Weddings are about coming together. Yes, the sentiment applies to the bride and groom coming together in marital union, but it is also a time for their loved ones to join each other in celebration.
There is no better way to bond with close and distant family and friends than synchronized dancing on the dance floor. Read on for a list of the best line dancing songs ever.
1. “Cha-Cha Slide” by Mr. C The Slide Man
Song year: 2000
Everyone knows the “Cha Cha Slide.” It is not just one of the best line dancing songs for weddings–It also plays at birthday parties, school dances, and other celebrations. Dancing the Cha Cha Slide is irresistible and a great bonding experience for everyone involved.
On the off-chance that someone does not know how to do it, they can listen to Mr. C break it down in the lyrics.
2. “Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid
Song year: 2007
The American R&B singer Cupid released “Cupid Shuffle” in 2007, and the dance that comes with the tune has lived in infamy ever since. Party guests love to do the dance, which features a sequence of a few relatively simple moves. There are a few steps to the right, then to the left, a few kicks, and a boogie-like movement to turn around.
3. “Y.M.C.A.” by The Village People
Song year: 1978
“Y.M.C.A.” by the disco group Village People is a surefire way to get party guests out of their seats. Since the song’s release in the late 70s, no one has been able to resist the urge to form the letters with their arms during the chorus. It hit #1 in 15 countries, and its legacy lives on in every fun get-together today.
4. “Cotton Eyed Joe” by Rednex
Song year: 1995
The Cotton Eyed Joe is one of the most well-known line dances of all time, and one of the first dances children learn in school, summer camp, or from their family and friends. Everyone will rush to the dance floor to repeat the 13-step sequence that makes the line dance.
Since participants do not stop dancing from the first beat drop, it is a bit of a cardio workout, so be sure to let party guests digest their meals before playing.
5. “Night Fever” by the Bee Gees
Song year: 1977
The Bee Gees are responsible for most of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, including the title song, “Night Fever.” Audiences instantly fell in love with John Travolta’s dance to the song in the film, and it soon became an integral part of disco parties. This sequence in the line dance is lengthy but well worth learning, considering how groovy and fun to do with friends it is.
6. “Electric Boogie (The Electric Slide)” by Marcia Griffiths
Song year: 1990
“The Electric Slide” is a well-loved line dance at all sorts of parties, but especially weddings. Since the 90s, everyone has loved to forget their worries and boogie down to the Marcia Griffiths song. It takes a minute to pick up the dance for those who have never seen it before, but the younger crowd will learn the steps from the 90s and 2000s babies by the song’s end.
7. “Chattahoochee” by Alan Jackson
Song year: 1992
“Chattahoochee” gave way to a line dance also known as the “Alan Jackson Line Dance” in 1992. The number epitomizes country-style line dancing, so much so that it is almost sinful not to do it while wearing a cowboy hat. It includes many toe taps, heel touches, and claps, making it fun to dance alongside other partygoers, especially country fans.
8. “You Should Be Dancing” by the Bee Gees
Song year: 1976
The Bee Gees and Saturday Night Fever are responsible for a few line dances, and “You Should Be Dancing” is one of them. The choreography for this dance is lesser known than “Night Fever,” but those who know it will have a blast pulling it out at parties. Even guests that do not know the dance by heart can enjoy grooving to the disco beat.
9. “Time Warp” by Nell Campbell, Patricia Quinn, and Richard O’Brien
Song year: 1975
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cultural artifact like no other, and “Time Warp” is one of the most famous songs from the production. Every party guest can feel the excitement when the DJ puts the song on, especially during the Halloween season.
There are several steps to the line dance, but the most iconic move is the pelvic thrust.
10. “The Hustle” by Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony
Song year: 1975
“The Hustle” had an airtight hold on the dance floor in the 1970s. Everyone knew how to do it, and its legacy is still alive on wedding dance floors today. The dance features a variety of moves. Participants start by walking to the beat, twirling left and right, and pointing up and down diagonally across their bodies in true disco style.
