How to do the grease lightning dance
"Grease" Dance Steps - Our Pastimes
By: Monica Patrick Updated September 15, 2017
By: Monica Patrick Updated September 15, 2017
The movie musical "Grease" hit cinemas in 1978, and its choreographed numbers caused a dance sensation. "Grease" dance routines are popular with many dancers and often recreated at shows, recitals and other events. Many of the dance moves from these well-known routines have become almost trademark and are relatively easy to learn for performance or just for fun.
"Hand Jive" Line Dance
The "hand jive" has been used in many variations; there are several line dances based on the performance in the movie that are suitable for doing alone or in a group of any size. This is a boxy- style dance that uses the arms and the legs. Roll your hands to the left while turning your body to the left by pivoting on your heels, then roll your hands to the right while turning your body and feet to the right in the same way. Keep in mind that your hands and feet should face the same direction--when your hands go left, so do your feet, and vice versa. Face forward and tap your knees twice. Next, clap your hands together to the left and then to the right. Make fists and put them together in front of you; with your arms extended straight out, cross your fists one over the other, first at shoulder level and then at waist level. Tap your right elbow with your left hand, then tap your left elbow with your right hand. Start the dance over and keep going through the duration of the song.
"Greased Lightning"
In the movie, the "Greased Lightning" dance is performed by the main male characters while they're fixing up an old car. This part of the routine starts out in a tough-looking stance with the legs apart. As the music plays, point to the right. Keeping your index finger pointed, move your arm from your extreme right to your front in a count of eight. Then bring your right elbow down like you’re emulating a conductor working a train whistle. Do the elbow movement twice, then point to the left and keep your index finger pointed as you move your arm from your extreme left to your front in another count of eight.
Next, spread out the fingers of your hands and put them at your side. Stand still, but pop your left leg at the knee and then do the same with your right leg. Turn your body around to face the back, then jump back to the front position. Start over from the beginning.
"You're the One That I Want"
"You're the One that I Want" is one of the closing songs of the movie, featuring the lead characters, Danny and Sandy, dancing together. To do this signature move, you’ll need a partner, and you'll face each other. Stand so that you're leaning forward on your left leg with your right leg behind you. Your partner should be standing with his right leg forward and his left leg behind. Both of you should wiggle your shoulders to the music. Lean forward while still wiggling your shoulders; your partner will lean back, also wiggling his shoulders. Do this to a count of four and then switch so that you are leaning back while your partner leans forward.
References
- IMDB
- "Greased Lightning" Routine
Writer Bio
As a former senior sales director with Mary Kay and the co-owner of a renovation company, Monica Patrick has firsthand knowledge of small business operations.
Besides start ups, she has extensive skills in recruiting, selling, leadership, makeup artistry and skin care.
Related Articles
'Dancing With the Stars' First 'Grease' Night Sees Perfect Scores and a Shocking Elimination!
46:17
Olivia Jade Tears Up Over Sister's Support at ‘Dancing With the …
02:14
Selma Blair on Leaving 'Dancing With the Stars' Due to MRI Resul…
01:57
Joseph Baena Shares Dad Arnold Schwarzenegger's Reaction to His …
03:47
Cheryl Burke Addresses Dog Custody Drama With Ex Matthew Lawrenc…
04:00
Cheryl Burke Speaks Out About History of Abuse and Reveals Why S…
01:45
‘DWTS’: Sam Champion and Cheryl Burke Eliminated Amid Her Legal …
01:32
Michael Bublé Says He’ll Be Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert's Wedd…
01:56
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton Have PDA Moment at Matrix Awards
04:17
Leah McSweeney Shuts Down Rumors She Threw Elephant Poop at 'RHU…
08:25
Faye Clarke on Upping the 'Below Deck' Game With 'Adventure' Ser…
04:05
North West Throws Shade at Kim Kardashian Over Her Height!
