The Harlem Shake and Its Enduring Hip Hop Legacy

Dive into the raw and rhythmic world of Hip Hop with the legendary dance move known as the “Harlem Shake.” This iconic move isn’t just a passing trend; it’s an intrinsic stitch in the fabric of street dance culture. Embodied by convulsive shakes, loose limbs, and an unashamedly free spirit, the Harlem Shake invites dancers to break conventions and embody the true essence of Hip Hop: individuality and self-expression. Join us as we explore the shake that took over both underground and mainstream scenes alike.

Video Demonstration

Dance History of The Harlem Shake

The Harlem Shake originated in Harlem, New York, in the early 1980s. It was created by a man named Al B, a resident who described the dance as an “alcoholic shake.” He allegedly named it after the shaking that occurs with severe alcohol withdrawal, but the dance itself was inspired by the ancient Egyptian dance step called “the pharaoh.” In its early days, the Harlem Shake was a true representation of the vibrant and creative spirit of the Harlem neighborhood, reflecting the cultural dynamics of its people.

The dance became mainstream when it appeared in music videos and was performed by notable Hip Hop figures. It reached new heights of popularity in the 2000s with the emergence of an Internet meme involving a comical version of the dance, further cementing its presence in popular culture.

Step By Step Instruction

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, keeping your body loose and relaxed.
Begin with a slight shoulder shimmy, alternating the movement from one shoulder to the other.
Let this shimmying motion travel down your arms and into your hands, resulting in a relaxed, almost jelly-like tremble.
Engage your torso, shaking it as you maintain the unstructured and free movement of the shoulders and arms.
Introduce a slight bending of the knees with the rhythm, coordinating it with the shakes to amplify the Harlem vibe.
Enhance the authenticity of the Harlem Shake by allowing spontaneous and jerkier movements to lead into an overall chaotic yet controlled dance experience.

Tips For Learning The Harlem Shake

Start by loosening up your body to get into the carefree spirit of the move.
Focus on isolating the shoulders and gradually allow the movement to flow through your arms.
Don’t overthink the movements—the Harlem Shake thrives on being unstudied and genuine.
Incorporate your unique style into the shake, making the move your own.
Practice in front of a mirror to capture the essence of the original Harlem Shake vibe.

Conclusion

The Harlem Shake stands as a potent symbol of Hip Hop’s enduring ability to bring a communal sense of joy and unscripted expression to the dance floor. This move isn’t just about the shaking; it’s about embracing the moment, the music, and the quintessential spirit of freedom that epitomizes Hip Hop. As a fixture of street dance history, the Harlem Shake remains a crowd favorite, embodying the electric pulse of Harlem’s streets and the soul of Hip Hop dance.

More Hip Hop Dance Moves

Hip Hop Dance Move | Walk It Out

Unleash your inner groove with the iconic “Walk It Out” hip hop dance move. This smooth and mesmerizing footwork pattern, combined with stylish arm movements, will elevate your dance skills to new heights. Master the intricate steps and add your personal flair to this versatile move that has become a staple in the hip hop dance scene.

House Dance Move | Train

The Train is a foundational and essential move in the world of house dance, characterized by its rhythmic footwork and distinctive side-to-side motion. Mastering this dynamic step is crucial for developing a solid foundation in this energetic and expressive dance style.

Hip Hop Dance Move | Tone Wop

The Tone Wop is an iconic hip hop dance move that originated in the streets of Harlem, New York. With its rhythmic footwork and distinctive style, it has become a foundational step in the Litefeet dance scene and an essential move for anyone aspiring to master the art of hip hop dance.

Hip Hop House Dance Move | Tip Tap Toe

IntroductionThe "Tip Tap Toe" is a popular and distinctive footwork move in the house dance style. It originated from the vibrant house music scene in Chicago and New York in the 1980s. This move involves a rhythmic and intricate sequence of steps that showcases the...

Hip Hop House Dance Move | Swirl

IntroductionThe "Swirl" is a mesmerizing and dynamic house dance move that has become a staple in the world of hip-hop and street dance. This intricate footwork pattern involves a series of intricate steps and weight shifts, creating a visually striking and rhythmic...

Hip Hop Dance Move | Stomping

Unleash your inner power and master the art of stomping, a fundamental and energetic hip hop dance move that adds intensity and rhythm to any routine. This percussive technique involves striking the floor with your feet, creating a captivating visual and auditory experience that resonates with the beat of the music.

Hip Hop Dance Move | Steve Martin

The Steve Martin is an iconic hip-hop dance move that has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved and widely recognized part of hip-hop culture. Created by the late dancer and rapper Stezo in the late 1980s, this energetic and dynamic move involves intricate footwork and body movements that create a visually striking and rhythmic display.

Hip Hop Dance Move | Smurf

The Smurf is an iconic hip hop dance move from the 80s involving bouncing while swinging the arms in alternating circular motions. Despite its playful name, it requires rhythm and coordination to master this energetic party dance.

Hip Hop House Dance Move | Scribble Foot

The Scribble Foot is a dynamic and intricate hip hop dance move that involves rapid and precise footwork patterns, creating a visually striking and rhythmic effect. It showcases the creativity and skill of street dancers, blending technical precision with artistic expression.

Hip Hop Dance Move | Running Man

The Running Man is an iconic hip hop dance move that emerged from the New Jersey hip hop scene in the late 1980s. It involves mimicking the motion of running in place by alternating the movement of the legs and swinging the arms in a running motion. The dance move quickly gained widespread popularity and became a cultural phenomenon, featured in numerous music videos and performances by popular hip hop artists of the time.

6 Simple Steps to Learn The Harlem Shake