If you’re wondering what the most famous dance moves of the 1980s were, you’ve come to the right place! From the Cabbage Patch to the Flying Elbow Drop, we’ve got them all. Learn how to do each one now! Plus, we’ll cover a few new moves! These eighteenth century moves were influenced by movies and music from the decade. Check out the “Thriller” video for some inspiration!
Asai Moonsault
The Asai Moonsault is a springboard moonsault performed outside of the ring. It is named after Yoshihiro Asai, also known as Ultimo Dragon. While the move is popular among modern wrestlers, it was once only seen in Japanese wrestling. Today, it is a popular move that can be used as a setup for an inverted DDT. Some of the most famous wrestlers who have performed the Asai Moonsault include AJ Styles and Apollo Crews. Some wrestlers also use a variation called the Gachimuchi-Sault.
Originally, ASARI used to perform the Asai Moonsault in the ring, but eventually learned to land in the ring from the apron. This version was a huge WOW move that was rarely “Starship Pained” and was only used a few times before he died. Nonetheless, it was a popular move, and its performance is still memorable.
Flying Elbow Drop
During the 1980s, the WWE became the premier pro wrestling promotion. Many Americans were first introduced to the sport via the WWE. The “Macho Man” Randy Savage made himself a household name, largely due to his revolutionary in-ring repertoire, including his Flying Elbow Drop finisher. It is a simple move, but its impact was immense, influencing future stars.
The first incarnation of the Flying Elbow Drop was first used by the Japanese wrestler Hayabusa, although Steiner made it more effective by executing the move on the top turnbuckle. Today, many high-flyers use variations of the move. The move was also popularized by the American high-flier Jimmy Snuka, who was a member of Vince McMahon’s Wrestling Federation.
Phoenix Splash
The Phoenix Splash, or Corkscrew 450deg splash, is a high-flying wrestling maneuver invented by British wrestler James Harrison. Basically, the wrestler stands on the top turnbuckle, performs a 180-degree turn in mid-air, then performs a 450-degree splash inwards on their opponent. This move is extremely protected in the WWE, with only Shawn Michaels having been able to kick out of the Phoenix Splash.
The move is often referred to as a firebird splash because the attacker faces the ring from the top of the turnbuckles and does a Rudolph front somersault with a one-and-a-half twist. The move was originally invented by a Japanese wrestler named Hayabusa, but was popularized by Scott Steiner, Seth Rollins, and PAC. However, the Phoenix Splash can be dangerous when not properly executed. It was once used by legendary luchador Huracan Ramirez, but it was not until 2002 that the move was revolutionized and made available to WWE wrestlers as a finishing move.
Cabbage Patch
The Cabbage Patch Kids were a favorite childhood toy. Their colorful, stubby bodies were stuffed with tan fabric and their hair was long and stringy. The popular dolls were cousins of Smurfs and Garbage Pail Kids. Later, they became popular with children, becoming a style that became a part of 80s culture. These popular toys spawned several sexy Cabbage Patch moves.
The simplest of the Cabbage Patch moves was a simple one – pumping your fist and pushing your shirt out of the way. The lower body movements were a mix of rolling and writhing in pain. The head bobbed, shoulders swayed, and arms were rolled in a circular motion. The Butterfly dance, popularized by the Spice Girls, was another version of the Cabbage Patch.
Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk
An autobiography by Michael Jackson is called Michael’s Moonwalk. Published by Doubleday on February 1, 1988, the book is named after his signature dance move. The book traces the rise of Jackson’s career. It reveals his struggles and triumphs and explains the importance of his Moonwalk dance move. Read this autobiography to learn about the legendary singer and the genesis of his signature dance move. The Moonwalk has become a cultural icon since it has made Michael Jackson the most famous artist of the decade.
Unlike many other famous dances, Michael Jackson never choreographed his moonwalk. He instead hired choreographers to help him. In fact, he saw a backslide performed by a dancer named Jeffrey Daniel, a member of the Shalamar band. Michael Jackson and his sister Janet visited Disneyland in 1980 and were captivated by Jeffrey Daniel’s performance. They later hired him to teach Michael how to perform the backslide.
