Okay, listen. I’m not proud of this, but I spent three straight hours last Tuesday trying to nail one of those TikTok dances—and my downstairs neighbor legit texted me, “You good up there?” That’s when I realized two things:
- TikTok dances are harder than they look.
- But also? They’re addictive as hell.
Like, you watch one video, then boom—you’re down a rabbit hole, suddenly watching some kid in Nebraska body roll like Beyoncé’s long-lost cousin. And you’re like, “Yeah, I could probably do that.” Spoiler: you probably can’t. But also—you kinda can, and that’s the magic.
So if you’re gonna embarrass yourself (in your living room, or worse, at a party where someone goes “OMG let’s film this for Reels!”), you might as well learn the right ones. The ones that are blowing up right now, before they vanish into the TikTok graveyard of forgotten trends.
Here’s my very unprofessional, slightly chaotic list of the Top 10 TikTok Dances You Need to Learn Right Now.
1. The “Side Eye Shuffle”
This one is everywhere. Literally everywhere. It’s part dance, part performance art, because it’s not just about the moves—it’s about the look. You know, that overdramatic side eye you give when your friend says, “I’m only staying for one drink.”
- Foot shuffle.
- Side glance.
- Micro-smirk.
Boom. Viral.
I tried it in my kitchen while waiting for pasta water to boil, and honestly, I think I scared my cat.
2. The Micro-Bop
Not even a full dance. Just this tiny, stupid bop to the beat—shoulder, head tilt, little hop. That’s it. And yet, millions of views.
Is it dumb? Yes.
Did I try it on the E train? Also yes.
A group of teens actually clapped for me. Or maybe they were clapping for the busker. Hard to say.
3. The Chaotic Spin Drop
This one looks like you’re about to fall down the stairs but somehow make it graceful. Spin, drop, pop back up. Totally impractical for anyone over 30 unless you’ve stretched. (Seriously. Don’t test your knees.)
But when it lands? Chef’s kiss.
This TikTok dance fail compilation is proof people are out here risking their ACLs for clout.
4. The “Phone Call Groove”
Basically, you pretend you’re on the phone—hand up to your ear—and then groove like you’re breaking bad news in the smoothest way possible.
I tried it with an actual phone once. Dropped it. Screen cracked. Would not recommend.
5. The “Body Roll Apocalypse”
Why do Gen Z body rolls look cool, but when I try, I look like a malfunctioning Roomba? Anyway—this one is all rolls, waves, and just enough chaos to make you question your own coordination.
Pro tip: dim the lights. Everything looks cooler in bad lighting.
(Internal link: “If you’re more into cooking hacks than body rolls, you might actually like my TikTok Cooking Hacks post.”)
6. The Hip-Hop x Ballet Mashup
This one blew my mind. It’s like someone said, “What if Swan Lake had a remix?” You go from soft pirouettes to hitting beats like you’re auditioning for Step Up 7.
I tried it once in socks. Nearly broke my ankle. Socks are a no-go.
7. The Shoulder Bounce Loop
Oh my god. This one. It looks so easy. Just bounce your shoulders on beat, loop it with a little hand flick, and you’re golden. Except my shoulders apparently missed rehearsal, because I looked like I was shrugging in Morse code.
8. The Sassy Walk-Off
This one is exactly what it sounds like: walk like you just quit your job, dumped your ex, and found $20 all in the same hour. Dramatic turns, spins, exaggerated struts.
I’ve actually used this one IRL. Walking out of Target with a candle I didn’t need? Full sassy walk-off.
9. The “Wait for It” Freeze
Dance, freeze, smirk. The whole point is making people think you messed up—then BOOM, you hit the beat again. Classic TikTok misdirection.
I tried it with my niece. She laughed so hard, milk came out of her nose. Worth it.
10. The Throwback Mash (a.k.a. the Nostalgia Bomb)
The best one. Hands down. It’s basically a mash-up of all the old Vine dances (RIP Vine, gone but never forgotten) mixed with new TikTok energy. You hit the Nae Nae, the Dougie, sprinkle in some flossing—don’t roll your eyes—and finish with something ridiculous like a Fortnite move.
It’s chaotic and messy. It’s perfect.
(Outbound link idea: “Someone on KnowYourMeme actually cataloged all the throwback dances, which is both helpful and slightly concerning.”)
My Very Unqualified Advice if You Try These
- Stretch first. TikTok is fun, but physical therapy bills are not.
- Don’t film on carpet if you’re spinning. Burnt my sock once. (Long story.)
- If you nail even one of these, post it. Seriously. TikTok eats up effort, even if it’s messy.
And if anyone makes fun of you? Just side-eye shuffle away.
Where I’d Stick Some Visuals
- Featured image: friends dancing in Queens street scene.
- Side-eye shuffle GIF for comic relief.
- Shoulder bounce living-room photo (funny fail vibe).
