Picture this: a lively dance party where everyone from children to grandparents is clapping, stomping, and shaking their hips. No, it’s not the latest viral TikTok trend; it’s the Hokey Pokey, a timeless classic that has brought joy to generations. Its simplicity and universal appeal make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion where a little bit of fun and laughter is needed.
To master the Hokey Pokey, all you need is a basic understanding of the lyrics and a willingness to let loose. It starts with a straightforward set of instructions: put your right foot in, put your right foot out, put your right foot in, and shake it all about. Then, you repeat the same steps with your left foot, followed by your right hand and left hand. The fun part is when you add “and you turn yourself around” at the end of each verse, giving the dance a playful spin.
As the song progresses, the body parts become increasingly silly and imaginative, including “your whole self,” “your funny face,” and even “your hiccups!” The lyrics encourage participation from everyone involved, creating a sense of camaraderie and inclusivity. The dance is not only entertaining but also has the added benefit of promoting coordination, balance, and a healthy dose of laughter.
The Origin of the Hokey Pokey
The origins of the Hokey Pokey are shrouded in mystery, with various theories and legends attempting to explain its creation. One of the most popular theories traces the dance’s roots back to 1940s California. During this period, a group of musicians and entertainers known as the “Hokey Pokey Boys” were performing at a dance hall in Santa Cruz. Their act featured a simple dance move that involved putting one’s body parts in and out of a circle, accompanied by the now-familiar lyrics. The dance quickly caught on with the audience and soon spread to other parts of the United States, becoming a popular party game and dance craze.
Another theory suggests that the Hokey Pokey originated in England in the early 20th century. It is said that a group of children in a boarding school in Yorkshire invented the dance as a way to entertain themselves during the long winter months. The dance became a favorite among the pupils and was eventually passed down to generations of schoolchildren, becoming a staple of British playgrounds and parties.
Regardless of its exact origins, the Hokey Pokey has become a beloved dance worldwide, enjoyed by people of all ages. Its simple but infectious melody and repetitive lyrics have made it a staple of parties, social gatherings, and children’s entertainment for decades.
Getting Started: Understanding the Basic Steps
2. The Hokey Pokey Dance: Breaking Down the Movements
The Hokey Pokey is a lively dance that combines simple steps with a playful and interactive element. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the basic movements:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Put your right hand in | Extend your right arm to the side and curl your hand into a fist. |
| 2. Put your right hand out | Stretch your right arm out to the side with your palm facing forward. |
| 3. Put your right hand in | Follow Step 1 again. |
| 4. Shake it all about | Move your right hand up and down vigorously. |
| 5. Do the Hokey Pokey | Repeat the first four steps while singing, “You put your right hand in, you put your right hand out…” |
| 6. And you turn yourself around | Turn clockwise on the spot. |
| 7. That’s what it’s all about! | Celebrate by raising both arms above your head and exclaiming, “That’s what it’s all about!” |
Repeat the same steps with your left hand, and then both hands together. Encourage participants to mirror your actions and sing along for a fun-filled and energetic experience.
Step 1: Put Your Right Hand In
This is the most basic step in the Hokey Pokey. Simply extend your right hand to the side, palm facing up. Make sure your hand is relaxed and your fingers are slightly spread apart.
Step 3: Do This Hokey Pokey
The “Hokey Pokey” portion of the dance is where things start to get fun. With your right hand still extended, begin to move it in a circular motion, starting from the wrist. Keep your elbow slightly bent and your arm close to your body. As you move your hand, say the words “Hokey Pokey.”
There are several variations on how to do the “Hokey Pokey” motion. Some people prefer to make small, tight circles, while others use larger, more sweeping movements. The important thing is to find a rhythm that feels comfortable and natural to you.
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Small circles | Move your hand in small, tight circles, keeping your elbow close to your body. |
| Large circles | Move your hand in larger, more sweeping circles, using your whole arm. |
| Figure-eight circles | Move your hand in a figure-eight pattern, crossing your right hand over your left. |
Step 2: Put Your Right Hand Out
Now it’s time to put your right hand out. Make sure your palm is facing forward and your fingers are extended. Wiggle your fingers around a bit to get them loose and ready for action.
Once your right hand is out, you’re going to start turning it clockwise. As you turn your hand, keep your wrist relaxed and let your arm move naturally. The motion should be smooth and fluid, like you’re stirring a pot of soup.
Keep turning your hand until it’s facing the front again. Then, reverse the direction and turn it counterclockwise. Again, keep your wrist relaxed and let your arm move naturally.
Once you’ve turned your hand clockwise and counterclockwise, you can start shaking it up and down. Keep your wrist relaxed and let your hand move freely. The motion should be quick and energetic, like you’re shaking a tambourine.
Tips for Putting Your Right Hand Out
- Keep your wrist relaxed.
- Let your arm move naturally.
- Turn your hand smoothly and fluidly.
- Shake your hand up and down quickly and energetically.
| Direction | Motion | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Clockwise | Smooth and fluid | Slow to medium |
| Counterclockwise | Smooth and fluid | Slow to medium |
| Up and down | Quick and energetic | Fast |
Step 3: Put Your Right Hand In and Shake It All About
Now it’s time to put your right hand in. To do this, simply extend your right arm out to the side and bend your elbow so that your hand is facing up. Then, move your hand in a clockwise motion, shaking it all about as you sing the words “Put your right hand in, put your right hand out, put your right hand in, and shake it all about!”
As you shake your hand, be sure to move your whole arm, not just your wrist. This will help to get your blood flowing and wake up your muscles.
