17 Dance Moves From the 90s That Gen Z Would Find Hilarious

The 90s was a wild time for dance moves, filled with iconic steps that defined a generation. But let’s be real, some of those moves were just plain goofy. If you grew up during that era, prepare for a wave of nostalgia, and if you’re a Gen Zer, get ready to laugh (and maybe cringe) as we revisit 17 classic 90s dance moves that might seem utterly ridiculous today.

1. The Macarena

The Macarena was the undeniable king of 90s line dances. From weddings to bar mitzvahs, this Spanish pop song by Los del Río had everyone flailing their arms and swiveling their hips in unison. With its simple choreography and catchy tune, it quickly became a global phenomenon. Up to now, you’ll see these 90s dance moves from time to time, of course when you have the older generations partying.

Gen Z might find it hilarious that this seemingly simple dance took the world by storm. It’s the epitome of cheesy 90s dance trends, a reminder of a time when coordinated group dances were all the rage. Even those who weren’t natural dancers couldn’t resist joining in. It’s the kind of dance that’s so bad, it’s good, and it’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Hey, Macarena!

2. The Running Man

This is one of the most popular 90s dance moves. It was all about pretending to run… without actually going anywhere. It was a staple at every school dance and party, but looking back, it’s hard to see the appeal. In fact, it kind of looks like someone desperately trying to catch a bus that’s already left the station.

Gen Z, with their TikTok dances and complex choreography, might find the Running Man laughably simple. It’s the definition of an old-school 90s dance move that’s lost its charm over time. Imagine trying to impress someone with this at a club today! You’d probably get more pitying looks than phone numbers.

3. Vogueing

Thanks to Madonna, we all tried to strike poses like fashion models, with mixed results. Vogueing involves angular poses and dramatic hand movements, inspired by the world of high fashion. It’s a dance form that requires a certain level of confidence and attitude, but let’s face it, most of us just looked like we were swatting at flies.

While vogueing is still celebrated in certain circles, Gen Z might find the over-the-top posing and exaggerated movements a bit much. It’s a dance style that’s definitely rooted in a specific era, and might seem a bit out of place in today’s more relaxed dance culture.

4. The Tootsie Roll

This hip-hop dance, named after the 69 Boyz song, was all about… well, let’s just say it involved a lot of hip action. It was a dance floor favorite back then, but it might raise a few eyebrows today. It was a bit suggestive, even for the wild and carefree 90s.

Gen Z, with their more fluid and contemporary dance styles, might find the Tootsie Roll a bit outdated and overtly suggestive. It’s definitely a move that belongs in the 90s. Maybe leave this one in the past unless you’re aiming for a few awkward chuckles.

5. The Carlton Dance

This one, made famous by Alfonso Ribeiro on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” is the epitome of goofy. It’s a quirky and exaggerated dance that involves a lot of arm swinging and hip shaking. It’s the kind of dance that screams “uncool dad at a wedding.”

Gen Z might find the Carlton Dance 90s dance moves hilarious for its sheer awkwardness and lack of coolness. It’s the kind of dance move that’s so bad, it’s good. Perfect for a throwback party, but maybe not your next TikTok video.

6. The Hammer Dance

MC Hammer, with his iconic parachute pants, made us all want to shuffle our feet and spin around like we were in a music video. It was all about quick footwork, flashy moves, and, of course, those unforgettable Hammer pants.

Gen Z, who are used to seeing more intricate footwork and choreography, might find the Hammer Dance comically simple. It’s a throwback to a time when dance moves were more about fun and less about technical skill. But hey, you can’t deny that it’s still catchy.

7. The Butterfly

This dance involved crossing your legs and flapping your arms like a butterfly. It was silly then, and it’s even sillier now. It’s the kind of dance that makes you wonder what people were thinking.

Gen Z, with their sophisticated dance moves and viral challenges, might find the Butterfly embarrassingly childish. It’s the kind of dance move that would only be acceptable at a 90s-themed party. Or maybe at a kindergarten graduation.

8. The Electric Slide

This line dance was a classic at weddings and family gatherings. It’s actually still pretty fun, but the overly enthusiastic grapevines might get a few eye rolls from Gen Z. This 90s dance moves require some coordination, but once you get it, it’s hard to stop.

While the Electric Slide is still a staple at some events, Gen Z might find it a bit too choreographed and repetitive. It’s the kind of 90s dance that’s fun for a few minutes, but then quickly becomes tedious. Maybe it’s time for a new electric slide – one that involves a little more flair and a lot less grapevining.

9. The Sprinkler

If you’ve ever seen a garden sprinkler in action, you’ve basically seen this dance move. It involves spinning your arm around your head like a water-spraying apparatus, while the rest of your body remains relatively still. It’s a move that’s more about comedic effect than actual dance skill.

