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Learn to Dance to Gangnam Style

Learn to Dance to Gangnam Style
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Learn to dance to Gangnam Style by practicing warm-ups, basic steps, timing, and rhythm; combine moves into a short, energetic routine to perform confidently.

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Step-by-step guide to Learn to Dance to Gangnam Style

What you need
Adult supervision required, comfortable clothes and shoes, gangnam style song, large mirror or reflective surface, open floor space, water bottle

Step 1

Put on comfortable clothes and shoes so you can move easily.

Step 2

Clear your floor space so you have plenty of room to dance.

Step 3

Place your water bottle nearby so you can take quick sips when you need to.

Step 4

Stand in front of the mirror so you can watch your moves while you practice.

Step 5

Play the Gangnam Style song at a volume that is safe and fun to dance to.

Step 6

Warm up for two minutes by marching in place and gently swinging your arms to wake up your muscles.

Step 7

Practice the basic bounce step by stepping right then left and adding a small knee bend on each beat for sixteen counts.

Step 8

Practice the reins arm motion by crossing your forearms and pulling them apart like holding reins for eight counts.

Step 9

Combine the bounce step and the reins arm motion slowly for eight counts until the timing feels steady.

Step 10

Practice the lasso hand circle above your head while stepping side to side slowly for eight counts.

Step 11

Put the bounce step reins move and lasso move together into a short routine that lasts one chorus and rehearse it until it feels smooth.

Step 12

Perform your full routine all the way through with the music while smiling and keeping your timing strong.

Step 13

Share your finished routine on DIY.org so everyone can see your Gangnam Style dance!

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a full-length mirror or a water bottle listed in the instructions?

Prop a smartphone or tablet in selfie/camera mode as a mirror to watch your moves and keep a closed cup or sports drink bottle filled with water placed nearby for quick sips.

I'm having trouble combining the bounce step and the reins arm motion—what should I try?

If the timing feels off when you combine the bounce step and reins arm motion, slow the routine to half speed, count each beat out loud for eight counts, and practice just the arms while keeping your feet stepping in place.

How can I adapt this Gangnam Style routine for different ages?

For ages 3–5 shorten counts to four, make the bounce step small with no knee bends and swap the lasso for a single arm circle while holding a caregiver's hand, while older kids can add bigger knee bends and practice the full chorus routine at song speed.

How can we extend or personalize the dance after learning the basic routine?

Add a signature prop like sunglasses or a hat, choreograph an extra eight-count bridge move between the reins and lasso, rehearse it into your one-chorus routine, then film and share the edited clip on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to Learn to Dance to Gangnam Style

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GANGNAM STYLE DANCE CHOREOGRAPHED BY NIMISHA GUPTA FOR KIDS

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Facts about dance and choreography for kids

⏱️ The track’s upbeat tempo (about 132 BPM) makes it perfect for lively routines and practicing timing and rhythm.

🕺 Gangnam Style was the first video on YouTube to reach 1 billion views, turning its dance into a global craze.

🎭 Psy (Park Jae‑sang) blends pop and comedy—his playful performance style helped the song go viral worldwide.

🐴 The song’s signature ‘horse-riding’ move is simple, energetic, and became an instant internet meme kids love to copy.

🤸 Warming up before you dance raises muscle temperature and flexibility, which helps prevent injury and improves performance.

How do you learn to dance to Gangnam Style?

To learn Gangnam Style, start with a 5–10 minute warm-up. Break the choreography into parts: the “horse-riding” bounce, arm lasso, basic side steps and foot taps. Teach moves slowly on an 8-count, then build speed. Practice transitions and timing with the song’s clean edit, use a mirror or record to check form, and combine parts into a short routine. Repeat daily in short sessions and focus on fun, expression, and confidence.

What materials do I need to learn the Gangnam Style dance?

You'll need a clean, kid-friendly recording of Gangnam Style and a speaker or device to play it. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and flexible clothes. Clear a safe, open space free of furniture and rugs that slide. Optional items: a full-length mirror or smartphone to record practice, water bottle, and a small mat for warm-ups. For younger children, adult supervision or a teacher is recommended.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

This activity suits children aged about 5–12 for full choreography, with adaptations for younger or older kids. Preschoolers (3–4) can enjoy simplified steps and rhythm play with adult guidance, while teens can learn the full routine and add styling. Supervise children under seven, limit sessions to 10–20 minutes for younger kids, and adapt movements if mobility or coordination needs are present.

What are the benefits and safety tips for learning Gangnam Style?

Learning Gangnam Style offers cardio exercise, improved rhythm, coordination, memory, and confidence. It encourages stage presence and social play when practiced with friends. For safety, always start with a warm-up, wear supportive shoes, use a clear flat space, and keep hydrated. Avoid pushing through pain, supervise younger children, and choose a family-friendly edit of the song. Modify moves to match a child’s ability and take breaks to prevent fatigue.
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Learn to Dance to Gangnam Style. Activities for Kids.