I. Introduction
Have you ever heard of the Dougie? This dance move first became popular in the early 2010s, and since then, it has taken the world by storm. Originating from the West Coast, specifically from the Californian hip-hop scene, the dance quickly gained popularity thanks to its catchy music and easy-to-learn moves. The good news is that anyone can learn the Dougie with a little bit of practice and help. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Dougie, discuss the basic steps, offer tips to overcome common challenges, explore the variations, and much more, so you can Dougie like a pro.
II. History of the Dougie Dance
The Dougie was first introduced by the Cali Swag District, a hip-hop group from Inglewood, California, in their 2010 hit song “Teach Me How to Dougie.” The song was an instant hit, and people went crazy over the dance move. The Dougie dance move was inspired by Doug E. Fresh, a hip hop artist from the 1980s. Doug E. Fresh would often rock back and forth and move his arms around in a cool, laid-back style as he rapped, and this became a popular dance move. The Dougie adapted this style and added new elements to it, making it a unique and distinctive dance move.
Over the years, the Dougie dance has been popularized by several artists, such as Lil Will, who introduced his version of the dance in 2007, and several other hip hop performers. Today, you can find several videos online of people doing the Dougie, and it has become a worldwide phenomenon.
III. Basic Steps of the Dougie
The Dougie itself is simple, but it requires some coordination and timing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the basic steps of the Dougie:
- Put one hand in the air and bend your arm at a 90-degree angle. This will be your guide hand.
- With your other hand, you’ll perform two low palm-down swoops.
- Take a step to the right with your right foot and rock your left foot back at the same time. This is where you’ll move your guide hand back and forth – rock it back when you step to the right, and forward when you step to the left.
- Repeat this process while moving to the left, this time stepping with your left foot and rocking your right foot back.
Remember to keep your steps small and your movements slow and steady. As you practice, you can add some variations, such as adding your own style or incorporating some arm movements.
IV. Overcoming Common Challenges
When learning the Dougie, you might face some common challenges, such as feeling awkward or struggling with coordination. The key is to stay patient and keep practicing. One way to get over the awkward stage is to practice in front of a mirror, so you can see yourself and make adjustments. Another tip is to listen to the beat of the music and move your body accordingly. In this way, you can start to get a feel for the music and the rhythm.
One personal story to share is that when I first started learning the Dougie, I struggled with keeping up with the rhythm. The beat was too fast for me, and I felt like I was always behind the music. What helped me was to practice with more laid-back music, and slowly worked my way up to the faster-paced beats. Once I felt comfortable with the rhythm, the dance felt natural, and I was able to add my own style to it.
V. Variations of the Dougie
The Dougie has several variations, each with its unique style and flair. Here are two popular versions:
Teach Me How to Dougie
The Teach Me How to Dougie is the classic Dougie, originated by the Cali Swag District. It involves a signature arm move, where you extend one arm to the side, while the other moves up and down. The classic step involves a simple side-slide while moving your arms in a cool and relaxed manner. It’s great for parties and casual gatherings, and you’ll be sure to impress your friends with this one.
New York Dougie
Unlike the Teach Me How to Dougie, the New York Dougie is a bit more intricate and complex. This variation involves a lot of arm and leg movements, and it’s known for its fast-paced and energetic style. It’s perfect for performances and showcases, and if you master this version, you’re sure to become the talk of the town.
VI. Incorporating the Dougie into a Workout Routine or Fun Activity
The Dougie is not only a fun dance, but it’s also an excellent workout routine. The moves involve a lot of muscle work and cardio, and when done correctly, you can work up a sweat in no time. Here are some tips on how to incorporate the Dougie into your workout routine:
- Start with some stretching and warm-up exercises to prevent injuries.
- Choose the type of music that matches your fitness level and tempo.
- Start with the basics and keep moving your body to the beat.
- Incorporate some variations to make it more challenging.
- Slowly build up your stamina and try to keep up with the rhythm of the music.
If you’re not into working out, but you still want to enjoy the Dougie, you can always incorporate it into social gatherings or parties. Dancing is a great way to socialize and have fun, and the Dougie is a crowd-pleaser.
VII. Music for Dougie
When it comes to Dougie, the music plays a crucial role. Here are some popular songs that you can Dougie to:
- Teach Me How to Dougie – Cali Swag District
- Dougie – Fresh Kidz
- Strip – Chris Brown
- Look at Me Now – Chris Brown
- Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO
When choosing the music, consider the tempo and the rhythm. Start with slower beats and then gradually work towards faster ones. Once you get the hang of it, you can start to incorporate some of your favorite songs and experiment with different tempos.
VIII. Top Tips from Professional Dancers
We spoke with some professional dancers and choreographers to get their top tips for mastering the Dougie. Here’s what they had to say:
- Practice regularly to gain muscle memory and familiarize yourself with the moves.
- Use music to guide your movements and stay in rhythm.
- Experiment with arm movements to add a little bit of personality to your dances.
- Don’t be afraid to try out different variations and add your own twist to them.
- Remember to have fun and enjoy the process.
IX. Conclusion
The Dougie dance has come a long way since its inception in the early 2010s. It has become a worldwide phenomenon, with people from all ages and backgrounds embracing this unique style of dancing. In this article, we’ve broken down the basic steps of the Dougie and offered tips to help you overcome the struggles that come with learning a new dance. We’ve explored different variations of the dance and showed you how to incorporate them into your workout routines or social gatherings. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be Dougieing like a pro in no time.
