of fun, unforgettable dance moves that got just about everyone off their feet. Whether you found yourself at a disco or a backyard party, these dances created a vibe that’s hard to match even now.

You might recognize a few of these moves without even trying. Some seem to stick in your memory, don’t they?

Here are 12 dance crazes from the 70s you can’t forget and why they still get people moving. Ready to take a quick trip back in time? Maybe you’ll even try a few steps yourself. The energy of that era? Still alive and kicking through these classic moves.

1) The Twist

You probably know The Twist—one of the most famous dances from the 1960s—but it kept its groove well into the 70s. It’s super easy: just twist your hips and move your feet.

No partner needed, so you can dance solo or in a group. The Twist changed the way people danced, making it less about holding hands and more about having fun.

Adults loved it too, especially in big cities like New York and Philadelphia. If you’re after a dance that’s simple and fun, The Twist is a classic you just can’t ignore.

Want to know more about its lasting power? Check out The Twist dance craze.

2) Macarena

Even if you missed the ’90s, you’ve probably heard of the Macarena. It exploded in popularity because of its catchy beat and ridiculously easy moves.

You follow a simple pattern with your arms and hips. The steps fit perfectly with the music, which makes it honestly hard not to join in.

You saw the Macarena everywhere—weddings, school dances, you name it. People loved it because you didn’t need to be a good dancer.

The real charm? Its simplicity. More about its history and why it caught on at wiseoldowl.net.

3) Cha-Cha Slide

The Cha-Cha Slide is just pure fun. The song literally tells you what to do—“slide to the left,” “slide to the right”—so you never feel lost.

Its catchy beat has a bit of a Latin twist, which makes it stand out from other line dances. You’ll find yourself grooving along before you know it.

People love to do the Cha-Cha Slide at parties and weddings because everyone can follow along. If you want a dance that’s easy and lively, this is it.

You can watch tutorials online if you want to practice at home. Curious about how it got so big? Read about the Cha Cha Slide dance craze.

4) Harlem Shake

You probably remember the Harlem Shake from those viral videos in 2013. But did you know it actually started way back in 1981 in Harlem, New York?

A man named Al B. came up with the original dance. It’s all about quick shoulder and arm moves.

The 2013 version mashed up other dance styles and took over the internet. You’ve seen those clips—one person starts, then suddenly the whole group goes wild.

It’s a great example of how dance can bring people together. Want to try it? Just shake your shoulders with fast, jerky motions.

It’s a fun, quirky move and a cool bit of dance history. Dive deeper into the Harlem Shake’s background here.

5) Lindy Hop

The Lindy Hop is a high-energy dance that started in Harlem in the late 1920s. It stuck around through the 70s during the swing revival.

You get to do spins, jumps, and some fast footwork. It’s perfect for social dancing because you can improvise and just have fun.

This dance grew out of African American communities and still gets plenty of love today. If you want to see the real thing, check out videos of original Lindy Hop dancers.

Or maybe join a local swing group and give it a try yourself. The rhythm and energy are pretty contagious.

Learn more about Lindy Hop history and moves here.

6) Electric Slide

The Electric Slide is one of those line dances you just can’t escape at parties. Choreographer Ric Silver created it in the late 1970s.

You repeat a simple pattern, which makes it easy for everyone. Even if you’re not a dancer, you can jump right in.

Weddings, reunions, or just hanging out—it brings people together. Somehow, you end up doing it without even thinking.

People still love the Electric Slide today. Its easy-going, friendly vibe keeps it alive.

Want to see it in action? Watch this YouTube video.

7) Moonwalk

You spot the Moonwalk and instantly know what it is. It looks like you’re gliding backward but trying to walk forward.

Michael Jackson made this move famous in the 70s and 80s. You slide your feet smoothly across the floor, and once you nail it, it really does feel like magic.

Want to try? Start by slowly sliding one foot back while keeping the other flat. Keep it light and steady.

The Moonwalk brings a cool, smooth style to any dance floor. It’s a fun trick to show off with friends.

Curious about other classic moves? Check out iconic dance crazes of the 70s and 80s.

8) Cupid Shuffle

The Cupid Shuffle is a super easy line dance that gets everyone moving. It came out with the 2007 song by hip-hop artist Cupid.

You just step right, left, back, and throw in a little jump. It’s popular at weddings, parties, and cookouts because everyone can follow along.

You’ll find yourself shuffling to its steady beat before you know it. Tons of videos online show you the steps if you want to learn.

The Cupid Shuffle is still a go-to dance for any fun event. Want more? Watch this Cupid Shuffle video.

