There is something undeniably fun about getting on the dance floor. For those unfamiliar with the line dance, it is a public display where groups of people dance in tandem using practiced steps to specific songs. Our list of the top five best line dances can help you prepare for that stirring moment when the urge to dance takes over. These line dances are not only entertaining but also a great way to socialize and meet new people. From the energetic “Cupid Shuffle” to the classic “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” each dance has its own unique steps and rhythm that will surely get everyone moving and grooving on the dance floor.
It turns out that Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself” isn’t the best advice for boosting mental health, but dancing with others is! A new study is confirming the effectiveness of group-based performing arts therapies when it comes to easing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The results show significant improvements in depression and anxiety levels from being creative as a group.
Another new survey of 2,000 adults finds that 80 percent feel much better after dancing for a few minutes. Three in four respondents went so far as to say that hitting the dance floor genuinely makes them happy. Happiness can be an elusive goal for some, but maybe what we needed all along was the tango or “Macarena.” Another 70 percent say they bust a move to relieve stress and relax, while over half believe dancing benefits their mental health. The survey, commissioned by Zumba, also notes that two-thirds of respondents wish they could show off their stuff more often. Much of that desire may have something to do with the 41 percent saying they consider themselves “quite bad” or even “appalling” at dancing.
Line dances can be a fun way to blow off steam and socialize. Whether at an event or a dance hall, the line dance is a moment when everyone can let go and have fun. StudyFinds consulted several expert sites to bring you this list of the top five best line dances. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
The List: Best Line Dances, According to Experts
1. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus (1992)
This country song broke into the mainstream and made Billy Ray Cyrus a household name. The accompanying line dance made this hit an enduring standard at weddings, dances, and other events. Wide Open Country raves, “If ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ didn’t start it all, it at least brought country line dancing to the national spotlight. Or would that be the international spotlight? ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ has been translated into over 100 languages. This is the country line dance song, no matter the language.”
CDT Country Thang Daily praises, “The music video for this song led to the explosion of the line dance into the mainstream. ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ brought country line dancing not only to the national spotlight but to the international one… What are you waiting for? Get up, grab your boots, and start conquering the dance floor.”
“Though country songwriter Billy Ray Cyrus eventually had a career revival thanks to his work with daughter Miley Cyrus on the kid’s show ‘Hannah Montana,’ he scored his first number one hit in the 1990s with line dancing classic, ‘Achy Breaky Heart.’ Though this track is a fun one to get down to, the lyrics set the scene of a heartbroken man on the verge of a breakdown because his longtime lover just left him,” exclaims Zing Instruments.
2. “Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid (2007)
“The Cupid Shuffle” was a dance sensation that many compared to the “Cha-Cha Slide.” Though the song never broke into the top 20, it remains a popular line dance mainstay. Heritage Center says, “‘Cupid Shuffle’ is a song by singer-songwriter Cupid from his 2007 studio album ‘Time for a Change.’ It has spawned a popular line dance, ‘The Cupid Shuffle,’ which was a defining aspect of the early 2010s due to its meteoric popularity as a wedding line dance and at school dances, proms, or other festive occasions.”
“The entire dance takes 32 beats or 8 counts. The reason this dance is so popular is because it’s very easy to learn and once you know it, you can practically do it in your sleep! Plus, it’s just a lot of fun to do when dancing with friends at a party or wedding reception,” describes Bucket List Journey.
Country Dancing Tonight elaborates, “When he set out to create it, it was with the exact intention of creating a line dance classic without genre, that everyone could dance to. He came up with the dance in the studio while making up the song.”
3. “Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle (1988)
This late ‘80s country song is most associated with 1990s line dancing. Like the other dances on our list, the irresistible beat never fails to get people moving. Holler. comments, “Steve Earle’s ‘Copperhead Road’ was also a driving force of the line dance craze in the ‘90s. The song is paired with the signature choreography that may include some verbal cues from the dancers, which correlate with the steps. This dance is 20 counts of pure fun that anyone [can] enjoy.”
Music Grotto adds, “Anytime you go somewhere where line dancing is a staple, you will likely hear ‘Copperhead Road’ by Steve Earle and see a group of people swarm the dance floor to perform the stomping dance that accompanies it. While it was released in 1988, there is no true origin story for the dance, so we don’t know where it came from, but we sure do enjoy moving our feet to it.”
“The alternative country music fan’s line dance. You probably won’t find the same crowd dancing along to this as you would to Luke Bryan’s ‘Country Girl Shake it For Me’ or Trace Adkins’ ‘Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.’ But don’t head to any honky-tonk, from Colorado to Wisconsin, without knowing the steps to this Steve Earle classic,” details Wide Open Country.
4. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks & Dunn (1991)
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie” is a hit song, dance, and an invitation to come on down and strut your stuff. This is an example of pure feel-good dancing music. The Knot explains, “‘Boot Scootin’ Boogie’ isn’t the easiest line dance, so you may want to practice it ahead of time. It has 32 counts of choreography, and it requires a lot of footwork. Consider watching a video tutorial, such as this one, to help you feel more confident on the dance floor.”
“Line dancing, whether to pop or country music or anything in between, is a great way to get everyone out on the dance floor… For country line dancing, the ‘Boot Scootin’ Boogie’ is one of the simplest and common dances. For beginning country line dancers, this is a great place to start,” offers Love to Know.
CDT Country Thang Daily states, “Though it was actually first cut by Asleep at the Wheel, it was Brooks & Dunn’s rendition that became a huge hit. It helped reinvigorate the line dance craze that had started in 1980. In fact, the line dance that accompanies it is still popular in country dance clubs today.”
5. “Gangnam Style” by Psy (2012)
“Gangnam Style” is a worldwide viral hit from South Korea that took the world by storm. Even before Psy’s unmistakable voice starts, the beat is enough to let dancers know that it’s time to get lined up. Music Grotto claims, “This smash hit by Psy was released in 2012, and the subsequent music video became a dance sensation. He performs a move that is now known around the world. This iconic ‘horsey’ action is fun and easy to do, making this one of our line dancing favorites.”
The Knot relates, “This K-pop hit surpassed 2.1 billion views on YouTube following its 2013 release. Today, it’s still making waves in the wedding world, when wedding DJs and bands play it to get groups out onto the dance floor. ‘The mindset of this dance is to dress classy and dance cheesy,’ Psy revealed to Ellen DeGeneres.”
“The term ‘Gangnam Style’ refers to a lifestyle associated with the Gangnam District of Seoul in Korea… The dance itself is high-energy and involves galloping and lassoing motions, pulses and small kicks. Anyone who was around for this major cultural moment will undoubtedly dash to the dance floor when this is played at your wedding reception,” reviews Heritage Center.
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Sources:
- Wide Open Country
- CDT Country Thang Daily
- Zing Instruments
- Heritage Center
- Bucket List Journey
- Country Dancing Tonight
- Holler.
- Music Grotto
- The Knot
- Love to Know
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.