Learn the Cabbage Patch
Learn the Cabbage Patch dance step-by-step: practice footwork, arm circles, timing with music, and perform a short routine to build coordination and confidence.
Step-by-step guide to learn the Cabbage Patch dance
Step 1
Put on your comfortable shoes.
Step 2
Clear a safe open space to dance so you won’t trip.
Step 3
March in place for 30 seconds to warm up your legs.
Step 4
Practice the basic footwork: step to the right with your right foot then bring your left foot to meet it and repeat to the left for eight slow counts.
Step 5
Make arm circles by holding your hands near your chest and gently circling your forearms forward for eight counts.
Step 6
Combine the footwork and arm circles slowly without music for eight counts.
Step 7
Play the Cabbage Patch song and try the combined move on the beat for one full 8-count.
Step 8
Repeat the combined move with the song three times, keeping your movements on the beat.
Step 9
Add one small freestyle move like a hip pop or a little spin and practice it for two 8-counts.
Step 10
Put together a short routine: combined move for two 8-counts then freestyle for two 8-counts and finish with a pose.
Step 11
Practice the full routine with the song three times, keeping steady timing and breathing.
Step 12
March slowly and stretch your arms to cool down for 30 seconds.
Step 13
Share your finished Cabbage Patch routine on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have comfortable shoes or can't find the Cabbage Patch song?
If you don't have comfortable shoes, wear non-slip socks or dance barefoot on a carpeted area, and if you can't find the Cabbage Patch song use any upbeat song with a steady beat or a metronome app when you reach the 'Play the Cabbage Patch song' step.
I'm losing my balance when I try to combine the footwork and arm circles—how can I fix that?
If you lose balance during the 'Combine the footwork and arm circles' step, slow the tempo and repeat the separate 'Practice the basic footwork' and 'Make arm circles' steps for extra 8-counts and mark your foot spots with tape so you know where to step.
How can we adapt this activity for a toddler or for older kids?
For toddlers, shorten the counts (for example use 4-counts instead of 8), keep movements small and do the 'March in place for 30 seconds' with a parent holding hands, and for older kids increase tempo, add extra freestyle 8-counts and more complex moves when you 'Put together a short routine.'
How can we extend or personalize our Cabbage Patch routine before sharing it on DIY.org?
Personalize the routine by choosing a signature freestyle (like the hip pop or spin from step 9), adding a prop or costume, and filming three clean takes during the 'Practice the full routine with the song three times' step to edit and upload to DIY.org.
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Facts about dance for kids
⏱ Short practice bursts (30–60 seconds) are a great way for kids to build timing and muscle memory.
🌟 Performing a short routine with the Cabbage Patch is an easy confidence booster for school shows and family talent nights.
🥬 The Cabbage Patch dance shares its name with the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls that were a huge toy craze in the 1980s.
🎵 The Cabbage Patch popped up in many 1980s hip-hop and pop music videos, helping make it a party favorite.
🕺 The move uses a swivel-like step plus circular arm motions — perfect for practicing coordination and rhythm.
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