Learn the Running Man Step
Learn the Running Man step by breaking it into simple moves, practicing balance and rhythm, and performing short sequences safely.
Step-by-step guide to Learn the Running Man Step
Step 1
Stand in the middle of your space with your feet hip-width apart.
Step 2
Relax your arms down at your sides so they can help with balance.
Step 3
Bend your knees slightly so your body feels ready and springy.
Step 4
Shift your weight onto your left leg so your right leg can move freely.
Step 5
Slide your right foot straight back about one foot length keeping the toes on the floor.
Step 6
Push down with your left foot to hop upward lightly.
Step 7
Bring your right foot forward and place the ball of your foot down.
Step 8
Lift your left knee up toward your waist to create the “running” look.
Step 9
Shift your weight onto your right leg so your left leg can move.
Step 10
Slide your left foot straight back about one foot length keeping the toes on the floor.
Step 11
Push down with your right foot to hop upward lightly.
Step 12
Bring your left foot forward and place the ball of your foot down.
Step 13
Lift your right knee up toward your waist to finish the other side of the move.
Step 14
Repeat the full left-then-right switch slowly to the count "1-and-2-and" four times to practice rhythm and balance.
Step 15
Share your finished Running Man step 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!?
If we don’t have a big open space or a smooth floor, what can we use instead?
Clear a hallway, move furniture aside to make a 3-by-3 foot area, or wear flat-soled shoes so you can still 'slide your right foot straight back about one foot length keeping the toes on the floor' and hop safely.
My child keeps losing balance when they 'push down with the left foot to hop upward lightly'—how can we fix that?
Have them fully shift weight onto the supporting leg first, relax and slightly extend the arms for balance, and practice smaller slides before trying full hops so they can reliably 'bring the right foot forward and place the ball of your foot down'.
How can we adapt the Running Man steps for younger or older kids?
For younger children remove or minimize the hop and hold a parent's hand while they 'lift your knee up toward your waist', and for older kids increase tempo, add more pronounced knee height, or count faster '1-and-2-and' to challenge rhythm and endurance.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize the activity after practicing the four slow repeats?
Create a short routine by adding arm styling from 'Relax your arms down at your sides' into swings, change directions, speed up the '1-and-2-and' count, and record and 'Share your finished Running Man step on DIY.org' to show your version.
Watch videos on how to Learn the Running Man Step
The Easiest Running Man Tutorial Ever! (Beginner-Friendly & Updated) | Shuffle Dance Basics 101
3 Videos
The Easiest Running Man Tutorial Ever! (Beginner-Friendly & Updated) | Shuffle Dance Basics 101
How to Running Man (Shuffling) - Dance Steps for Kids
How to do the running man shuffle dance step by step
Facts about hip-hop dance basics for kids
⏱️ Short, repeated practice bursts (30–60 seconds) are a quick way to improve stamina and memory for the step.
🌍 Footwork families like the Melbourne shuffle and T-step are global cousins of the Running Man, showing how dancers adapt moves.
🎶 Practicing the Running Man helps kids build rhythm and coordination by alternating feet to a steady beat.
🕺 The Running Man is a classic street/hip-hop move that exploded in popularity in the late 1980s and 1990s.
👟 Wearing soft-soled shoes and clearing a small space makes learning the Running Man safer and comfier.
How do I teach my child the Running Man step?
What materials or space do we need to learn the Running Man step at home?
What ages is the Running Man suitable for and how can I adapt it?
What are the benefits and safety tips for kids learning the Running Man?
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