04:58
Kris Jenner Looks Back on 15 Years of Kardashian Reality TV (Exc…
03:11
John Legend Addresses Fractured Relationship With Kanye West
03:44
Matthew Perry Reveals Why He Dumped Julia Roberts in the '90s
09:41
'Tell Me Lies' Grace Van Patten on Shocking Finale and Rumors Sh…
24:24
Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis Shut Down Former Nanny’s Claims …
02:41
King Charles' Coronation: What It Means for the Royal Rift and H…
03:00
'Halloween Ends': Kyle Richards on ‘Maternal’ Friendship With Ja…
10:09
'The Challenge's Johnny Bananas Shares a Message to His Haters H…
Dancing With the Stars returns Monday for the fifth week of season 30, and the show is paying tribute to an iconic musical! With a slew of excited celebs ready to show off their moves, ET is following along throughout the two-hour spectacular to break down all the best dances and the most surprising moments from DWTS' celebration of the 1978 classic Grease!
As the contestants duke it out on the dance floor with their best retro 1950s-inspired routines, judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough will be giving feedback and doling out their scores -- all before another pair gets the boot.
After last week's brutal double elimination, there are only 11 couples left in competition, and they will all be dancing their hearts out as they try to win the votes of the viewers and the support of the judges.
The battle for the mirrorball trophy kicks off on Monday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, and ET will be covering all the highlights in real time.
It's Time for the Elimination!
6:59 PM:
Two couples are going home tonight, and Tyra dramatically reads through the long list of the groups that are safe, leaving only the bottom two on stage.
Despite getting some of the highest scores of the season, the final two in jeopardy are Mel C and Gleb as well as Olivia Jade and Val.
This is a truly insane result. These are not the two couples who should be in the bottom two.
Derek says it best when he asks, "America! What have you done?!"
All the judges lament how bad and hard this decision is. After Carrie Ann and Derek vote to save Mel C, Bruno and Len vote to save Olivia.
As head judge, Len's vote breaks the tie -- meaning Mel C and Gleb are going home, and Olivia and Val get to dance another week.
Cody and Cheryl Close Out 'Grease' Night With a Quickstep
6:50 PM:
Cody reveals, in his pre-taped package, that he actually performed in Grease in a high-school production. However, he admits that he's not a great singer, so he's excited to be a a part of it in a way that just involved dancing.
So, for the final number of the night, Cody and Cheryl hit the stage for a quickstep set to "We Go Together" that sees both of them rocking all-black, surprisingly tight ensembles and it's a fun, high-energy conclusion to a night of surprisingly captivating routines!
"That had the sense of uplifting celebration of everything Grease!" Bruno shares
Carrie says she wants to see more chemistry from them, but that they still did a "great job."
"What I liked was the energy you produced," Len says.
"You really came out and gave it your all."
The pair earn four 8s for a total of 32 out of 40.
Mel C and Gleb Are the Ones That We Want
6:41 PM:
Mel C is embracing her inner Sandy to find her confidence this week.
Believe it or not, Mel says during her pre-taped package that she's always struggled with her confidence, despite her fame, and she's brought to tears trying to muster up her courage.
However, it's hard to imagine her not being confident when she takes the stage for a quickstep set to "You're the One That I Want," with Gleb, and the pair just slay.
Derek says the dance was fantastic, while Bruno adds that it "takes a lot of guts to do a quickstep in lycra."
Carrie Ann says she appreciates her vulnerability and that it adds a lot to her numbers.
Len keeps it simple, telling Mel it was her "best dance" thus far.
The couple earn four 9s for a total of 36 out of 40 -- placing them in a five-way tie for the top spot on the leaderboard.
JoJo & Jenna Are Perfect (Literally) in Pink
6:30 PM:
JoJo and Jenna are two of the best dancers of the season -- and a lot of that is because of JoJo's extensive background in dance.
But that doesn't make it less delightful to watch them dance, and the pair deliver a stunning foxtrot set to "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise)" and it left the judges stunned.
Len stands to deliver his feedback and says, "You affected my brain with the quality of the technique, you affect my heart with the artistry that you produced. It was superb."
