How to Do the Running Man Hip Hop Dance Move

Introduction

The Running Man is a simple yet energetic dance move that mimics the motion of running in place. It involves alternating the movement of the legs, lifting the knees high while simultaneously swinging the arms in a running motion. The dance move is characterized by its exaggerated and stylized movements, making it a fun and entertaining addition to any hip hop routine.

Video Demonstration

Dance History of The Running Man

While the exact origins of the Running Man are unclear, it is widely believed to have emerged from the hip hop dance crews in New Jersey in the late 1980s. The dance move gained mainstream recognition after being featured in several music videos and performances by popular hip hop artists of the time, such as MC Hammer and Bobby Brown.

One of the earliest known appearances of the Running Man was in the 1988 music video for "Run's House" by Run-D.M.C. The dance move quickly became a craze, with people of all ages attempting to master its distinctive style.

Step By Step Instruction

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.

2. Lift your right knee up towards your chest while simultaneously swinging your right arm forward and your left arm back, as if running in place.

3. Quickly switch legs, lifting your left knee up and swinging your left arm forward and your right arm back.

4. Repeat the alternating leg and arm movements, maintaining a consistent rhythm and exaggerating the movements for added flair.

5. Incorporate variations by adding arm movements, spins, or combining the Running Man with other hip hop dance moves.

Tips For Learning The Running Man

• Start slowly and focus on the basic movements before increasing the speed and intensity.

• Practice in front of a mirror to ensure proper form and synchronization of the arm and leg movements.

• Incorporate the Running Man into a dance routine or freestyle session to build confidence and fluidity.

• Have fun with it! The Running Man is all about expressing energy and enjoying the rhythm of the music.

Conclusion

The Running Man is a timeless hip hop dance move that has transcended generations and continues to be a staple in the world of hip hop dance. Its simplicity and high-energy nature make it an accessible and enjoyable move for dancers of all skill levels.

More Hip Hop Dance Moves

If you liked the Running Man, these moves share the same high-knee alternating leg drive and pumping arm coordination:

• 6 Simple Steps To Learn The Happy Feet — Happy Feet uses the same alternating hop-and-kick rhythm as the Running Man but with a lighter, more playful foot flick rather than a high knee lift.
• How to Learn the Steve Martin Dance Move — the Steve Martin's alternating side kick-and-bounce is the closest structural match to the Running Man from the same late-80s era — both use opposing arm swings to match the leg movement.
• How to Do the Party Machine Hip Hop Dance Move — the Party Machine's kick-and-hop pattern is a direct descendant of the Running Man's energy, adding a hip twist and making it the modern cypher-ready evolution of this classic.
• 5 Easy Steps To Learn The Cabbage Patch Dance — the Cabbage Patch frequently appears alongside the Running Man in freestyle combos from the late-80s golden era, providing an arm-circle contrast to the Running Man's leg-driven action.