The Running Man was arguably one of the most popular dances throughout the 80’s and the 90’s in terms of social party dances.
It was featured in music videos, in choreography, and on tv shows like the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
It's all about going full out and having fun!
Watch the move demonstrated here:
Wanna learn this move step-by-step with a FREE tutorial on STEEZY Studio?
Hit the button to take our class (no CC required). Having an instructor break it down on camera really helps!
If you’re more of a reader, keep scrolling and follow along with the steps below!
How to do the Running Man
- To practice the groove of the dance, bend your knees, and bounce downward to the beat.
- Next, add your arms by pumping them upward. Start lifting your arms up and pushing your elbows out while you’re bouncing. Repeat this a few times as this motion is essential to get the Running Man down properly.
- Now, let's work on the leg motion. You'll start with a prep motion before the first beat hits. Bring your right knee up on the “and” before count 1. At the same time, put your arms straight down and kind of push your body straight down into the ground. Then, on count 1, slide your left foot back and simultaneously bring your right straight down onto the floor. As you move your legs, pump both arms up like you practiced in the beginning. Do this a few times standing sideways so you can keep track of your form in the mirror.
- Once you've practiced this motion several times on the right side, switch to the other side bringing your left foot up and pushing your right foot back. Arms are gonna come up again. This is your “and 2” count.
- All together now! Practice going straight from lifting and sliding on one side to lifting and sliding on the other side while continuously pumping the arms up and down. As you do so, slowly count “and 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 and 6 and 7 and 8." Work your way up from half tempo to full tempo while watching yourself in the mirror sideways.
All done!
Keep in mind that when you're going full tempo, you'll need to bounce on your toes and stay light on your feet. If you're too grounded, you won't be able to move quickly enough and the dance won't look smooth.
You can also try a variation where your legs do a single single double double pattern – just watch the video above for a reference!
If you wanna learn more moves, check these posts out next:
