Afrobeats Dance

Afrobeats dance is a high-energy, joyful style that goes with Afrobeats music, the popular sound that grew in West Africa, especially Nigeria and Ghana. It mixes bouncy footwork, loose shoulders, hip movements and plenty of attitude. Many of its moves started as dance crazes that spread through parties and social media. It's fun, easy to join in with and made for sharing.

Afrobeats music blends West African rhythms with pop, hip hop, dancehall and R&B. It's different from Afrobeat without the s, which is an older style of funk and jazz from Nigeria with long songs and big horn sections. Today Afrobeats is heard all over the world, and the dances travel with it, from family parties to school playgrounds.

Azonto comes from Ghana. It uses playful hand and body movements that act out everyday actions, like washing clothes or driving a car.

Shaku Shaku comes from Nigeria. The arms cross and swing while the feet shuffle in a laid-back, bouncy way.

Zanku, sometimes called legwork, is all about quick, springy footwork and kicks.

Lots of routines also mix in shoulder rolls, bounces and grooves where the whole body moves with the beat.

Your Activity Leader starts with a warm-up to get everyone moving, then breaks down a few key steps slowly, one at a time. Once you've got them, the steps are linked into a short routine and danced to the music, getting a little faster each time. There's no need to get it perfect. Afrobeats is all about feeling the rhythm and having fun with it.

Yes, it's a wonderful one for children and grown-ups to try together. The moves are simple to copy, the music is catchy and there's plenty of room to add your own style. It's a lovely confidence builder too, and children often enjoy teaching the grown-ups a move they picked up first. Expect giggles, big smiles and a routine you'll be practising in the kitchen for weeks.

Comfortable clothes you can move in and supportive trainers. It's energetic, so bring a water bottle too.

You might also like Street Dance, K-Pop Dance and TikTok Dances.

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