How Many of These 1960s Dances Do You Remember? (Including Vintage Videos!)

As women who grew up in the 1960s, dance has been a part of our lives since the very beginning. But, if I’m right, most of us haven’t had a chance to see our favorite 1960s dances performed – let alone put on our dancing shoes and try them ourselves – for many years.

So, I thought it would be fun to collect vintage videos of the most iconic 1960s dances and share them here. I’ll say a few words about my own experience with music and dance first. But, you can always skip to the videos, below, if you are itching to try Twist, Watusi, Mashed Potato and Pony yourself!

Here are my favorite 1960s dances:

1. The Twist – The iconic 1960s dance hit.
2. Mashed Potato – The dance made popular by Dee Dee Sharp’s song Mashed Potato Time.
3. The Monster Mash – The Halloween classic favorite. 
4. The Madison – The popular line dance.
5. The Hully Gully – “Shake your shoulders and wiggle your knees.”

Keep reading to discover more 1960s dances, including vintage videos!

If you enjoy these videos, please share this article with your friends. Let’s see if we can start a dance revolution!

For as Long as I Can Remember, I Have Loved to Dance

In elementary school, they used to pipe music into the playground, where we gathered in little circles to dance. I wonder if they still do that… somehow, I doubt it!

Then, as my friends and I got a little older, dancing continued to be one of our favorite social activities.

Do You Remember Dick Clark American Bandstand?

We gathered in little groups and tried out the latest and greatest moves. Line dances were big and my group of girls was always experimenting.

I would rush home from school and watch American Bandstand, where Dick Clark would introduce one fun and funky band after another. Then, like so many little girls of my generation, I would dance in front of my television.

The Twist, Watusi, Mashed Potato and Pony Are Born

Then, I turned 13 and my family moved to Detroit. There, my passion for dance was intensified by the fabulous Motown music in the city air.

Incredible rhythmic music was everywhere and the dances that we know now by fun descriptive names became a part of my life. The Twist, Watusi, Mashed Potato and Pony – I loved them all!

The Twist was, of course, the most famous. But, if I am honest, my favorite was the Mashed Potato!

With My Long, Dark Cher Hair, I Would Get Lost in the Movement

Our favorite 1960s dances encouraged camaraderie and connection. Dancing was definitely a social statement! I remember going to the Grande Ballroom in Detroit and dancing until my curfew. They were such amazing times!

At times, the dance energy was intense. No wonder I was so skinny!

Looking at the videos below, I see how high energy, fun and carefree these dances were. They reflected a different attitude to music and social engagement! They were designed to make you feel good!

We knew how to have fun!

Here are 10 famous 1960s dances that you probably remember.

The Twist Was an Iconic 1960s Dance

Most people don’t remember that the original song, The Twist, was released in 1959, one year before the hit cover by Chubby Checker. It was Checker’s version of the song that made the dance of the same name iconic.

Take a look at this video of The Twist.

Mashed Potato

Unlike The Twist, the Mashed Potato was not linked to a single song. Instead, it became the basis for the dance moves that went along with several hits. Among the most famous songs to become associated with the Mashed Potato was Dee Dee Sharp’s Mashed Potato Time.

Take a look at this video of the Mashed Potato.

The Monster Mash

Another famous 1960s dance that was related to the Mashed Potato was The Monster Mash. The song, made popular by Bobby “Boris” Pickett, has since gone on to become synonymous with Halloween for millions of kids around the world. In fact, it is one of the few 1960s songs that most of our grandkids have probably heard.

Here’s The Monster Mash.

The Madison

The Madison was a line-dance hit that was popular in the 1960s and well into the 1970s. In this instructional video, dance instructors Jennifer Comar and Paolo Pasta Lanna share the basic moves for The Madison.

The Hully Gully

“Shake your shoulders and wiggle your knees.” Another favorite from the 1960s was The Hully Gully. Here’s a clip of the Olympics performing the song that ultimately inspired the dance.

The Watusi

In 1961, Puerto Rico jazz musician, Ray Barretto, released his hit song “El Watusi.” Future artists picked up the beat and The Watusi developed into a dance that thrived for years to come.

In the following clip, The Lennon Sisters, Norma Zimmer, Larry Hooper and Russ Klein perform Wah Watusi on The Lawrence Welk Show.

The Pony

Chubby Checker is perhaps best known for his association with the hit song, The Twist. However, this was one of several dances that he inspired. For example, his hit song Pony Time inspired the iconic dance The Pony.

Here’s a video of Chubby Checker performing Pony Time.

The Hitch Hike

Iconic dance hit, The Hitch Hike, was inspired by Marvin Gaye’s hit with the same name. In the following short video, Marvin Gaye performs Hitch Hike.

The Swim

In retrospect, the moves from The Swim were rather obvious. You pretty much just need to pretend that you are swimming! Well, simple or not, it was a lot of fun!