I absolutely love this partnership," Derek marvels. "That was a moment!"
Bruno says he's "still shivering" and Carrie Ann adds, "You leave me nothing to say, other than this was perfection."
As one might expect, this level of praise was matched by the seasons first perfect score -- Four 10s for a total of 40 out of 40.
Kenya & Brandon Bring the Emotions
6:24 PM:
Kenya shares a sweet story about being raised by her grandmother after her birth parents had her when they were teenagers.
The reality star explains her her grandmother died four years ago, and is doing the number this week in her honor.
Kenya is playing Rizzo for tonight's number, and she delivers a sultry rumba with Brandon, set to "There Are Worse Things I Could Do."
Last week, Kenya found herself in the bottom two (yet again) and was saved by Len. It's a real shame she keeps not getting the votes, because she and Brandon are doing a lot of hard work to stay in the game.
"I am so happy you are still here in the competition so that you could do that dance here for all of us," Carrie Ann shares.
"It was really, really spot on," Len says of the dance, as Derek says the routine was "stunning."
"What was brilliant was it was so focused on translating emotion through motion," Bruno shares.
After the judges feedback, Kenya get choked up talking about her grandmother -- then is brought to full tears by their epic scores.
The pair earn four 9s across the board for a total of 36 out of 40 -- easily their highest scores of the season thus far.
Jimmie and Emma Dance (After Jimmie Welcomes His New Baby Girl)
6:14 PM:
Jimmie is back in the studio just days after he and his wife welcomed their newborn baby girl!
The pre-taped package gives us a look at his adorable infant daughter, and it's amazing he was able to think or focus on dancing at all this week!
That being said, he's still giving it his all as he and Emma slater hit the dance floor for a foxtrot set to "Sandy."
It's a forlorn song in the movie, but Jimmie and Emma bring a fun, joyful energy to the tune. And, it turns out Jimmie knows how to look awesome in a leather greaser jacket!
The judges are pretty excited for Jimmie, and Bruno shares his congrats.
Len says, that there's "a flair" about Jimmie's dancing, and while it's not perfect it's really fun.
When it comes to the scores, the judges are divided, with two 8s and two 9s for a total of 34 out of 40!
Suni and Sasha Introduce the Charleston
6:04 PM:
For their Grease-themed number, Suni and Sasha are dancing a charleston -- the first charleston of the season -- to the tune "Born to Hand Jive.
"
You have to give them credit for not just going for a jive, like the song suggests. Also, Suni is playing a character called Cha-cha!
Derek jokes about all the different types of dances being referenced, but that it's still "fantastic."
Len says he "smiled the whole way through" although he seems a bit disappointed in a general sense. Although it's unclear why.
The pair earn four 9s across the board (back to the judge's thinking alike) for a total of 36 out of 40!
Amanda and Alan Get Some Help From Frankie Avalon
5:54 PM:
Amanda is playing Frenchie for Grease Night, and got a chance to talk with Didi Conn, who played Frenchie in the original film, while rehearsing.
Then, in a surprisingly cameo, Frankie Avalon himself comes out to sing "Beauty School Dropout," for Amanda and Alan to dance a Viennese waltz!
Rocking pink hair, Amanda flawlessly looks the part, and Alan rocks a white suit as he's playing a version of Avalon for the number.
It's a wonderfully surreal blend of meta-weirdness that makes it a delight.
"I thought that was just fantastic," Len says. "And the icing on the cake is one of my teenage heroes, Frankie Avalon!"
Derek says the routine was "fantastic" but that it was missing that "moment" that made it perfect for him.
"I felt like you stepped out of a dream," Bruno declares, as Carrie Ann shares equal amounts of love and praise.
As for their scores, the judges have finally changed things up a bit.
The pair get three 10s and then one 9 -- from Derek, of all people -- for a 39 out of 40. It's easily the highest score of the season.
The Miz and Witney Dance Like Lightning!
5:42 PM:
For The Miz, getting to dance to "Greased Lightnin" is about the best possible way to participate in a Grease night, because it's the song most people think of when they think of the movie.
