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The Ultimate Dad Dance Moves

We all know a dad dancer. The shuffling feet, the snapping fingers, wiggling shoulders - the cringeworthy moves are recognisable from all the way across the dancefloor, as is the blind enthusiasm that marks a true dad dancer.

But what are the official steps that mark you as a cheesy dad dancer? And what tracks are most likely to get dads up on their feet, rocking out or raising the roof? With Father's Day around the corner, we’ve created a how-to guide with five essential dad dance steps, complete with the ultimate dad dancing playlist. Get your boogie shoes on - or learn what moves you absolutely need to avoid the next time you take to the dancefloor.

1

On Point

Let’s kick things off in traditional fashion. No dad dance would be complete without some random pointing, whether you’re summoning your other half to join you on the floor or just warning your fellow dancers which direction your crazy moves will take you next.

Dad Dancing step 1 hands and feet graphicDad Dancing step 1 hands and feet graphic

2

Shoulder Dust

Now build your confidence up with an over-exaggerated lean to the side, and leave them all in the dust with a shoulder brush-off.

Dad Dancing step 2 hands and feet graphicDad Dancing step 2 hands and feet graphicDad Dancing step 2 hands and feet graphic

3

Rodeo Lasso

Ride ‘em, cowboy – for this advanced dad dance move, prop one hand on your hip, and shuffle awkwardly left and right while swinging an imaginary rodeo lasso in your hand.

Dad Dancing step 3 hands and feet graphicDad Dancing step 3 hands and feet graphicDad Dancing step 3 hands and feet graphicDad Dancing step 3 hands and feet graphic

4

Start the Mower

Where would any self-respecting dad be without a lawnmower? Bring the move from the garden to the dancefloor with a repeated bend-and-pull motion, as if you’re starting the world’s biggest imaginary lawnmower.

Dad Dancing step 4 hands and feet graphic

5

Spin Cycle

Time for a big finish – it’s all about the hands here, with a little boogie-inspired hand roll. And you can’t get much more classic ‘dad dance’ than some timeless jazz hands in a rainbow arc to close out.

Dad Dancing step 5 hands and feet graphicDad Dancing step 5 hands and feet graphicDad Dancing step 5 hands and feet graphicDad Dancing step 5 hands and feet graphicDad Dancing step 5 hands and feet graphic
Dad Dancing Full Routine hand 1Dad Dancing Full Routine hands
Dad Dancing Full Routine hand 2

The Whole Routine

Step 1: On Point

Step 2: Shoulder Dust

Step 3: Rodeo Lasso

Step 4: Start the Mower

Step 5: Spin Cycle

Dad Dancing Full Routine feetDad Dancing Full Routine feet

If you’re feeling ready to try out your very best cheesy dad dance moves, then you’re in luck – we’ve gathered together the ultimate Dad Dance playlist. From dad-rock classics like Brown Eyed Girl to upbeat anthems like Take On Me, these songs are sure to make you start feeling the pull of the dancefloor. And if hearing about these classic dad dance moves has you thinking of your own footwork-challenged father, check out our father’s day cards to find the perfect card for him this year.

The ultimate dad dancing playlist:

Dad Dancing Playlist Music NotesDad Dancing Playlist Music Notes
Dad Dancing Playlist Music Note

Methodology: to create the playlist, the data was collected with the tool Spotify playlist miner http://playlistminer.playlistmachinery.com/, using the term ‘dad dancing’ and the filter prefer more distinctive tracks.