What is Floss Dance: Meaning, Steps, Resources & Popular Songs

The floss dance has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with its energetic movements and catchy rhythms. But exactly what is floss dance? Originating from social media dance trends, the floss dance involves rapid hip swings and arm flails, creating a visually captivating spectacle.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the floss dance, its steps, popular songs, and resources for mastering this iconic dance move. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind one of the most viral dance crazes of recent years.

What is floss dance?

The floss dance is a part of one of the social media dance trends. It involves swinging the hips and arms in opposite directions with the feet planted and the body leaning slightly forward as if using a big dental floss.

The floss dance first went viral after Russell Horning, also known as “Backpack Kid,” performed it on “Saturday Night Live” and gained attention by dancing on social media platforms like Instagram in 2016. His viral videos contributed to the dance’s popularity before being featured in the video game Fortnite, propelling it to even greater fame in 2017. It is now popular in schools and among children and younger teens.

Steps to do floss dance

Put on some music

Music is crucial in understanding the essence of what is floss dance and following it. Put on some music with a steady beat. The floss dance is often performed to upbeat and rhythmic tunes such as “Look at Me!” by XXXTentacion and “MIA” by Bad Bunny featuring Drake.

Put on a rucksack

Although not essential, many enjoy wearing backpacks or rucksacks while performing the floss dance. This accessory adds a playful touch to the movement, inspired by the original floss dancer, Russell Horning, also known as Backpack Kid.

Stand with knees slightly bent

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your knees ever so slightly bent to maintain a relaxed stance and provide flexibility for the hip and arm movements.

Form fists and relaxed arms

Make fists with your hands, and keep your arms relaxed on either side of your body. The key is maintaining loose wrists and relaxed shoulders for a fluid motion.

Initiate arm and hip movement

Begin to swing your arms left and right around your torso. Notably, the arm movement should be opposite to your hips. If your hips sway to the right, your arms should swing to the left, and vice versa.

Maintain continuous motion

Keep the swinging motion continuous. The smooth and rhythmic coordination between hip and arm movements characterizes the floss dance.

Maintain a consistent pace

While learning, start at a comfortable pace. As you become more familiar with the movement, gradually increase your speed. The floss dance often looks more pleasing at a faster pace.

Resources and tutorials for learning the floss dance

YouTube

Search for “what is floss dance”, “floss dance tutorial” or “how to floss dance” on YouTube. Many dance instructors and content creators provide step-by-step guides to mastering the floss. Channels like Learn How To Dance and NateTube often feature tutorials for popular dance moves, including floss.

Online classes

Websites like Udemy or Skillshare might offer dance courses, including specific tutorials on the floss dance. These platforms provide a structured learning environment, allowing enthusiasts to refine their floss dance skills at their own pace and convenience.

Social media platforms

Instagram and TikTok are excellent platforms for finding short and engaging floss dance tutorials. Search for relevant hashtags like #FlossDanceTutorial or #LearnToFloss. You can follow influencers and creators who often share dance tutorials on their profiles.

Online forums and communities

Join dance forums and communities where you can ask for advice, share your progress, and learn from others. Websites like DanceForums.com, wikiHow, and the Steezy community might be helpful.

Popular floss dance songs

“Fortnite – Default Dance Remix” by Leviathan

Associated with Fortnite’s popular video game, this remix is a fun and energetic track perfect for the floss dance. The default dance in Fortnite became iconic, and many players associate the floss dance with this remix.

“Look at Me!” by XXXTentacion

XXXTentacion’s “Look at Me!” gained popularity in 2017 and became a famous track for various dance challenges, including the floss dance. The song’s catchy beat made it a favorite for those showcasing their dance moves on TikTok and Instagram.

“MIA” by Bad Bunny featuring Drake

“MIA” is a reggaeton-influenced track with a catchy rhythm and bilingual lyrics. With its intense rhythm, the song became a hit, and people started incorporating the floss dance into their performances or challenges set to the music.

“Milly Rock” by 2 Milly

This song is associated with the Milly Rock dance and adds a smooth vibe to your floss dance moves. The song’s infectious beat and danceable rhythm suit various dance challenges, including the floss.

“In My Feelings” by Drake

This song by Drake became a global phenomenon, especially after the “In My Feelings Challenge” went viral on social media. While the associated dance challenge involves different moves (like the “Shiggy dance”), the song’s popularity on platforms like Instagram and TikTok made this track complement the floss dance well.