The Miz hits the floor with Witney and they are both sitting in the car the song is about, and you can feel how iconic the whole moment is before their jive even truly begins.
It's also important to talk about how perfect The Miz is as Danny. He looks to the part to a ridiculous degree, and his dance chemistry with Witney is off the charts.
"Go Miz Lightnin!" Carrie Ann declares!
Len says it was a "high-octane, full-on jive" but that The Miz "rushed it a bit" out of excitement.
Bruno and Derek echo those sentiments, but there's still a lot of love.
The panel continues to be in close agreement yet again, with four 8s for a total of 32 out of 40.
Iman and Daniella Are Hopelessly Devoted to Dancing
5:32 PM:
Iman and Daniella have been giving it their all each week, and this time around they're bringing a Viennese waltz to the ballroom, in a routine set to "Hopelessly Devoted to You."
Iman rocks a blue jacket with black jeans as Danny, while Danielle looks gorgeous and ethereal as Sandy, and the performance earned a standing ovation for the dance.
Bruno says they really did a good job of conveying the emotion of the tune.
Carrie Ann says the dance isn't the best suited for Iman, but praised their chemistry.
"It had a gentleness that I liked so much," Len says. "You try so hard that I find it difficult to criticize you."
The pair earn four 7s from the judges for a total of 28 out of 40.
Melora & Artem Go Retro With Viennese waltz
5:21 PM:
Melora is returning a week after getting a 10 during Disney night, and she's hitting the stage as Rizzo.
Appropriately, she's portraying the leader of the Pink Ladies in a pink sleeping gown, and kicks off the number in a recreation of a pink bedroom.
She comes out and hits the stage with the always-magnetic Artem and the pair deliver a fun, captivating Viennese waltz set to "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" -- not exactly the easiest song to dance too. Although you'd never know it from how they own the stage.
"You are the gift that keeps on giving," Derek marvels.
"You've got the part! You're hired!" Bruno exclaims.
"You played it so well."
"What I think sets you apart... is every time you do the dance, you make everyone want to dance with you," Carrie Ann says.
"I tell you what, it's just like the film or the show -- I feel better for seeing that," Len praises.
The pair earn another four 9s for a total of 36 out of 40!
Oliva and Val Kick Things Off
5:11 PM:
Oh! Apparently, Olivia Newton-John is going to be sharing some insight into each of the dances.
For the first number of the night, we've got Olivia Jade and Val Chmerkovskiy as Sandy and Danny, delivering a foxtrot set to "Summer Nights."
Val dressed up like a '50s greaser just looks right, and Olivia looks delightfully retro in a yellow poodle skirt and blonde wig. The whole thing feels more like Grease than the entire live TV production a few years ago.
"I think if Sandy and Danny were to dance a foxtrot, it would look just like that," Len marvels.
Derek says Olivia is a "perfect Sandy" and says it was a "great way to open the show."
"You captured the sweet innocence of Sandy," Bruno praises, as Carrie Ann "echoes everything" he colleagues shared.
That's a whole lot of love that is also reflected in their impressive scores. Four 9s across the board for a total of 36 out of 40 -- marking their highest score of the season!
Olivia Newton-John Drops By!
5:06 PM:
In honor of the night, Sandy herself, Olivia Newton-John, drops by in the form of a virtual message thanking everyone for their love of the film.
"I'm so thrilled and honored that you're celebrating Grease tonight! I know your couples have been working really hard and I can't wait to see their performances!" she shared.
It's 'Grease' Night, and We're Going Back in Time
5:04 PM:
In celebration of the 1978 movie musical Grease, tonight's Dancing With the Stars is traveling back in time to the 1950s for some wild, wacky routines inspired by the movie.
We're gonna see a lot of retro fashions, leather jackets and general Americana -- so that should be fun.
The opening number is a picture perfect school spirit celebration, and Tyra is rocking a bright red cheerleader outfit. So, we've set the tone.
