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Video dances6 minutes

Learn the Say So Dance: Combine hand gestures with side steps

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In short
  • First learn the hand gestures and side steps separately, then combine them on the same counts.
  • A small side step carries your weight, while the other foot just taps lightly beside it.
  • Use a simplified practice sequence before dancing along to Haley Sharpe’s full Say So challenge.
  • The later music video choreography and other dances to Doja Cat songs are not part of this guide.

On screen, quick hand changes often look effortless, while your feet stay put the first time you try them. A short loop gives you time to actually feel the transitions instead of just hitting individual poses.

What you need for the practice sequence

  • Comfortable clothing that lets your arms move freely
  • Sneakers and a clear, flat space without rug edges
  • The song Say So by Doja Cat to practice along with later
  • A clip of Haley Sharpe's challenge to use as a movement reference
  • Room for one small step to the right and one to the left

A Learning Loop Is Not the Whole Challenge

Haley Sharpe developed the choreography for Doja Cat's Say So that went viral on TikTok. The challenge combines expressive arm movements with rhythmic bodywork. Its later rendition in the official music video is a different reference point: it's left out of this guide. Nor is any other dance to the same song automatically Sharpe's sequence.

The loop below is a simplified coordination exercise, not a beat-accurate transcription of the complete original choreography. You practice a speaking gesture, open hands, and a small forearm circle with side-to-side weight shifts. This reduction deliberately leaves out some movements. For the exact sequence, direction, and musical placement of the original gestures, use Sharpe's clip as your reference.

The key is the difference between a step and a tap: when you step, your body weight lands on the new supporting leg. When you tap, your free foot touches the floor without supporting you. If you shift your weight even on the tap, your free leg won't be available for the return. So keep your upper body over your supporting leg and your knees loose.

You can also practice hands and rhythm separately with the Grease Hand Jive in Sections. The Shaku Shaku guide shows a different combination of foot impulses and arms, though its movement sequence remains distinct.

Keeping your phone securely put away frees up your hands and keeps you from constantly looking down.
Keeping your phone securely put away frees up your hands and keeps you from constantly looking down.

Putting together the short learning loop

  1. Take the starting position

    Stand with your feet hip-width apart, keep your knees relaxed, and hold your hands in front of your chest. Shift your weight onto your left foot so your right foot is free; you should be able to briefly lift your right foot without your upper body tipping to the side.

  2. Practice four counts with your feet

    Take a small step to the right on one and tap your left foot next to it on two. Step back to the left on three and tap your right foot next to it on four; when you tap, keep your weight on the foot from the previous step.

  3. Perform the speaking gesture individually

    Keep your feet still and, on one, bring your right hand loosely in front of your mouth without touching it. On two, open both hands forward, palms angled slightly upward; on three and four, lower your arms.

  4. Practice a small forearm circle

    Hold your bent forearms in front of your chest and circle them around each other once on one and two. Open your hands out to the sides on three and let them sink on four; keep your shoulders down, and don't let your hands bump into each other.

  5. Combine gestures and steps

    First, dance four counts with a speaking gesture and open hands above the footwork. Then repeat the same steps with a forearm circle and a side opening; both four-count blocks make up your eight-count counting loop of eight counts, not eight musical bars.

  6. Repeat the loop without a pause

    After the right tap on eight, immediately start again with the right step on one. Practice several rounds at an even speaking pace; the transition works when you neither put weight on both feet nor need an extra step before restarting.

  7. Transfer the exercise to the song

    Play Say So, first listen to the steady beat and count along for an eight-count. Then start your practice loop on the next one; only once it stays steady, incorporate individual original gestures and their timing from Sharpe's clip, without mixing in the music video version.

This keeps the transitions clear

Like this

  • Keep the gestures below eye level at first
  • Take a side step about one foot-width wide
  • Keep your elbows soft as you open
  • Keep your feet moving when you leave out a gesture

Not like this

  • Block your own view with your hands
  • Reach far out into the space around you with every side step
  • Snap your elbows straight when opening up
  • Come to a complete stop after forgetting a gesture

Mark your practice run as complete

Before the first run-through

Preparation

After putting it together

Connection

After practicing with music

Music

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. No, you can practice the dance without singing along. Lip movements may be included in the video, but they aren't required for coordination. Calm breathing helps while learning. Focus on the beat first so you don't accidentally speed up when a noticeable lyric comes in.

Street Dance Classes for Your Coordination

In a street dance class, you can practice weight shifts, arm movements and musical accents that help you dance along.

See All Matching Classes

The next loop, practice together

On udansa connect, you can find people to practice short video dances side by side with. Arrange to meet for Say So and work on a transition that still trips you up on your own.

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The next loop, practice together

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