How to Learn the Wu Tang

The Wu-Tang is a style of hip-hop dance characterized by jerky, up-and-down and side-to-side hand and arm movements combined with quick-stepping-feet motion. The Wu Tang originated in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when DJ Freak Nasty started chanting "Whoop That Thing!," which the audience interpreted as "Wu-Tang," and a new dance style was born. The Wu-Tang is usually performed to Baltimore club dance or Philly party music, a high-energy style of hip-hop music that features hard bass and claps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• High-energy dance hip-hop music
• Comfortable shoes
• Comfortable clothes
• A mirror

Practice Makes Perfect

1. Although the Wu-Tang is a high-energy dance move, you don't have to be a dance master to learn it. If you want to learn how to Wu-Tang, the best method is to go to a club in North Philadelphia when DJ Freak Nasty is spinning and watch the Wu-Tang dancers.

2. If you can't visit a North Philly club, the next best thing is to watch several Wu-Tang dance videos on the website JumpTheTurnstile.com. You'll notice that while each Wu-Tang dancer has his or her signature style, all Wu-Tang dancers incorporate some of the same elements, including jerky hand movements, quick feet movements, and a characteristic head shift. Note that the best Wu-Tang dancers seem to embody the dance beats so that each movement is perfectly timed with the song.

3. Stand in front of the mirror while you practice. Make your arm and leg movements match those of some of the Wu-Tang dance videos that you watched. You will probably feel silly the first time that you try the dance, but remember that practice makes perfect. Once you've tried the moves in the mirror, watch the Wu-Tang videos again to see if you notice any details that you may have missed.

4. Seek advice from the professionals. Although you may not find a Wu-Tang dance class in your area, you will probably be able to find a dance studio that offers hip-hop dance lessons. eHow offers step-by-step instructions for someone interested in how to learn the Wu-Tang dance. Find a friend who dances the Wu-Tang well and ask him or her to give you advice on improving your Wu-Tang.

5. Practice, practice, practice! You won't become an expert Wu-Tang dancer overnight, so keep in mind the dictum that says it takes 30 days to make or break a habit, and give yourself 30 days of 30-minute practice sessions to improve your skills before you break them out on the dance floor with your friends. If you don't have your own Baltimore club music to practice with at home, try any high-energy hip-hop music with a fast beat.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't give up before you've given yourself a chance to learn. Try the Wu-Tang at home for 30 days before you show off on the dance floor. Comfortable shoes are a must. Don't try to Wu-Tang wearing flip-flops or you might find yourself nursing a swollen ankle. Wear tennis shoes or lightweight sneakers. Experimentation is an expected part of the Wu-Tang dance. Once you feel comfortable with the moves you've been mimicking, start to add your own flair by changing the movements or adding new ones.
• The Wu-Tang is a high-energy dance move. Be sure you are physically fit before you attempt to learn the Wu-Tang.

References

• DJ Freak Nasty interview
• DJ Freak Nasty feature

Resources

• Wu Tang Videos @ Jump The Turnstile
• DJ Freak Nasty interview
• How To Dance the Wu-Tang on eHow