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Challenge dances6 minutes

Learn the Jerusalema dance: connect steps and turns

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In short
  • A common Jerusalema sequence combines heel pulses, quick foot changes and walking steps over 32 counts.
  • After the foot changes, turn a quarter turn to the left and dance the sequence again.
  • An unweighted foot only taps the floor; a weighted foot supports your body for the next step.
  • The Angolan group Fenómenos do Semba helped spread the challenge internationally with their dance video.

When you watch, the feet often seem to move faster than they actually do. Once you distinguish between tapping and stepping down, you can also practice the point where the whole line suddenly faces a different direction.

What you need for the practice sequence

  • Flat, well-fitting shoes with a grip level you can control
  • A level floor and enough space to take three steps in every direction
  • The song “Jerusalema” by Master KG featuring Nomcebo Zikode
  • An imaginary or marked starting wall for orientation
  • Small steps and weight shifts that you can do without pain

A widely shared sequence, not an authoritative original version

“Jerusalema” is a South African song by Master KG, featuring vocals by Nomcebo Zikode. In 2020, the Angolan group Fenómenos do Semba released a dance video in which the participants also held plates of food while dancing. This video played a major role in inspiring people around the world to take up the sequence. So the song’s place of origin and the place where this important step in its spread happened are not the same.

The Jerusalema Challenge gave rise to different versions: some groups hop more, others change the transitions or start in a mirror image. Here, you’ll practise a popular 32-count version with a quarter turn to the left, using small movements instead of high jumps. It’s an easy-to-follow version for learning, not a claim that this is the only correct choreography. The overview of dances from film and television also looks at how well-known routines can work for dancing on your own.

In the instructions, “tap” means your foot touches the floor without taking your weight. “Step” means you shift your weight onto that foot. An “and” falls between two counted beats. These short intervals are what hold the sequence together. As you practise, keep counting from 1 to 32; at first, let your arms swing loosely so you can focus on your feet.

Small steps take up less space and can be completed cleanly even in a tight line.
Small steps take up less space and can be completed cleanly even in a tight line.

Practice the 32 counts step by step

  1. Put Your Weight on Your Right Foot

    Stand facing the starting wall with your knees soft and shift your weight to the right. Briefly lift your left foot: if you can stay balanced, it's free to begin with. Practice without music at first.

  2. Do four heel pulses on the left

    Place your left foot slightly in front of you and raise and lower your left heel on 1, 2, 3, 4. Keep most of your weight on your right foot. On the “and” after 4, bring your left foot back under your body and transfer your weight onto it.

  3. Do four heel taps on the right

    Place your right foot slightly forward and repeat the heel taps on 5, 6, 7, 8, while your left foot supports your weight. On the “and” after 8, bring your right foot back and put your weight on it. Your left foot should now be free.

  4. Tap your heels forward alternately

    Tap your left heel forward on 9, then step back onto your left foot with weight on the “and.” Repeat with your right heel on 10, left on 11, and right on 12, stepping back with weight on each “and.” After “12 and,” you’re standing on your right foot.

  5. Turn left and continue crossing

    On 13, make a quarter turn to the left and step onto your left foot. Cross your right foot in front of your left on 14, step left to the side on 15, and cross your right foot in front again on 16. Your chest and feet face the new wall.

  6. Step to the left and then forward

    Step left to the side on 17, hold 18 and close with weight on the right on “18 and”. Step left to the side on 19, tap the right foot on 20. Step right, left, right forward on 21 to 23; tap the left foot on 24.

  7. Step Back and Close the Round

    Step back left, right, left on 25 to 27, tap right on 28. Step right to the side on 29, hold on 30, close with weight on the left on “30 and”. Step right to the side on 31, tap left on 32. Start again with the left.

These differences hold the episode together

Like this

  • When crossing, pass your foot just in front of the other
  • Really put your weight on your right foot on the “and” after 12
  • Spread the turn across the floor with small steps
  • At first, keep your arms relaxed below shoulder height

Not like this

  • Cross your legs tightly when crossing
  • After 12, get stuck with your weight between both feet
  • Twist your knee on a planted foot
  • Practice big arm gestures while your footwork is still stumbling

Your practice round checklist

Before the First Run-Through

Preparation

After practicing without music

Connection

After the run-through to music

Control

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. The challenge is danced in several variations, so foot accents, transitions, and sometimes the direction of turns differ. Mirrored videos can also switch left and right. When learning, stick to one version instead of connecting the beginning of one video with the end of another.

The next round, you dance together

On udansa, you’ll find people to practice with. Arrange a Jerusalema round with the same footwork and a set cue to start together.

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The next round, you dance together

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