The Evolution of Hip Hop Dancing: 1994-2014

Inspired by the recent performance by Will Smith and Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, I have constructed a short history lesson through the evolution of hip hop dancing over the past 20 years.

In 1994 a song and dance called Tootsee Roll came along and changed the face of hip hop dancing by showcasing that lack of rhythm shouldn't stop you from moving.

The original twerk song was released in 1998 by Juvenile but back then it was known as 'booty poppin' (as the girls are exemplifying in the video).

Lean Back by Terror Squad introduced a new kind of dance into the clubs that was far more suitable for those 'cool' guys hovering at the side of the dance floor. There is no need to even move your feet when this song drops, just lean.

In 2004, it was the cheesy yet catchy tunes of Cha Cha Slide which had everyone sliding to the left, right and criss-crossing.

Soulja Boy may be a one hit wonder but that one hit created a dance epidemic which still brings people to the dance floor today.

The dance that Chris Brown, Beyonce and even Michelle Obama have attempted (some more successfully then others) and one of the few hip hop dances that actually requires any sort of ability to dance. The dougie found fame after this song became a club hit.

The most recent dance craze is known as twerking. However, it has existed for far longer than most of the other dances on this list but it has become a mainstream and viral success thanks to Miley Cyrus. Now every other rap song wants you to 'twerk it' and every other female hip hop associate has tried.