Here’s a video of Bobby Freeman performing the hit.

The Locomotion

Little Eva was fantastic and this dance was so easy and fun to do! Yes, the words were silly, but, the music was great! I just love the backup dancers in this video! Move over Beyonce!

The Jerk

The Jerk involved a basic step where we would “jerk” our arms back and forth while stepping in place. It became widely recognized after the release of The Larks’ song “The Jerk” in 1964, which made the dance move a sensation.

The Boogaloo

The Boogaloo originated in African American communities and became a nationwide hit by the mid-1960s. It was associated with a style of music that combined R&B with Latin influences. The dance involved smooth, fluid movements with a lot of shoulder action and footwork. James Brown’s performances often included Boogaloo moves, adding to its popularity.

The Women Behind the Moves

While many 1960s dance trends were sparked by chart-topping male performers like Chubby Checker and Marvin Gaye, several trailblazing women played a crucial role in defining the sound and the rhythm of the era. These women didn’t just sing the songs; they brought personality, power, and unforgettable energy to the music that had us all moving. Here are just a few:

Dee Dee Sharp – Mashed Potato Time (1962)

At just 16 years old, Dee Dee Sharp burst onto the music scene with the irresistibly catchy Mashed Potato Time, a track that helped catapult the Mashed Potato dance into living rooms and school gyms across America. Her upbeat delivery and youthful charm made her an instant sensation. Sharp’s success paved the way for other young Black female artists in a time when the music industry offered few opportunities. Her song spent weeks at the top of the charts and remains one of the most iconic dance hits of the early 60s.

Fun fact: She was originally a backup singer before taking center stage with Mashed Potato Time, and never looked back.

Little Eva – The Loco-Motion (1962)

Little Eva was working as a babysitter for songwriters Carole King and Gerry Goffin when they asked her to record a demo of a new song they’d written. That song turned out to be The Loco-Motion, and the demo was so infectious that it was released as is. The danceable beat and Eva’s bright, spirited vocals turned the track into a number one hit. Her surprise success is one of pop history’s favorite stories, and The Loco-Motion has since been revived in multiple decades, proving the staying power of both the song and the dance.

Fun fact: The Loco-Motion has hit the charts in three different decades, proof that Eva’s original was something special.

Martha Reeves – Motown’s Dance Floor Powerhouse

As the dynamic lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, Martha Reeves helped define the Motown sound, and Motown was the heartbeat of 1960s dance music. Songs like Dancing in the Street and Nowhere to Run were more than hits; they were anthems that filled dance halls and house parties alike. Reeves brought grit, soul, and a contagious sense of joy to every performance. Her music invited everyone onto the dance floor, regardless of their skill or style. She wasn’t just a singer; she was a movement.

Fun fact: Dancing in the Street became a civil rights anthem as well as a dance floor staple, underscoring the deep cultural impact of Reeves’ music.

Dressing the Part – 1960s Dance Fashion

No discussion of 1960s dances is complete without mentioning the fashion that accompanied these iconic moves. From mini skirts and go-go boots to bell-bottoms and psychedelic prints, the outfits were as much a part of the dance culture as the music itself. 

Dressing up for a night out dancing was an event in itself, with many of us spending hours perfecting our look. Do you remember what you wore to your favorite dance nights? Whether it was a mod dress or a fringed vest, fashion played a big role in the 1960s dance scene.

The Influence of 1960s Dances on Modern Dance Trends

The dances of the 1960s didn’t just fade away; they influenced countless dance trends that we see today. Many of the moves from that era have been incorporated into modern dance styles, making a resurgence in various forms. Whether it’s the playful nature of The Twist in a modern Zumba class or the line dance influences of The Madison in contemporary wedding dances, the spirit of the 1960s lives on. Have you noticed any 1960s dance moves making a comeback in today’s music videos or dance shows? 

How to Recreate 1960s Dance Moves Today

If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to try out some of these dance moves again, why not host a 1960s-themed dance party? It’s a fun way to relive the past while getting some exercise. Invite your friends, put on your favorite 1960s hits, and see how many of the dances you can still remember. You can even find tutorials online that break down the steps, making it easy to teach them to others. 

60s Photo Booth Props on Amazon

Did you enjoy this stroll down memory lane? If so, please share this article with your friends. Let’s see if we can lead a revival of some of the best dances ever created!

Read TAKE AN ELECTRIC SLIDE DOWN MEMORY LANE: HOW MANY 1970S DANCES DO YOU REMEMBER? (VINTAGE VIDEOS).

Also read STOP BEING SO SERIOUS! LET MUSIC AND DANCE LEAD YOU TO AWESOME AGING!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Which 1960s dances do you remember? Did you dance The Twist, Mashed Potato, Monster Mash, Madison or any of the other songs in this article? Let’s have a chat and take a stroll down memory lane!