How to Dance the Electric Slide

Originally known as the Electric Boogie, the Electric Slide is a basic 4 wall line dance done at social gatherings such as weddings. Ric Silver created the Electric Slide in 1976 with a basic framework that can be and has been customized by individuals.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Knowledge of dance step terminology
• Group of people
• Dance music

1. Select music and gather a group of at least 5 to 7 people. Begin with the group in lines all facing the same way, let's call this starting point, "North."
2. Start by doing a grapevine to the right for steps 1 to 4 and touch the left foot next to the right foot while clapping on step 4. Then grapevine to the left for steps 5 to 8 clapping and step touching the right foot next to the left on step 8 at the end of the grapevine.
3. Walk backward for steps 9 to 12. Step on the right then left then right and touch the left foot next to the right and clap on step 12.
4. Step forward with the left foot for step 13 and tap the right toe at the left heel for step 14 ending with a clap. On step 15, step backward on the right foot and tap the left foot at the right heel for step 16 finishing with a clap. This sequence should resemble a rocking motion.
5. Repeat the step touch sequence, dance steps 13 through 16, for steps 17 to 20. Step forward with the left foot for step 17 and tap the right toe at the left heel for step 18 and clap. On step 19, step backward on the right foot and tap the left foot at the right heel for step 20 while clapping simultaneously.
6. Use the left foot to step forward for step 21 and quarter-turn to the left ending with a hop for step 22. Now, the group faces "West" and is ready to repeat the steps starting with the grapevine in step 1. Continue dancing until the song ends.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many variations of the Electric Slide and once you master the basic framework the idea is to have fun! Try substitutions such as slides or turns for the grapevine.