Learn the Smurf Step - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Learn the Smurf Step

Learn and practice the Smurf Step dance by following step-by-step moves, counting beats, and creating a short routine to improve coordination.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to the Smurf Step dance

What you need

Comfy clothes, clear floor space about 6 feet, non-slip shoes or bare feet, upbeat music track with a steady beat, small mirror (optional), adult supervision required

Step 1

Put on comfy clothes.

Step 2

Put on non-slip shoes or go barefoot.

Step 3

Clear a floor space so you have room to move.

Step 4

Play an upbeat song with a steady beat.

Step 5

Find the beat by clapping on each count of four.

Step 6

Practice the Side Step by stepping right then left across four counts and repeat twice.

Step 7

Practice the Smurf Hop by hopping lightly on both feet on counts 1 and 3 for four counts and repeat twice.

Step 8

Practice the Arm Wave by raising your arms on count 1 and lowering them on count 3 for four counts and repeat twice.

Step 9

Combine the Side Step and Smurf Hop slowly while counting aloud to eight.

Step 10

Add the Arm Wave into your combined moves and run the full sequence once with the music.

Step 11

Create a short routine by choosing one eight-count pattern and repeating your full sequence three times in a row.

Step 12

Share your finished Smurf Step routine on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have non-slip shoes?

If you don't have non-slip shoes, practice barefoot on a cleared floor space or wear socks with rubber grips or a strip of non-slip shelf liner under your feet to safely do the Side Step and Smurf Hop.

I'm losing the beat when I try to combine moves; how can we fix that?

Slow the music, practice the Side Step and Smurf Hop separately as instructed (each repeated twice), then follow the step to 'combine the Side Step and Smurf Hop slowly while counting aloud to eight' and only add the Arm Wave once you can keep the counts.

How can we adapt the activity for toddlers or older kids?

For toddlers, simplify by practicing just the Side Step and Arm Wave on four counts and repeating each twice on a cleared floor space, while older kids can speed up the upbeat song, add extra arm-wave variations, or extend the routine by repeating the full eight-count sequence more than three times.

How can we personalize or make the Smurf Step more challenging before uploading to DIY.org?

Change the upbeat song for different tempos, add props like scarves for the Arm Wave, vary directions during your chosen eight-count pattern, or film the full sequence of three repeated routines to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to do the Smurf Step dance

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How to Do the Smurf | Hip-Hop Dancing

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Facts about dance and coordination for kids

🕺 Dancing can boost kids’ balance and coordination — movement practice helps develop motor skills and spatial awareness.

🥁 Most beginner dance routines use 4-count phrases (1-2-3-4); counting out loud really helps everyone stay on beat.

🧠 Learning a short choreography trains muscle memory and working memory — repeating a sequence makes it stick faster.

👣 Pro dancers always break moves into tiny steps first — practicing small chunks speeds learning and reduces mistakes.

🧑‍🎨 The Smurfs, the tiny blue characters that likely inspired the name 'Smurf Step,' were created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo in 1958.

How to teach the Smurf Step

To teach the Smurf Step, start with a 3–5 minute warm-up (marching, ankle rolls). Break the dance into simple 8-counts: step-touch right, step-touch left, small hop-kick, and arm pumps. Count beats aloud (1-2-3-4…) and practice each 8-count slowly before adding arms. Repeat with music at a slower tempo, gradually increasing speed. Combine two or three 8-counts into a short routine, practice transitions, and finish with a cool-down stretch and praise.

Materials needed for the Smurf Step

You’ll need a child-safe open space with non-slip flooring, comfortable clothing, and supportive shoes, plus a device or speaker with music that has a clear steady beat. Optional items: a mirror or tablet for playback, floor markers (tape or mats) to show step placement, visual cue cards for counts, and a timer for practice intervals. Keep water nearby and a small first-aid kit accessible.

What ages is the Smurf Step suitable for?

This activity suits preschoolers through elementary-aged kids (about 3–10 years) with adjustments. Toddlers (3–4) benefit from simplified steps, slower tempo, and close supervision. Ages 5–7 can follow counts and build short routines, while 8–10-year-olds can add faster tempos and more complex patterns. Match difficulty to the child’s coordination level and provide breaks to prevent fatigue.

Benefits of learning the Smurf Step

Learning the Smurf Step improves gross motor coordination, rhythm, balance, and listening skills by counting beats and following sequences. It builds memory, sequencing ability, and confidence through mastering short routines. The activity provides light cardiovascular exercise, supports social skills when done in groups, and encourages creativity as children add personal style. Regular practice also helps concentration and following directions.

Ready to create?