Learn the Cabbage Patch
Green highlight

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.

Orange shooting star
Start Creating
Background blob
Challenge Image
Skill Badge
Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to learn the Cabbage Patch dance

What you need
Adult supervision required, comfortable clothes that allow dancing, comfortable shoes, open clear space to move, the cabbage patch song ready to play, water bottle

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!

Complete & Share
Challenge badge placeholder
Challenge badge

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.

Watch videos on how to learn the Cabbage Patch dance

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

The Rise of Cabbage Patch Kids 80s Toy Craze

3 Videos

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.

How do I teach my child the Cabbage Patch dance step-by-step?

Start with a quick warm-up, then introduce the Cabbage Patch as two parts: simple footwork and arm circles. Teach the step-touch side-to-side while showing circular fist motions at chest level. Practice each element slowly without music, then add a slow beat. Count out loud (1-2-3-4), then increase speed as they get confident. Combine steps into a short routine and repeat in short sessions, praising effort and encouraging relaxed shoulders and smiling for confidence.

What materials do I need to teach the Cabbage Patch dance?

You only need a few simple things: a clear, safe practice space with non-slip flooring; comfortable clothes and supportive shoes; a child-friendly recording of the song or a playlist with a steady beat; a device to play music at a moderate volume; optional items include a mirror or smartphone to film progress, a metronome or app for timing, and a water bottle. Keep the area free of obstacles and use soft lighting to make practice inviting.

What ages is the Cabbage Patch dance suitable for?

This dance works well for many ages. Toddlers (about 3–4) can enjoy a very simplified version with gentle side steps and arm circles with close supervision. Preschool and early elementary kids (4–8) can learn the full footwork and timing with short, repeated sessions. Older children and teens can refine rhythm and choreography. Adapt speed, repetition, and supervision to each child's coordination and attention span to keep it fun and safe.

What are the benefits of learning the Cabbage Patch dance for kids?

Learning the Cabbage Patch builds coordination, rhythm, and gross motor skills through repeated stepping and arm circles. It boosts listening and timing as children match moves to music, and improves memory by learning routines. Dancing also increases confidence, social skills when practiced together, and provides healthy physical activity. For safety, encourage warm-ups, breaks, and a clear space to reduce falls while keeping sessions short and positive to maintain interest.
DIY Yeti Character
Join Frame
Flying Text Box

One subscription, many ways to play and learn.

Try for free

Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required

Learn the Cabbage Patch. Activities for Kids.