From Moonwalk to Hammer Dance: Celebrities Behind Iconic Dance Moves

Dance and music have always been intertwined, but the impact becomes more profound as celebrities add in dance moves to complement the records. From Michael Jackson’s iconic Moonwalk to Silento’s viral Whip/Nae Nae dance, these dances not only accompanied top-charting songs but also made a mark within the music industry.

Michael Jackson-Moonwalk

The King of Pop revolutionized the entire idea of dance with his Moonwalk move. Unveiling the Moonwalk during his performance of “Billy Jean” on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever in 1983, this gravity-defining move is done by gliding backward while simultaneously appearing to walk forward. The Moonwalk quickly became a staple in dance history and continues to be emulated by many dancers from around the world.

Lil Kim- “Ducking” Dance

Lil Kim is not only creating dance moves but also saving lives! The spicy New York rapper introduced the “ducking” dance move, which is created by bending at the waist while sharply moving your body and arms from side to side. Since Lil Kim popularized the dance during her performances, the “ducking” move is now one of the most repeated dances. Outside of the love, Lil Kim’s “ducking” dance is also getting people out of dangerous situations. An Alabama woman recently revealed that she was able to make it out of a shootout alive by using Lil Kim’s “ducking” dance to dodge bullets.

MC Hammer-Hammer Dance

MC Hammer dominated the music scene with his memorizing hits and energetic performances in the late 1980s and early 1990s. To add another flair to his “U Can’t Touch This” hit, the infectious rapper introduced the world to the legendary Hammer dance, characterized by quick side-to-side movements and exaggerated arm motions. This dance move became a memorable symbol of the hip-hop culture, inspiring dance battles worldwide.

Chingy- Chickenhead 

Chingy’s “Chickenhead” dance move stepped on the scene in the early 2000s. Accompanied by his single “Right Thurr,” the iconic dance is a bouncy head-bopping motion with your arms turning in and out. Inspired by the slang word, “Chickenhead” is described as a derogatory term to refer to a woman. Chingy’s execution of the dance, coupled with his highly enthusiastic stage presence, solidified him and the “Chickehead” dance move as a defining moment in hip-hop history.

Silento – The Whip/Nae Nae

In 2015, Silento burst on the scene with his debut song, “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae). The song quickly transformed into something bigger and even earned its own dance. The Whip/Nae Nae features arm movements that simulate a whip cracking followed by a loose swing of the arms known as the “Nae Nae.” Shortly after its release, the dance found itself being a key portion of dances at gatherings.

These iconic dance moves created by celebrities have outshined their accompanying songs and shaped the way we cut loose on dance floors. Whether it’s the timeless Moonwalk or the energetic Whip/Nae Nae, these dances continue to entertain, proving that music and movement have the power to unite us all.