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Video dances6 minutes

Learn the Blinding Lights dance: a trio routine without high jumps

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In brief
  • You practise the three-part sequence with small running steps, alternating arms and side steps instead of high jumps.
  • All three of you start with your right foot and count the same eight-count phrases while facing the same direction.
  • The low-impact version for learning combines eight running steps, eight side steps and eight more running steps.
  • Counting in together keeps your cues in sync, even if your movements are different in size.

When three of you dance together, even a half-beat difference is immediately noticeable. It can feel chaotic, even though each person already knows their moves: that’s why you need a reliable rhythm together, not three movements that are as big as possible.

What you need for the three-part sequence

  • Three people facing the same direction
  • A level, non-slip floor with room for side steps
  • Comfortable clothing and well-fitting sneakers
  • Blinding Lights by The Weeknd as music
  • A shared count from one to eight

A shared version prevents out-of-sync transitions

The Blinding Lights Challenge spread in 2020 through short videos set to a song by The Weeknd. Versions featuring three people dancing side by side, springy running movements and striking arm changes are especially well known. However, the videos differ in their starting points, repetitions and details. There is no single set sequence of steps for every Challenge video. This guide turns it into a simplified practice version with three eight-count sections, no high jumps and no claim to be an exact copy of every clip.

The most important connection is between foot contact and changing arms: when you land on your right foot, your left arm swings forward. Keep your upper body over your supporting leg instead of letting it fall behind your feet. Small steps make it easier to stay in sync because nobody has to cover a long distance to catch up. Sideways movements always refer to your own right or left side, not a mirrored screen view.

Facing the same direction and setting transitions in advance also help when learning the Footloose finale dance. Here, though, you stick to a short sequence in a small space. If you get out of breath quickly, make the movements smaller first and take a break between runs. Tips on gradually increasing your dance workout can help you increase practice time and tempo separately.

You often hear timing differences in your foot contacts before you see them in the arms.
You often hear timing differences in your foot contacts before you see them in the arms.

The low triple step sequence, step by step

  1. Prepare your body for small steps

    Start by walking casually in place, rolling your shoulders and shifting your weight from side to side. Keep your knees soft, but not deeply bent; you should be able to step without stomping or straining your joints.

  2. Set the shared pulse

    Stand side by side with space between your elbows. One person counts out a complete eight-count phrase; on the next count of one, everyone steps onto the right foot, then the left, making one foot contact per count without an extra step in between.

  3. Dance eight low running steps

    Dance right, left, right, left, right, left, right, left on counts one through eight, in place. Lift each free knee only slightly and place the foot down under your body; at least one foot must always remain in contact with the floor.

  4. Add the Opposite Arms

    Repeat this first sequence with your arms loosely bent: right foot and left arm forward, left foot and right arm forward. Keep your hands relaxed below shoulder height. Switch arms as your foot touches down, not when you lift the other knee.

  5. Add the Side Eight-Count Block

    On one, step right to the side; on two, tap the left foot beside it. Repeat on three and four. Dance the same steps to the left on five through eight. Both forearms swing slightly toward the direction of movement and switch together to the left on five. When tapping, keep your weight on the supporting leg.

  6. Finish with eight running changes

    After the right tap on count eight, start on your right in a third eight-count block with the same running changes and opposite arms as before. Now connect the running block, side block and running block without a pause. After its left eight, your right side is free again for the next run.

  7. Start the sequence with the music

    First listen for the steady beat and count an eight-count block before starting together on the right. Use an audible cue in the chosen excerpt, rather than a fixed time in seconds. If the changes feel rushed, dance to every other beat at first, then move on to every beat.

This is how feet and arms stay in sync

Like this

  • Place the free foot back down directly underneath your body
  • Switch the opposite arm at the same time your foot touches down
  • Keep your weight on the supporting leg during the side tap
  • Keep the right and left side steps equally small

Not like this

  • Place the free foot far in front of your body
  • Move the arm only after the foot makes contact
  • Shift your weight without noticing during the side tap
  • Reach far to the right and barely come back to the left

Your checklist for the practice run-through

Before the First Run-Through

Start

After Practicing Without Music

Connection

After the music run-through

Rhythm

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Choose a section where you can clearly hear the steady beat. The distinctive synth motif helps you recognize the song, but it doesn't replace counting. Different video clips start at different points. So count along for one eight-count block before you start, rather than relying on a timestamp.

Street Dance Classes for Rhythm and Coordination

In Street Dance classes, you can practice the weight shifts and arm coordination that help you with short challenge routines.

View All Suitable Classes

You'll hit the next one together

On udansa connect, you can find people to practice the short three-step sequence with. Describe how you'd like to practice small traveling steps without high jumps and count in eights together.

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You'll hit the next one together

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