Gen Z might find the Sprinkler utterly ridiculous for its lack of complexity and overall silliness. It’s the kind of dance move that’s more likely to elicit laughs than admiration.  Imagine trying to do this move with a straight face – it’s nearly impossible!

10. The Robot

This move requires you to move your body in a jerky, mechanical fashion, mimicking a robot. It was a popular move in the 90s, often seen in breakdancing and hip-hop routines. It’s a move that takes some practice to perfect, but once you get it, it can be pretty impressive.

While some Gen Zers might appreciate the nostalgic appeal of the Robot, others might find it overly simplistic and outdated. It’s a dance move that requires more technical skill than creativity. But hey, at least you won’t pull a muscle trying to do it.

11. The Cabbage Patch

This dance move involved a circular motion of the arms, as if you were stirring a giant pot of cabbage. It was a simple and fun move that was often performed in groups. It’s the kind of dance that’s easy to learn and fun to do with friends.

Gen Z might find the Cabbage Patch 90s dance moves amusingly outdated. It’s the kind of dance move that’s more likely to be found in old home videos than on a modern dance floor.  It’s a bit like watching your parents try to do the latest TikTok challenge.

12. The A-Town Stomp

This Atlanta-born dance move involved stomping your feet and clapping your hands in a rhythmic pattern. It was a staple in the 90s hip-hop scene. It’s a high-energy move that’s all about attitude and confidence.

While some Gen Zers might appreciate the energetic nature of the A-Town Stomp, others might find it a bit repetitive and lacking in originality. It’s a dance move that’s definitely rooted in a specific time and place.  But hey, if you’re feeling nostalgic for the 90s, this move is a must-try.

13. The Bogle

This Jamaican dance move involved bending your knees and flapping your arms like a bird. It was a popular move in the dancehall scene and is still seen in some reggae and hip-hop routines. It’s a move that’s all about letting loose and having fun.

Gen Z might find the Bogle a bit silly and exaggerated. It’s the kind of dance move that’s more fun to watch than to actually perform.  Imagine trying to explain this one to your friends!

14. The Jump

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Thanks to Kris Kross, jumping up and down became a legitimate dance move in the 90s. It’s the most basic of all dance moves, but somehow, it was enough to get everyone on the dance floor.

Gen Z might find the Jump ridiculously basic, just like how they might find some old-school gadgets, and lacking in any real skill or creativity. It’s the kind of dance move that’s more suited for a trampoline park than a nightclub.  Maybe save this one for your next workout.

15. The Shimmy

This classic move involves shaking your body rapidly, usually to a fast beat. While it can be fun and flirty, it might also be seen as a bit outdated. It’s a move that’s been around for decades, but it had a resurgence in popularity in the 90s.

Gen Z, with their diverse dance styles and influences, might find the Shimmy a bit too old-fashioned and simplistic. It’s a dance move that’s definitely seen better days.  But hey, it’s still a good way to get your energy out.

16. The Grind

This dance move involved close body contact and a lot of hip movement. It was a popular move in the club scene and is still seen in some forms today. It’s a move that’s all about expressing yourself and letting loose on the dance floor.

While grinding might still be a part of modern dance culture, the overtly sexual nature of the 90s version might make some Gen Zers cringe. It’s a dance move that’s definitely evolved over time.  The 90s version might seem a bit too intense for today’s tastes.

17. The Cha Cha Slide

This line dance was all about following the instructions of the hitmaker DJ Casper. It was a fun and interactive way to get everyone on the dance floor. It’s one of those 90s dance moves that’s easy to learn and fun to do with a group of friends.

While some Gen Zers might appreciate the nostalgic value of the Cha Cha Slide, others might find it a bit too cheesy and overdone. It’s the kind of dance move that’s more likely to be played at a wedding than a club.

Cringeworthy or Iconic? You Decide

These cringeworthy 90s dance moves might have seemed cool back in the day, but they’re sure to get a laugh out of Gen Z today. Whether it’s the awkward simplicity of the Running Man or the overly suggestive nature of the Tootsie Roll, these retro dance crazes are a hilarious reminder of a bygone era.

So, next time you’re feeling nostalgic for the 90s, dust off your Hammer pants, put on a playlist of throwback jams, and try out some of these classic dance moves. Just be prepared for a few laughs and maybe a couple of cringes from the younger generation. And who knows, maybe you’ll even start a new viral trend!

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By: Randell Suba
Title: 17 Dance Moves From the 90s That Gen Z Would Find Hilarious
Sourced From: www.dinksfinance.com/2024/05/17-dance-moves-from-the-90s-that-gen-z-would-find-hilarious/
Published Date: Thu, 23 May 2024 11:20:00 +0000

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