Think about the last time you saw some really memorable dancing at a wedding or family event. Chances are, it might have been a popular line dance like "The Boot Scootin' Boogie" or "The Electric Slide." Line dancing, whether to pop, country, or anything in between (we see you there, crossover country), is a great way to get everyone out on the dance floor.
The most popular line dances are very common requests for wedding receptions and other big gatherings with family, friends, and coworkers. While the list of line dances is extensive, you can start by learning the ones you'll run into most often. Get ready to get out there and join a group of dancers on the dance floor.
Popular Line Dances Everyone Loves
Some line dances have enduring popularity, especially at wedding receptions. Whether you're going to a wedding or just want to be ready for the next party, these are the most common line dances you'll see (and they're all fun to learn).
- The Electric Slide
- The Cha Cha Slide
- The Boot Scootin' Boogie
- Thriller
- Cotton-Eyed Joe
- Old Town Road
- Macarena
- The Hustle
Some of these dances are not performed in a line, but in a circle. As long as everyone dances in one group and the steps repeat themselves throughout the song, the dance can be considered a line dance regardless of the formation of where all of the dancers stand.
The Electric Slide by Marcia Griffiths
The Electric Slide is one of the most famous line dances. The steps are easy, and the music is slow enough to allow even beginners to keep up. Plus, it's been around forever, so a lot of people already know it and can jump in. A favorite during high school and junior high dances for several years, this dance is still popular at wedding receptions and large group events.
The Cha Cha Slide by DJ Casper
The Cha Cha Slide has a funky beat and is easy to learn because the song's lyrics provide guidance to what you have to do next (we love a song with instructions built right in). This is one of the most famous line dances, and it has a been a hit since it came out in 2000.
The Boot Scootin' Boogie by Brooks & Dunn
The Boot Scootin' Boogie is one of the simplest and most common dances, and it's been a hit since 1991. For beginning country line dancers, this is a great place to start. When you break it down into a series of steps, it's totally doable and super fun.
It's totally normal to be a little intimidated to join a line dance, but don't be afraid to jump in and try it. People understand if you're learning, and the best way to learn is to do it and just have a good time.
Thriller by Michael Jackson
Thriller is an 80s classic that everyone loves, and knowing how to do the steps is one of those life skills you'll never be sorry you learned. It's actually pretty simple, and it looks amazing on the dance floor when everyone is doing it in sync.
Related: Step-by-Step Instructions for 6 Michael Jackson Dance Moves
Cotton-Eyed Joe by Rednex
The Rednex hit song from 1994 has an enduring popularity as a line dance for a reason: it's fun and simple. It's also a very energetic dance, so get ready to burn some energy on the dance floor.
Old Town Road by Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
Old Town Road is a crossover song that captured hip-hop, pop, and country audiences alike. The line dance that goes with it is a little tricky, but it's a lot of fun to do. It's all about practicing a lot so the moves become automatic.
Macarena by Los Del Rio
The hit dance of the 90s was the Macarena, and it's got plenty of enduring popularity. Everyone can get out on the dance floor and do these moves in sync for a crazy awesome and super fun time.
The Hustle by Van McCoy
Speaking of decades of the past, throw it back to the 70s with The Hustle. This disco classic never goes out of style, and it's as much a hit at weddings and parties today as it was 50 years ago.
If you attend a country line dancing night at a local bar or other venue, find out if there will be an instructional period at the beginning of the event. A lot of the time, there is, and these can be awesome for beginners. Reviewing the steps at a slower pace can make it much easier to catch every nuance of the dance.
Popular Line Dances Evolve Over Time
One of the reasons many people love line dancing so much is that most of the dances are super easy to learn, and this means there's a lot of room for adding accents and regional variation. Once you have the basics down for popular line dances, watch other dancers to see what kinds of extra steps they add into the routine, such as hand clapping, arm movements, and extra hip motions. Don't be surprised if you end up seeing moves you didn't learn. Just go with the flow, and you'll have a whole new repertoire of moves in no time at all.
