How to Do the Stanky Leg

Co-authored by Yolanda Thomas

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References

The "Stanky Leg" is a simple dance that gained popularity in 2008 when it was featured in a song called “Stanky Leg”, released by the hip-hop group GS Boyz. The dance depends on shifting your body between one "good" leg and a "stanky" leg that stays planted on the floor. Put your whole body into the dance and exaggerate your movements as much as possible to make it interesting.^{[1]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Performing the Dance

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Stand up straight with your feet facing forwards but angled out slightly. Make sure they are positioned parallel to your shoulders. This a good neutral stance that is perfect for starting the dance.^{[2]
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Extend your right leg to the side in an exaggerated motion and step down. Keeping your foot forwards, lift up your right leg so it is positioned next to the middle of your left shin. Extend your right leg to the side in a wide movement. Plant it on the ground.^{[3]
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- Bend your right knee after the foot steps down.
- As a variation to the dance, you can glide your foot to the side instead of extending it upwards.^{[4]
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3
Lean your body towards your right leg. Angle your body towards your right foot as you step down on it. Keep your arms at your side and move them with your body. Exaggerate the movement so it is pronounced and dramatic.^{[5]
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- Your body should lean and bend as your right knee bends.
Your left leg is the "stanky" leg that will stay on the ground. Stand on the inner side of your left foot. Drag it inwards, bringing it closer to your right. Push it forwards twice to show that it is "stuck."^{[6]
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Rotate your knees and arms in a circle to add some flair. As your body leans to one side and your other foot stays "stuck", bring your arms up slightly in front of you. Make small circles with your arms as you move your "stanky" leg. Rotate both your left knee in unison with your arms to make the dance interesting.^{[7]
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- Keep your right leg planted before you switch.
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Switch legs after 2 beats of the song. Do the "stanky leg" for 2 beats of the music. After this, switch to make your left food the "good" foot and your right foot the "stanky" foot. Do the dance on the other side for 2 best as well, then repeat it.
- You can switch legs simply by leaning your body over to your other side, then stepping your "stanky" leg behind you and stepping your non-"stanky" leg out before you switch.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Adding Flair to the Dance

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One way to make this dance more impressive is to lean your whole body forward the entire time you do it. This will make the dragging of your "stanky" leg look more dramatic. Make sure to lean forward just enough to add flair without losing your balance.^{[8]
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2
Transition from side to side with a dramatic move. After doing the "stanky leg" on one side for 2 beats, try using a bold move to switch your body to the other side. Be creative and come up with a unique, attention-grabbing transition move. Make sure that you can get yourself into position to start the dance over without losing time with the music.^{[9]
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- For instance, you can squat your body down for a second and then pop back up before you switch legs.
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Combine the "stanky leg" with other dances to keep things interesting. The "stanky leg" is a fun dance, but it can get repetitive after a while. To keep your moves fresh and entertaining, combine this dance with other hip hop dances for a more elaborate performance. These other dances could include:^{[10]
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- The Nae-Nae
- The Dougie
- Twerking
- The Wobble

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Question

Why do all the kids at school laugh when I do the stanky leg?

Community Answer

It does look kinda funny, and was intended to be humorous.

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Question

How can I spice it up?

Community Answer

Do it faster, close your eyes tight, and stick out your tongue.

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Why did they bully me when I did this at the talent show?

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Because they think it's cringey.

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