How to Master Let’s Groove Dance: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

How to Fully Enjoy the Groove Experience

Let’s Groove dance, a standout in Just Dance history, is known for its unique features. A record-breaking 7 Gold Moves holds the highest number in any trio routine.

Earth, Wind & Fire’s chart-topping hit, which reached number three in the US and dominated the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart for eight weeks in 1981-1982, serves as the perfect backdrop for this space-themed routine. Its catchy movements fascinate dancers at every skill level.

The “Let’s Groove” choreography has a special charm in Just Dance 2016, Just Dance Now, and Just Dance Unlimited. The song’s impressive achievements include gold certification in the US and platinum status in the UK.

Many newcomers find the routine’s distinctive arm waves and synchronized movements challenging at first. This step-by-step breakdown will help you become skilled at this let’s groove with lyudmila.

Let me guide you through each element of this routine, performed by three distinctly costumed men. We’ll start with simple posture fundamentals and gradually work our way up to those challenging Gold Moves.

The beauty of this dance lies in its different variations and practical practice methods, which make it accessible to all. You’ll soon understand why this 126 BPM dance has maintained its popularity. With consistent practice, you’ll quickly groove confidently to this Earth, Wind & Fire classic with all the right moves.

Understanding the ‘Let’s Groove’ Dance Style

Understanding the ‘Let’s Groove’ Dance Style

The dance comes from Earth, Wind & Fire’s classic hit. Three male dancers perform this unique choreography in a space-themed setting with retro triangle designs that perfectly match the funky beat.

Origins of the routine in Just Dance

The Just Dance team created this as a trio routine, making it stand out from other choreographies in the franchise. Unlike many physically demanding Just Dance routines, the dance has a “Medium” difficulty rating and a “Low” effort rating. The routine features an incredible seven Gold Moves—no other trio routine has this many moves.

The game uses Equinox Stars’ cover version instead of the original Earth, Wind & Fire recording. Tyriq Johnson and Jane Child provide the vocals. A special mashup, “Just Shine,” shows off dancers in shiny costumes.

Why did it become a viral trend?

The Let’s Groove dance took social media by storm when it exploded on TikTok in August 2021. People called it the “Let’s Groove Tonight Challenge,” which includes these signature moves:

  • Spinning in rhythmic circles
  • Coordinated circular arm motions
  • Custom flourishes and exaggerations

TikTok’s @nickanthonyy started the trend with his version on August 7, 2021, and got over 2.7 million views in two weeks. Other creators, like @esmeralda677, got more than 15 million views, while @menanados reached 27 million views with their takes. Liza Koshy jumped on the trend, too her exaggerated version hit 16.5 million views in just three days.

What makes it beginner-friendly

Despite its viral complexity, the Let’s Groove dance is designed to be beginner-friendly. With a ‘Low’ effort rating in Just Dance, you don’t need to be super fit or have great stamina to master this routine.

The dance moves follow patterns that repeat throughout the song, allowing beginners to learn one section at a time instead of trying to remember constantly changing steps.

There are numerous tutorial videos available online that cater to different types of learners, making the learning process enjoyable and engaging.

The space setting and retro visuals create a fun environment that makes practice sessions enjoyable rather than boring. This emphasis on fun and enjoyment will motivate beginners to practice and improve their skills.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Classic Routine

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Classic Routine

Learning the Let’s Groove dance becomes easier when you break the routine into manageable sections. I’ll walk you through each part to help you build confidence in this iconic choreography.

Warm-up and simple posture

Stand with your legs slightly apart, back straight, and chest out. Think of wearing an airplane seatbelt tight and secure while keeping your spine erect. This position will give your hips the prominence they need throughout the dance. Your body should feel relaxed yet controlled, because tension can block the flowing movements required for this routine.

Learning the arm wave sequence

The arm wave creates the foundations of the Let’s Groove dance. Position both arms in a T-position to create your baseline. Your arms should never drop below this line during the wave.

Start by lifting your fingers upward, then lower them while raising your wrist. Next, flatten your hand and lift your elbow (rotate your forearm forward to reach a greater height). Then press your elbow toward your shoulder.

Roll your shoulders to switch between arms lower one shoulder as you raise the opposite one. Take it slow: shoulder, elbow, wrist, release. Do this sequence 100 times each day until your movements flow naturally.

Mastering the triangle jump exit

Add leg tapping with hip movements once you’ve mastered the arm movements. Tap your right leg while pushing your left hip outward (opposite hip, opposite leg). Keep that airplane seatbelt posture as you turn to show your back and continue the leg taps. Your back should switch between straight and slightly bent with each tap.

