Hitch hike (dance)

The Hitch hike is a novelty dance that gained popularity in the 1960s. It's characterized by a simple, repetitive movement mimicking the action of hitchhiking. The dance typically involves swinging one's arm out to the side as if trying to flag down a car, often alternating arms with each beat or set of beats. The leg movement is often a basic step or shuffle to the side, forward, or back, complementing the arm motions.

The dance's appeal stemmed from its easy-to-learn steps and its fun, carefree spirit. It was often performed at parties, social gatherings, and in television shows and movies of the era. The song "Hitch Hike" by Marvin Gaye, released in 1962, is strongly associated with the dance and helped popularize it. While the specific steps might vary slightly depending on the region or personal interpretation, the core element of imitating the hitchhiking gesture remains central to the dance. The Hitch hike is considered a lighthearted and accessible dance form representative of the 1960s dance craze phenomenon.