The precise physics of the Gangnam Style ending sequence

Do the PSY Gangnam Style 강남스타일 Ending | Club Dance Moves · 3:48 · Video: Howcast · Watch at the source

In short: Mastering a viral dance move requires more than just rhythm; it demands specific weight distribution and explosive movement. From the 'infamous' pony to the sprinkler, the choreography relies on a series of deliberate bounces and outward rotations that transform a simple club move into a coordinated physical performance.

The choreography for the Gangnam Style ending sequence is broken down into distinct physical components, beginning with the 'pony' move. This requires a specific rhythmic count of eight beats performed twice. The key to the pony is the transition from these steady beats into a jump on the opposite leg. For instance, if the dancer is on their right foot for the count, they must jump onto the left leg to execute the 'Bam' moment. This transition requires an explosive jump rather than a simple weight shift to maintain the move's impact.

Once the jump is executed, the dancer must perform four distinct bounces followed by a hip roll. A common mistake in this sequence is rolling the hips inward toward the back; the correct technique requires rolling the hips outward, toward the dancer's front. This outward motion is synchronized with a specific gesture where the dancer points toward their right knee three times. To maintain the correct form, dancers are instructed to stay on the balls of their feet rather than landing flat-footed, which ensures the fluidity of the movement.

The sequence then progresses into the 'infamous' sprinkler move, which follows a three-beat count and a three-beat gesture. The final phase of the dance involves a 'shucks' gesture, where a hand behind the head is brought down, followed by a series of kicks. The dancer kicks the right leg out, across, and performs an 'open, open, open' motion while looking in the direction of the opening. This combination of upper-body engagement and lower-body extension defines the high-energy conclusion of the routine.

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