Practicing the 7 Gold Moves

The routine has seven Gold Moves more than any other trio routine. Here’s how to execute them:

  • Gold Moves 1-6: These create a wave pattern moving from P1 to P2 and P3 simultaneously. P1 pushes arms toward the lead dancer, P2 points to P3, and P3 throws bent arms outward.
  • Gold Move 7: Jump and hit the air twice, then stand still with one arm raised.

It’s essential to work on each part separately before putting them together. Watch recordings of yourself to get feedback and focus on smooth transitions between movements. This focus on smooth transitions will help beginners improve their overall performance and feel more confident in their skills.

Exploring the Mashup and Variations

Just Dance 2016 takes the classic routine to new heights with an exciting twist on the Let’s Groove dance that challenges even seasoned players.

What is the Just Shine mashup?

The Just Shine mashup brings a fresh take on the Let’s Groove dance. This special version features dancers from other Just Dance routines who share something eye-catching their shiny costumes.

The standard routine has three male dancers, but this mashup switches things up with solo performers who bring their signature moves to the Earth, Wind & Fire classic (covered by Equinox Stars).

Players on eighth-generation consoles and the Wii platform can enjoy this unique choreography experience. The name “Just Shine” fits perfectly since each dancer sports gleaming, reflective outfits that create a dazzling visual theme throughout the performance.

Key differences in mashup choreography

The mashup completely reimagines the Gold Moves from the standard routine. Instead of seven moves, this sparkling version features six distinct ones:

  • Gold Moves 1 and 3: A jumping motion while grabbing your left wrist with your right hand (from “Blame”)
  • Gold Moves 2 and 4: Opening your arms while leaning left (from “Never Can Say Goodbye”)
  • Gold Move 5: Opening your arms while leaning right (from “Mr. Saxobeat”)
  • Gold Move 6: Kicking with your left leg while moving your right hand (from “I Love It”)

The mashup features eight different coaches who appear in a specific order, including dancers from “I Love It,” “You Spin Me Round,” “Want To Want Me,” and others. I love how the “Step By Step” coach cut not wearing shiny clothes a unique exception to the theme.

How to unlock and access mashups

Getting your hands on the Just Shine mashup means completing specific in-game achievements. Most eighth-generation console players need to collect 1000 Mojo Coins by completing dances. Wii players get a better deal, needing just 20 Mojo Coins to unlock this version.

After purchase, the mashup becomes available as a dance option. To access it, head to the song selection screen, find “Let’s Groove,” and look for the mashup option in the dance mode selector.

Tips for Practicing and Improving Your Groove

Tips for Practicing and Improving Your Groove

Becoming skilled at the “Let’s Groove” dance requires more than memorizing steps. You need innovative practice methods that boost your technical execution and artistic expression.

Using pictograms and visual cues

Just Dance’s pictogram system is a great way to get better at the Let’s Groove routine. These animated icons appear at the bottom of the screen and display upcoming moves before you do them.

The best way to use these visual aids is to start with slow-motion practice. Watch the pictograms without dancing first, then add movements gradually as you learn the sequence.

The seven Gold Moves need extra attention, so focus on those pictograms. Stop the game at each Gold Move and study the pictogram well. Practice that single movement until it feels natural. The triangle shapes and spatial cues in the background help you stay on rhythm they’ll help you sync your movements with the beat.

Recording yourself for feedback

Recording your practice sessions is one of the quickest ways to improve. Many dancers purchase camcorders to track their progress over time. Your analysis should cover three main areas:

  • Timing accuracy: Do your movements hit the beat precisely?
  • Form comparison: Do your moves match the original dancers?
  • Transition smoothness: Do you flow naturally between sequences?

Look at your recordings at different speeds. Speed works well, but slow-motion and frame-by-frame views help with tricky parts.

Joining online dance challenges

Conclusion

Learning the Let’s Groove dance takes dedication, but the trip is worth it, no matter your skill level. This piece explores the origins of this iconic Just Dance routine.

It features seven Gold Moves and space-themed aesthetics that make it special. We break down all the basics proper posture, arm wave sequences, and the triangle jump exit that define this unique choreography.

The popularity of the TikTok routine shows how much people love it. Its “Medium” difficulty and “Low” effort requirements make it available to beginners. However, you need regular practice to get better. You can speed up your progress by recording practice sessions, using pictograms well, and joining online challenges.

Try the Just Shine mashup version once you’ve learned the classic routine. This variant has different Gold Moves and rotating shiny-costumed performers to keep your practice sessions interesting.

Note that rhythm and having fun matter more than perfect moves when you start. Most people need several weeks of steady practice to move smoothly through all parts.

Take it slow at first. Focus on each move separately, then assemble them as you speed up. Soon you’ll dance confidently to this Earth, Wind & Fire classic with millions of other fans worldwide.

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