To finish up “the Hustle,” do the most notorious move by rolling the hands from side to side.
11. “Macarena” by Los Del Rio
Song year: 1993
It is impossible to host a fun wedding without playing “Macarena.” Everyone knows the line dance choreography, and something about the simple moves appeals to every party guest. Everyone’s favorite part comes on the line, “hey, macarena,” when participants put their hands on their hips and shimmy down toward the ground before turning 90 degrees and starting from the top.
12. “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
Song year: 1984
Footloose, starring Kevin Bacon, is an iconic, dance-centric film from the 1980s. Naturally, it led to a few line dances. The dance includes grapevines to the left and right, some diagonal steps, and a complicated move known as “yelling out the feet.” It is worth practicing this dance before pulling it out for the party to impress the rest of the guests.
13. “Born to Hand Jive” by Sha Na Na
Song year: 1978
There is naturally a lot of hand movement in “the Hand Jive.” The dance became popular when Grease first came out and featured this song by Sha Na Na, but the actual hand jive had been around since the 1950s. Since the hand jive focuses on hand movement, beginners can learn while sitting down and later whip it out at the dinner table.
14. “Mambo No. 5” by Lou Bega
Song year: 1999
Lou Bega’s smash hit of the late 90s, “Mambo No. 5,” is one of the most danceable songs in history. There is a line dance that goes along with the jam, but not a lot of people use it. If more than one person at a party knows it, they will impress the rest of the guests. Otherwise, playing this song at a party is a great way to get everyone in a dancey mood.
15. “Wobble” by V.I.C.
Song year: 2008
Even though “Wobble” came out in 2008, the line dance became popular four years later. Now, everyone loves to hear this bouncy song play at parties.
The wobble is a great way to help party guests let loose on the dance floor. The dance includes rocking and jiggling the upper body after quick but loose footwork, making a fun dance party guests can enjoy. It’s easy to learn, so beginners can get into the groove by the song’s end.
16. “Conga” by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
Song year: 1985
The “Conga” is one of the most intimate line dances, as it relies on everyone to work together to make it work. Guests form a “Conga line” with their hands on each other’s shoulders, marching around the party venue for the whole song.
17. “Jerusalema” by Master KG
Song year: 2020
“Jerusalema” is a South African line dance song that rose to fame in 2020. Families made an online challenge of it, doing the line dance altogether and posting it to social media for the world to enjoy. Play this at a party so families can come together again to do the line dance in person.
18. “The Hokey Pokey” by Ray Anthony
Song year: 1953
Children often learn “The Hokey Pokey” at a young age, but everyone of all ages can enjoy the dance. Ray Anthony released the first version of the song in 1953, but countless artists have redone it in their style. Play any version of the song at a party and watch as guests follow the directions in the song.
19. “Harlem Shake” by Baauer
Song year: 2013
Many people remember the “Harlem Shake” internet trend of 2013. Participants act casual until the beat drops, and everyone shows off their funniest dance moves on camera. The same logic applies to the dance floor. Watch as party guests let the tension build up for the first few moments of the song and then let it all go with unique dances that have their flair.
20. “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy
Song year: 2007
Take party-goers back to the 2000s with this iconic line dance. The dance is muscle memory for those who learned it upon its 2007 release, and its popularity recently surged. The most notorious part of the dance, nicknamed “crank that,” is when participants bounce from side to side on the balls of their feet, cranking their wrists as if they are revving a motorcycle. It also features a fun dance move named “superman.”
21. “The Percolator” by Green Velvet
Song year: 2010
Green Velvet released “The Percolator” in 2010, a bouncy line dance song that is fun to play at parties. The dance includes popping the chest to the quick, water-like sounds that come with the song’s beat drop. The sounds mimic an actual percolator, a tea kettle-like device that users can heat on a kitchen stove to boil water. The dance resembles the bubbles of boiling water rising to the top.
