The Must Have Line Dances, Hustles and More

Aiden Hampson, Unsplash

What’s the number one, fool-proof way to get everyone up on the dance floor? A line dance! But, what is a line dance? By definition, a wedding line dance is when a specific song is played that has a well-known dance that corresponds with the song. Even though you may feel that they’re played out… even those who “don’t dance” tend to participate with line dances. It makes sense - we’re most comfortable in situations we know or when things are familiar. It’s a great way to get great photos and great memories.

Here is a list of popular “line dances" to incorporate into your wedding.

Macarena - Los Del Rio

Here’s one that’s a love it or hate it - but it works well for the “non-dancers” as it’s repetitive and fairly simple, with mostly hand motions.

The Locomotion - Little Eva/Kylie Minogue

Why does this one work so well? Mostly because it’s multi-generational - Little Eva first recorded it in 1967, and then Kylie Minogue covered it again in 1987. It’s also super simple - forming a line just like a train with all your guests requires very little actual dancing and more getting out of your seat and having fun.

YMCA - The Village People

It’s fun to stay at the Y...MCA! Everyone knows the YMCA, it’s upbeat, cheerful, almost a little silly. It makes a great song for everyone to participate in. Even little ones can get into it!

The Cha-Cha Slide - Mr. C The Slide Man

Talk about one-hit-wonders - this has become a staple at any dance, let alone weddings. It works because the song literally tells the guests what to do - making it a comfortable dance for even the greatest of two left feet.

Cotton-Eyed Joe - Rednex

This line dance is a fun, almost comedic take on the traditional country line-dance. This one requires a little bit of practice as the lyrics don’t really tell your guests what comes next… but once you’ve got it down, it’s hard to forget (and hard to get the song out of your head!)

The Cupid Shuffle - Cupid

Similar to the Cha-Cha Slide - this one also is a fun, up-beat song that instructs your guests as it goes along. In fact, they’re so similar that they’re often played back-to-back as a a way to keep people on the dance floor.

My Eyes Don’t Cry No More - Stevie Wonder (also known as the Detroit Hustle)

This one is more regional, but it’s a staple at many Michigan weddings, with the height of the popularity in the 90s. “The same dance that we call the "Detroit Hustle" other parts of the country call just "The Hustle" or "The Electric Slide." And even if some call it the same thing, different states have different music they associate with it. Ask any Michigander, and they'll tell you that the "Hustle" song is "My Eyes Don't Cry No More." If you tell that to someone from Chicago or Minnesota, they will look at you like you're strange, telling you that the song is "The Hustle" by Van McCoy or the "Electric Boogie" by Marcia Griffiths.” (CVideoSolutions.com, 2016)

Fancy Like - Walker Hayes

Never underestimate the power of TikTok - the song went viral as Walker Hayes and his daughter showed off their choreographed dance to the song via TikTok’s video service, generating over 20 million views. It’s now become a sensation and a popular dance at weddings to do together.

Now, to pull off these line dances - make sure you’re the first one up and on the dance floor, and lead the crowd into a fun-filled night!