Last week, after two back-to-back nights of Disney-themed dances, two couples ended up getting the boot -- Brian Austin Green and girlfriend Sharna Burgess, as well as Matt James and Lindsay Arnold.
Check out the video below to hear more about how the eliminations and judges' votes shook out.
GET THE ET NEWSLETTER
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
RELATED CONTENT:
'DWTS': Matt James and Lindsay Arnold Get the Boot After Disney Night
'DWTS': Cody Rigsby on Returning to the Ballroom With Cheryl Burke
Olivia Jade Breaks Down in Tears Talking About the Impact of 'DWTS'
Kenya Moore Cried Herself to Sleep After Emotional Week on 'DWTS'
'DWTS': Disney Villains Night Ends With Surprising Double Elimination!
Related Gallery
KDC
Women's ankle boots "Quadrille" with zipper Javascript is disabled in your browser.
Please enable Javascript to interact with the site. How to include
Previous product
Female "Fenings" Separate Sound KDC
024 DANCES
Quadruple zipper, lacing, solid sole
-
Country: RUSSIA Brand: Kovalenko Dance Company 4 0.615 kg -
We receive and process the personal data of visitors to our website in accordance with official policy.
If you continue to use the site, we will assume that you are happy with it.Women's shoes for folk dances and half boots "Quadrille"
Women's ankle boots "Quadrille"
Boots for folk-characteristic dance (Barbara) are made of genuine leather, the fullness is regulated by lacing. For convenience, the model is supplemented with a zipper. A chunky black saddle sole with a stacked heel from 2.
5 to 3.5 cm adds flexibility to the foot. This model is very popular due to the secure fixation of the leg with lacing and a stable heel. Outer material: genuine leather
Sole: separate, black saddlecloth, without arch support
Assembly method: glue-and-stitch
Heel: stacked: from 30 to 33.5 - 2.5 cm, from 34 to 41 - 3.5 cm
Closure: lacing, zipper
Shaft height: 13 - 17 cm
90 90 Available: red (36 rubles), black (36 rubles)Price
5000 rubles. 5000 r. -20%
More
Women's ankle boots "Quadrille" with a zipper
Ankle boots for folk-character dance made of genuine leather (Lyudmila)
Outer material: genuine leather
Inner material: cotton + genuine leather
Insole: leather lining
Sole: solid, black saddlecloth, without instep
Assembly method: glue-stitched
Heel: stacked 900 to 3 3 905 - 2.5 cm,
from 34 to 41 - 3.
5 cm Closure: lacing, zipper
Shaft height: 13 - 17 cm
Shaft height may vary depending on the selected size.
Available: black (38 r), red (36.5 r)
Price
5000 r. 5000 r. -20%
More
Women's ankle boots with a zipper
Ankle boots for folk character dance made of natural leather (Nadezhda). The fullness is regulated by lacing, which not only perfectly fixes the leg, but also serves as an additional decoration of the model. There is a zipper for convenience. Sole made of dense black saddlecloth with stacked heel 4.5 cm. Elegant heel, rounded toe, optimal shaft height make this model attractive and comfortable!
Outer material: genuine leather
Inner material: cotton + genuine leather
Insole: leather lining
Sole: solid, black saddlecloth, with arch support
Assembly method: glue-stitched
: lacing and zipper
Shaft height: 10 cm
Available in 38 size red and 39 size black
Price
5000 r.
5000 r. -20% More details
Low boots for women "Quadrille" with a zipper
Low boots for folk-characteristic dance made of genuine leather, the fullness is regulated by lacing, for additional convenience there is a zipper. The sole is made of dense light saddlecloth with a steady tight heel 4.5 cm. This model will perfectly complement your look and help you feel comfortable and light.
Outer material: genuine leatherInner material: cotton + genuine leather
Insole: leather lining
Sole: continuous, light Cheprak, Suppinator
Assembly Method: Kle -Prozliya
Heel: Varoe, 4.5 cm
Furifacer: Lord, Lightning
Helpers: 26 - 33 cm
V. available in size 39 black.
Price
5000 rub. 5000 r. -20%
More
Women's ankle boots "Quadrille" with a zipper
Ankle boots for folk-character dance (Valeria) are made of genuine leather, the fullness is regulated by lacing.
