When you think back to the most iconic moments of the VMAs, most of them are tied to amazing dance performances. There was Britney swiveling her hips with a snake in 2001, Madonna rolling on the floor in 1984, and Beyoncé showing off her ring finger in 2009. They're the numbers that make you wish you'd stuck with that hip hop class back in sixth grade.
But even if your pop-and-lock skills leave much to be desired, you can still learn the moves your favorite VMA artists showed off on the MTV stage, or in their nominated videos. With a combination of choreographer tutorials and even rundowns of the steps from the singers themselves, you can turn your apartment into a dance studio. Let these YouTube videos take you on a journey from VMA viewer to someone who could totally step up in a pinch if all the backup dancers got food poisoning. A fog machine will enhance your living room theatrics, but it's not required.
"I'm a Slave 4 U," Britney Spears
2001 performance
To celebrate Spears' triumphant return to the VMA stage, learn some of her most iconic choreography. If you happen to have a giant stuffed snake from a trip to Six Flags, that will make the Snapchat video even better.
"Sorry," Justin Bieber
2016 nominee
Throw on some oversized, neon clothing, and think long and hard about everything you have to be sorry for. Just kidding — keep your mind on getting low without tipping over.
"Hello," Adele
2016 nominee
As we learn from this SNL sketch, all you need to embody Adele in her already classic video is a wig, some wind, and a lot of feelings. Remember, sensuous face-stroking is key.
"Work From Home," Fifth Harmony Featuring Ty Dolla $ign
2016 nominee
Let the girl group themselves help you swing to the rhythm and get your wrist flick just right.
Michael Jackson Medley
1995 performance
If you're looking to impress at a party (or subway platform, wherever), this move is simple to execute, but tough to master — so put in your 10,000 hours if you're looking to win that office dance contest.
"Lush Life," Zara Larsson
2016 nominee
If you want to be up on the trendiest video moves, check out this tutorial from one of this year's best new artists.
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