9) Floss Dance

You might be surprised to see the Floss Dance on a 70s list. It blew up recently, but you can trace its roots to older dance styles from that decade.

You swing your hips and arms in opposite directions, fast. Try it and you’ll feel that back-and-forth motion in your whole body.

It’s quick to learn and a blast with friends. The Floss Dance shows how some moves just keep coming back, recharged for new generations.

While it wasn’t huge in the 70s, it fits the playful, rhythmic spirit of the time. Dance styles really do evolve and pop up again.

Check out more classic moves in this popular 70s dance moves guide.

10) Running Man

You might think of the Running Man as an 80s dance, but it actually draws from 70s funk and disco. It looks like you’re running in place with a slick backward slide.

This one’s all about bouncing and quick feet. It makes you feel energetic and a little bit goofy, honestly.

If you’ve seen Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative” video, you’ve seen the Running Man in action. It hit big in hip-hop circles.

Even now, the Running Man pops up in nostalgic throwbacks. Want to know more? Here’s a look at its history and impact.

11) Wobble

The Wobble might have hit later, but it fits right in with 70s dance vibes. You move side to side with a little bounce—nothing too complicated.

Step to the right, wobble those hips, switch to the left. The trick is to keep it loose and relaxed.

It’s perfect for groups, whether you’re in a circle or a line. The Wobble gets everyone in on the fun.

Next time you want a catchy, simple dance move, give it a try. There’s more on 70s dances at 20 Iconic Dance Crazes of the 70s and 80s.

12) Kiki Challenge

Remember the Kiki Challenge from a few years back? People started dancing next to moving cars while Drake’s “In My Feelings” played.

It looked like a blast, but honestly, it was risky.

You’d hop out of a slowly rolling car and try to show off your best moves. Tons of folks joined in, and suddenly it was everywhere.

But some ended up hurt, so it’s worth thinking twice before trying something like this.

Comedian Shiggy really kicked off the trend when he posted his own video. If you ever get tempted by a dance craze, safety should come first.

You can read more about the Kiki Challenge and what happened because of it here.

The Cultural Impact of 70s Dance Crazes

Dance crazes in the 70s did more than just get people moving. They shaped what people wore, what they listened to, and where they went for fun.

These trends built a wild connection between style, music, and social life.

How Dance Trends Influenced Fashion and Music

Think about 70s dance moves, and you can’t help but picture the clothes. Bell-bottoms, platform shoes, shiny polyester—those outfits weren’t just for show.

They made it easier to dance and matched the bright, energetic vibe of the times.

Music changed too. Artists started making songs with solid beats and catchy hooks you could dance to all night.

Disco and funk took over, with tracks meant to keep you on your feet.

Check out this link for some most popular 70s dance moves that went hand-in-hand with the fashion and music.

The Role of Television and Nightclubs

TV and nightclubs helped these dances spread like wildfire. Shows aired dance contests or performances, so people could watch and pick up the latest steps from their living rooms.

Nightclubs, especially disco clubs, became the heart of the scene. With flashing lights and loud music, you could try new moves with everyone else.

The energy in those places made dance crazes stick around.

Here’s a deeper dive into disco fever and dance culture and how clubs and TV shaped the whole experience.

Why 70s Dance Crazes Remain Popular Today

You’ll still spot 70s dance moves in movies, music videos, or even at parties. These dances bring people together and keep that old-school fun alive.

The steps are simple, and the group vibe makes them easy to do with friends.

Revival in Modern Media

You might catch 70s dances popping up in shows and music videos. Movies like “Saturday Night Fever” made moves like The Hustle legendary.

These days, artists use them to add a retro feel to their videos.

Platforms like TikTok give these classic moves new energy by turning them into short dance challenges. When The Bump or The Electric Slide shows up online, you can see these dances still have plenty of life left.

They mix nostalgia with what’s trending now, so every generation gets to enjoy them.

Community and Social Connection

The dances from the ’70s usually stick to simple, repeated steps. You can jump in with a group, even if you barely know the moves.

They really shine at weddings, parties, or anywhere people want to have a good time together. When you join a line dance or try out a disco move, you end up sharing that moment with everyone nearby.

You don’t need special skills for these dances, and that’s honestly a relief. Everyone just moves together, and before you know it, you’re connecting with people you might not have spoken to otherwise.

At proms or family gatherings, these dances tend to create those silly, memorable moments. They bring out smiles and a kind of social fun that just doesn’t go out of style.

If you’re curious about why folks still love these moves, check out Dance Crazes Of The 1970s.