The sole is made of dense black saddlecloth with a stacked heel from 2.5 to 3.5 cm. This model is very popular due to the reliable fixation of the leg with lacing and a stable heel.
Outer material: genuine leatherInner material: cotton + genuine leather
Insole: leather lining
Sole: solid, black saddlecloth, prevention, without arch support – 2.5 cm, from 34 to 41 - 3.5 cm
Closure: lacing
Shaft height: 13 - 17 cm
Available in 38 size red and 36, 39 size black
Price
4000 rub.
More
High boots for folk-character dance (Polina)
Half boots for folk-characteristic dance (Polina) are made of genuine leather, the fullness is regulated by lacing, for additional convenience there is a zipper. Solid black saddle sole with 4.5 cm stable stacked heel and high shaft. This model will perfectly complement your image and help you feel comfortable and easy.
Outer material: genuine leather
Inner material: cotton + genuine leather
Insole: leather lining
Sole: solid black saddlecloth with arch support
Assembly method: glue-stitched
Heel: buckle: 4.5 cm 9003 lacing, zipper
Shaft height: 26 - 33 cm
Available in size 40 red and size 39 black
Price
5000 r. 5000 r. -20%
More
Folk dance shoes "Carmen"
Folk dance and stage performance shoes with buckle closure.
The upper is made of genuine leather, decorated with a leather stripe on the toe and heel. Cotton lining and genuine leather.
The sole is solid natural leather (saddle cap).
The heel can be tight or stacked, height 4 cm.
Made in Russia
Price
More
Shoes for folk dances
Women's folk shoes are designed for practicing different types of dances.
The top is made of genuine leather, cotton lining and genuine leather. The sole is solid saddlecloth (genuine leather). Stacked heel 3.5 cm. Made in Russia
Availability: black, red
More
Rehearsal shoes
Designed for practicing different types of dances. Shoes are made with a T-shaped jumper and a strap with a buckle. The top is made of genuine leather, cotton lining and genuine leather.
Solid saddle sole (genuine leather). Stacked heel 3.5 cm.
More
Women's Folk Dance Shoes
Women's Folk (Character) Dance Shoes with a split sole for added flexibility and ease of movement.
Characteristics of shoes:
External material: natural, soft leather.
Sole material (toe part): split leather (genuine leather).
Sole: split.
Inner material: leather and cotton.
Heel - tight.
Clasp type: buckle.
Heel height: 3.
- Attention!
In the absence of goods in stock, the estimated time for tailoring
is 14-55 working days.
Check availability with the manager.
Black saddle model!
To order a similar model with light saddlecloth
go to <<< KDZ-108 Daria >>>
Primary colors: black, red, white, beige
Outer material: genuine leather
Inner material: cotton + genuine leather
Insole: leather lining
Sole: solid, black saddlecloth, without arch support
Heel: stacked
30 to 33.
5 cm - 2.5 cm,
34 to 41 - 3.5 cm
Closure: lacing, zipper
Shaft height: 13 - 17 cm
Shaft height may vary depending on the selected size
Sizes: 30 - 41 (20 cm - 27.5 cm)
Ankle boots for traditional dance made of natural leather in black, red, white and beige. The fullness is regulated by lacing, and there is also a zipper for convenience. The sole is made of thick black saddlecloth with stacked stable heels from 2.5 to 3.5 cm. This model looks elegant on the foot and can perfectly decorate any of your performances.
Half boots from Kovalenko Dance You can buy in our stores "Everything for dance .." or order online in any size from 30 to 41 (20 cm - 27.5 cm).
The appearance of the goods may differ slightly from the image of the goods indicated on the site.
The color of the product may differ from the color shown in the photo, depending on the color rendering settings of your computer (tablet, phone).
Shipping costs are not included in the product price.