22. “Shout” by the Isley Brothers
Song year: 1959
The Isley Brothers’ “Shout” is an upbeat line dance that will get partygoers’ blood pumping. Everyone who wants to do the “Shout” dance should kick their feet and throw their hands up as the song says. When everyone does it in time with the music, the energy in the room will skyrocket.
23. “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion
Song year: 2020
“Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion became a TikTok sensation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Users spent their time in quarantine learning to do complicated dances like the “Savage” dance. By the time everyone came out of quarantine, they were well-versed in the choreography. If the Megan Thee Stallion song plays at a party, plenty of young people will whip out the dance.
24. “The Chicken Dance” by Thomas Werner
Song year: 1969
“The Chicken Dance” is a dance that everyone has fun doing, young and old. It has been around since the early 1970s. When it plays a party, everyone will drop what they are doing. They will stick their thumbs in their armpits and flap their elbows like a chicken with wings. No one minds getting silly to do the chicken dance, even at upscale events like weddings.
25. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
Song year: 2019
The “Blinding Lights” dance started on TikTok and soon became an international sensation. Social media users participated in the “Blinding Lights Challenge,” for which they would get together with family and friends, run in front of the camera, and perform the choreography in unison. Many party guests are sure to have the choreography down pat, so play this song at the get-together for a performance.
26. “The Git Up” by Blanco Brown
Song year: 2019
Country is the mother genre of line dance. Blanco Brown took advantage of this fact in 2019 when he released “The Git Up,” which has since become a popular line dance. Play it at parties to watch guests criss-cross their legs and throw their hands in the air with an imaginary lasso.
27. “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X
Song year: 2019
“Old Town Road” is the hip-hop and country hybrid song that became superstar Lil Nas X’s claim to fame. It did not take long for fans to pick up the line dance for the 2019 “song of the summer.” Party guests will love throwing down to the funky beat. Bonus points if it’s the Billy Ray Cyrus version since the country star has had one or two line dance hits of his own in the past.
28. “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” by Silentó
Song year: 2015
The “Whip” and the “Nae Nae” overtook the dance floor in 2015. The song features a few dance moves, with these two being the most recognizable. The whip is a punch with a stomp, and the Nae Nae follows with a hip sway. Party guests will love to show off their Whips and Nae Naes.
29. “Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District
Song year: 2010
Cali Swag District taught everyone how to “Dougie” when they released their hit single in 2010. Some people still struggle with the necessary swagger, but it comes naturally for others. The dance was notorious in 2010 and is still popular enough that party guests will cheer when they hear the first beat.
30. “Baby Shark Dance” by Pinkfong
Song year: 2016
Give the children at the party a shot to lead the line dance by blasting the “Baby Shark Dance” song, which took over the internet in 2016. Even adults couldn’t resist the catchy tune, so almost everyone learned the dance. Participants make different shark family members with their hands and arms: baby sharks, mommy sharks, daddy sharks, and even grandma and grandpa sharks.
31. “Gangnam Style” by PSY
Song year: 2012
The South Korean icon PSY kicked off his international career with “Gangnam Style.” The dance became so popular in 2012 that people would perform massive flash mobs in public places. Everyone at the party will recognize the song by the first few notes and get ready to bounce with their wrists crossed in front of their chest.
32. “Jump on It” by the Sugarhill Gang
Song year: 1981
“Jump on It” is as jumpy as it sounds. This line dance has been around since the 80s. Participants jump on the beat and then spin around in a circle, making it a super amusing dance at parties.
33. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Song year: 1982
There is no better song to set a spooky scene than Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the title track of his 1982 hit album. The song is a must-play for Halloween parties or any event during the spooky season.
The dance that goes with the tune is in the Thriller music video. Dancers turn to each side with their arms in front of them. They bend their arms at the elbows and make a claw-like shape with their hands as they switch from side to side.
34. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
Song year: 1992
Turn on Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” for a simple, laid-back line dance. It includes a few steps to the right and left, some claps, and a couple of leans forward. It is a great way to get partygoers to dance together without breaking their backs.
35. “You’re a Jerk” by New Boyz
Song year: 2009
“The Jerk” is a dance to New Boyz’s “You’re a Jerk” from the 2000s. It became popular again in the 2020s when TikTok users made it a challenge. Not everyone can do this dance, so it is fun to play at parties and see who has the skills. The dance is similar to “the running man” except in reverse.
36. “Lean Back” by Terror Squad
Song year: 2004
“Lean Back” is a hip-hop line dance easy enough for anyone at a party to pull off. Follow the instructions in the title. Participants pull up their pants while leaning back during the chorus. Although, it may be a slight challenge for wedding-goers in dresses. The best course of action is to hike up the skirt just enough to keep everything under cover, then lean back.
37. “1, 2 Step” by Ciara (ft. Missy Elliot)
Song year: 2004
Ciara’s “1, 2 Step” is a staple of early 2000s dance music. At the heart of this dance is a fairly basic movement: Shuffling to the side with a heel tap. Still, partygoers will enjoy getting into the groove with this smooth tune. Watch as wedding guests shuffle to the side and freestyle, bringing their flavor to Ciara and Missy Elliot’s rhythmic song.
38. “Walk It Out” by Unk
Song year: 2006
Fans of “The Twist” will enjoy dancing to Unk’s 2006 claim to fame on his debut album, “Walk It Out.” The core move is a more hip-hoppy, loose version of the 1960 hit. Participants of the line dance loosely twist their bodies toward the ground and lift one foot at a time.
It peaked at #10 on the Billboard Charts in 2007, but most partygoers will instantly recognize the song and start walking it out on the dance floor.
39. “Vogue” by Madonna
Song year: 1990
“Vogue” by Madonna is always in vogue. The dance for this iconic song turned the title into a verb, earning the name “voguing.” Voguing dancers use their hands to frame their faces to the rhythm of this song.
Playing this song at a wedding will fire up the crowd as they flood the dance floor or even vogue from their seats over a slide of wedding cake.
40. “Watermelon Crawl” by Tracy Byrd
Song year: 1994
This Tracy Byrd country song has the name “Watermelon Crawl,” but there is no actual crawling in the line dance that accompanies it. There are, however, several diagonal slides, pivots, toe taps, heel taps, claps, and knee bounces. These steps are much easier for wedding and party guests to do altogether. Play it at receptions for some fun country flair.
41. “Stanky Legg” by GS Boyz
Song year: 2008
The “Stanky Legg” by GS Boyz is a fun and easy line dance to warm up a crowd. The mid-2000s hip-hop song creates a laid-back vibe for guests to loosen up. Participants shift weight from leg to leg, shaking the other leg while keeping both feet on the floor. Some like leaning forward and clapping to the beat while moving their legs.
42. “Tootsee Roll” by 69 Boyz
Song year: 1994
The “Tootsee Roll” is a soul-line dance that became popular in the 90s with the release of 69 Boyz’s song. Participants twist their legs inwards by pivoting on the balls of their feet. Both knees will face each other, creating the signature awkward movement of the “Tootsee Roll.” Watch as party guests release their inhibitions and get weird with the beat.
43. “Walk Like an Egyptian” by the Bangles
Song year: 1986
The Bangles’ 1986 song “Walk Like an Egyptian” breathed life into a popular dance move. The crowd will start the same movement when this song plays at a party. They will walk forward with one arm in front of them, high, bent at the elbow and wrist. The other arm will be behind them, facing the ground, also bent at the elbow and wrist.
44. “The Locomotion” by Kylie Minogue
Song year: 1987
“The Locomotion” is a prime example of the dance-song genre because the lyrics tell the dancers what to do. So, not only is the song instructional, but it is also enjoyable. Before the dance even existed, the tune had already hit the charts three times, each in a different decade. Everyone at the party will have a blast doing the Locomotion.
