The past decade has been one for the books, especially when it comes to “viral” culture. With the convenience of cell phones, social media, and YouTube, it’s not hard for us to see all of the crazy dance trends that have graced the dance floors at every school dance or house party. These are the hottest dance crazes of the 2010s. 

2010: The Dougie

In 2010, a group named Cali Swagg District made a song called “Teach Me How to Dougie” and their video went viral. The dance move was named after the famous rapper Doug E. Fresh, who used to do the dance in his performances. The Dougie can be seen as a basic move and can be incorporated in many other dances. 

2011: Cat Daddy

In 2011, Cali-based rap group The Rej3cts made the Cat Daddy a viral dance trend.

Back in the “jerking” days, the “Cat Daddy” became extremely popular. In 2011 California-based rap group, the Rej3ctz, released what would soon become the most requested song at school dances.

2012: Gangnam Style

Once the most-watched dance video on YouTube, Gangnam Style was released by K-Pop singer Psy in 2012. The dance pokes fun at the lifestyle of those that live in Gangnam, South Korea.

2013: Harlem Shake

The original Harlem Shake was made in 1981 by dancer Al B, but it came back in 2013 when YouTuber DizastaMusic uploaded his own version. While the 1981 Harlem Shake consists of shoulder shimmying, the 2013 version is a mix of a dance called “humpin” and “the bernie.” It became a viral meme, and people all over the world uploaded their versions to social media.

2014: Shmoney Dance

In 2014, Bobby Shmurda and the GS Boys made the “Shmoney Dance” a popular dance in clubs nation wide. (Screenshot from YouTube video)

In 2014, Rapper Bobby Shmurda came out with this single that incorporated the “Schmoney dance” Not long after, people were doing the Schmoney dance to everything.

2015: Whip/Nae Nae

The Whip/Nae Nae was created by Atlanta rapper Silento. This dance was popular with people of all ages and can be compared to DJ Unk’s Walk it Out dance when it comes to popularity.

2016: Juju on That Beat

Teen rappers Zavion McCall and Zay Hilfigerrr created the “Juju on That Beat” dance that became the internet sensation of 2016. This dance was most popular with children and young teens, and many “challenges” were posted online.

2017: Floss

“The Backpack Kid” Russell Horning made The Floss one of the most influential dances among teens in 2017.

The floss dance became famous when 16-year-old Russell Horning, also known as the backpack kid, started posting videos of himself doing this strange dance. Once it became viral, Horning gained a massive following and even performed his dance on Saturday Night Live with to Katy Perry’s song “Swish”.

2018: In my Feelings (Kiki challenge)

Everyone from kids to celebrities were doing the Kiki Challenge, making it the top dance craze of 2018. (Screenshot from YouTube video)

The “Do the Shiggy” or “Kiki Challenge” became popular when Instagram influencer Shiggy created a dance to Drake’s single “In My Feelings.” Thousands of social media users and celebrities decided to join in on the Kiki Challenge and post videos of themselves dancing online. A few of the videos made it into the official “In My Feelings” music video.

2019: The Woah
Made in Texas, “The Woah” dance has made rounds on social media as the most recent viral dance craze. Rappers Chance the Rapper, Lil Uzi Vert, Drake, and Travis Scott have all been seen participating in this dance trend.