Once you’ve shaken your right hand for a few seconds, take it out and put it back down by your side. Then, repeat the same steps with your left hand.
Step 5: Do the Hokey Pokey and Turn Yourself Around
Now it’s time to do the Hokey Pokey! To do this, simply follow these steps:
- Put your right hand in.
- Put your right hand out.
- Put your right hand in.
- And shake it all about.
- Do the Hokey Pokey and turn yourself around.
- That’s what it’s all about!
As you sing the words, be sure to move your whole body. Swing your arms, shake your hips, and turn around in a circle. The more you move, the more fun you’ll have!
Once you’ve done the Hokey Pokey once, be sure to do it again. And again. And again. The more you do it, the better you’ll get at it. And the more fun you’ll have!
Step 4: Turn Yourself Around
Step 6: Put Your Right Arm In
Now it’s time to put your right arm into the circle. Imagine the circle is a large clock face and your right arm is the hour hand. Position your arm at 12 o’clock, then slowly bring it clockwise around the circle until it reaches the 3 o’clock position. Make sure your arm is fully extended and your hand is pointed forward.
Step 6a: Put Your Right Arm Out
Once your right arm is at 3 o’clock, reverse the motion and slowly bring it back to the 12 o’clock position. Again, keep your arm fully extended and your hand pointed forward.
Step 6b: Put Your Right Arm In
Now, it’s time to repeat the first movement. Put your right arm back into the circle at 12 o’clock and bring it clockwise around to the 3 o’clock position. This time, as your arm reaches 3 o’clock, bend your elbow and tuck your hand under your armpit.
Step 6c: Shake It All About
With your right arm tucked under your armpit, shake your body vigorously from side to side. This is the “shake it all about” part of the movement. Let loose and have fun with it!
| **Action:** | Turn yourself around |
| **Body Position:** | Facing the center of the circle |
| **Arm Position:** | Right arm extended and pointing forward |
| **Movement:** | Clockwise turn in a full circle |
Step 5: Do the Hokey Pokey and Turn Yourself Around
This iconic step is the culmination of the entire dance. Gather all participants in a circle facing inward, holding hands.
Step 1: Right Hand In
Put your right hand in, put your right hand out. Put your right hand in, and shake it all about.
Step 2: Left Hand In
Repeat with your left hand.
Step 3: Right Foot In
Put your right foot in, put your right foot out. Put your right foot in, and shake it all about.
Step 4: Left Foot In
Repeat with your left foot.
Step 5: Whole Self In
Put your whole self in, put your whole self out. Put your whole self in, and shake your whole self about.
Step 6: Whole Self Out
Put your whole self out, put your whole self in. Put your whole self out, and shake your whole self about.
Step 7: Turn Yourself Around
Now comes the pivotal moment. While keeping your hands joined, take three quick steps to the right as you sing, “Turn yourself around.” On the fourth step, face inward again, completing the 180-degree turn. Repeat this process in the opposite direction, taking three steps to the left and turning to face inward on the fourth step.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 7 | Step right three times, turn inward on fourth |
| 8 | Step left three times, turn inward on fourth |
How To Do The Hokey Pokey
The Hokey Pokey is a classic children’s song and dance that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a simple and fun way to get moving and have some laughs. Here are the steps on how to do the Hokey Pokey:
- Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides.
- Step your right foot forward and say, “You put your right foot in.”
- Step your right foot back and say, “You take your right foot out.”
- Step your left foot forward and say, “You put your left foot in.”
- Step your left foot back and say, “You take your left foot out.”
- Step your right foot forward and say, “You put your right foot in.”
- Step your left foot forward and say, “You put your left foot in.”
- Step your right foot back and say, “You take your right foot out.”
- Step your left foot back and say, “You take your left foot out.”
- Put your hands on your hips and shake your body from side to side while saying, “You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around.”
- Step your right foot forward and say, “You put your right foot in.”
- Step your left foot forward and say, “You put your left foot in.”
- Step your right foot back and say, “You take your right foot out.”
- Step your left foot back and say, “You take your left foot out.”
- Turn around and shake your body from side to side while saying, “You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around.”
- Repeat the steps starting with your left foot.
People Also Ask About How To Do The Hokey Pokey
What is the Hokey Pokey?
The Hokey Pokey is a classic children’s song and dance that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a simple and fun way to get moving and have some laughs.
What are the steps to the Hokey Pokey?
The steps to the Hokey Pokey are:
- Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides.
- Step your right foot forward and say, “You put your right foot in.”
- Step your right foot back and say, “You take your right foot out.”
- Step your left foot forward and say, “You put your left foot in.”
- Step your left foot back and say, “You take your left foot out.”
- Step your right foot forward and say, “You put your right foot in.”
- Step your left foot forward and say, “You put your left foot in.”
- Step your right foot back and say, “You take your right foot out.”
- Step your left foot back and say, “You take your left foot out.”
- Put your hands on your hips and shake your body from side to side while saying, “You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around.”
- Step your right foot forward and say, “You put your right foot in.”
- Step your left foot forward and say, “You put your left foot in.”
- Step your right foot back and say, “You take your right foot out.”
- Step your left foot back and say, “You take your left foot out.”
- Turn around and shake your body from side to side while saying, “You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around.”
- Repeat the steps starting with your left foot.
What are the benefits of doing the Hokey Pokey?
The Hokey Pokey is a great way to get moving and have some fun. It is also a great way to improve your coordination and balance. Additionally, the Hokey Pokey can help to improve your mood and reduce stress.