45. “Pennsylvania Polka” by Frankie Yankovic and His Yanks
Song year: 1987
Frankie Yankovic and His Yanks are responsible for several snazzy folk songs, with “Pennsylvania Polka” at the top of the list. Not everyone knows the “Pennsylvania Polka,” but learning the niche dance is a fruitful bonding experience for Pennsylvania natives. Teach everyone how to do it, then play it during PA weddings and birthday parties.
46. “Mashed Potato Time” by Dee Dee Sharp
Song year: 1962
The hit single on Dee Dee Sharp’s “Mashed Potato Time” gave way to one of the most popular dance crazes of the 1960s. The Mashed Potato Dance is an oldie but a goodie. It may have been popular in the twentieth century, but the heels-in, heels-out movements are timeless. Bonus points if this song plays at a party that serves mashed potatoes with the meal.
47. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks and Dunn
Song year: 1991
Country lovers will get a kick out of the 1991 Brooks and Dunn line dance, the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” It features a lot of heel work and hip twisting, making for a dance that fits right into the countryside. Play this song at weddings or parties in the south. Some guests will dance along, and others will sit back and enjoy the sweet Tennessee tune.
48. “The Bikers Shuffle” by Big Mucci
Song year: 2009
Big Mucci prides himself on creating a catchy hip-hop dance song. The artist himself sings the steps of the Bikers Shuffle, so participants can listen to the lyrics to learn the dance. The steps feature some kicks, side steps, slides to the left and right, and a few 90-degree turns. Once everyone learns the dance, they can do it while enjoying Big Mucci’s rap verses.
49. “Zydeco Slide” by Bonne Musique Zydeco
Song year: 2005
In 2005, the music group Bonne Musique Zydeco decided it was time to hit the music scene with a line dance named after themselves, and the world was all the better for it. The Zydeco slide is a soul-line dance song popularized in African American communities. The funky dance is fun, but the song is danceable enough that party guests can do anything to the beat.
50. “Tush Push” by the Hedgehogs
Song year: 2013
The Hedgehogs released their country song “Tush Push” in 2013. The line dance, known as “the Tush Push” or “the Country Line Dance,” is a fun dance with the right amount of groove and country charm. The dance features a decent amount of booty-swaying, but it is primarily footwork–Ironic for a dance with “tush” in the title. Either way, party guests will enjoy learning it, especially if they are country fans.
51. “Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle
Song year: 1988
Steve Earle is a singer-songwriter, actor, and author, and as if that is not a prolific enough career, he is also responsible for a well-liked country line dance. His 1988 song “Copperhead Road” comes with a 16-count line dance. The song is infamous, but not everyone knows the dance to it. Party hosts who play this song and show off their line dance skills will impress their guests.
52. “Say So” by Doja Cat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pok8H_KF1FA
Song year: 2019
Doja Cat is an American R&B, pop, and hip-hop artist. She is one of the most popular female artists among Generation Z, and she owes much of her success to TikTok. Fans created TikTok dances to her songs, such as the 2019 jam “Say So.” It is one of the easier TikTok dances, and younger generations will gladly whip out the moves if this song plays at a party.
53. “Fancy Like” by Walker Hayes
Song year: 2022
Walker Hayes created the “Fancy Like” dance for TikTok, and it instantly became a viral sensation. It combines elements of country and hip-hop line dances, giving dancers the best of both worlds. It has taken over the party scene, with people now performing it on the dance floor rather than just in front of a camera.
Top Line Dance Songs For Weddings, Final Thoughts
Line dancing is a great way to let loose and bond with family, friends, and strangers. The songs above prove that tunes of any genre can turn into a line dance. The best part about dance songs is that even if someone does not know the dance, they are usually catchy enough that they can make up their moves and still have a great time.