The Best New York Subway Dance Videos

Image via Complex Original

Date: Feb. 8, 2013

While flips and handstands are indeed impressive, New Yorkers see those tricks quite often during their commutes. However, it's not everyday they encounter break-dancers who really know how to, well, break it down. Even before the guys in this video started walking on their hands or dangling from the subway ceilings, they had already caught the eyes of all the passengers. Perhaps that's because there's something that feels more authentic about these dancers. Bouncing off the floor into the air and shuffling down the narrow space, they seem less gimmicky than they do passionate about showcasing their talents. They're a pretty good representation of lite feet, a kind of dance that originated in Harlem during the mid 2000s.

Date: Dec. 18, 2013

Even though the scope of this footage has been annoyingly constrained, it's still enough to showcase the talent of these dancers on New York City's L train. An (apparently) 8-year-old kid kicks off this video by scurrying down the subway and walking across the train's ceiling. The rest of his friends eventually take over one by one, performing equally jaw-dropping moves throughout the 3-minute video. Even the most jaded New Yorkers can't help but watch.

Date: March 24, 2014

If it's not already apparent, apparel plays a big role in breakdancing. In this video, a troupe of dancers takes turns in the spotlight. They roll their hats and sneakers down their chests, as if unraveling a ball of yarn, and pose gracefully as they catch their caps on a perfectly positioned elbow. At the 2-minute mark, the last dancer takes over the show. Watch as he hops from one leg to another, contorting his muscular arms and tucking them behind his head and below his legs so quickly that those moves don't even seem humanly possible.

Date: Jan. 3, 2013

Things begin the way they usually do in this taping of dancers on the Q train. There are the pissed commuters who also can't seem to peel take their eyes off the ongoing performance. As per usual, the dancers hang off and revolve around the poles on the subway, occasionally stopping to pose and demonstrate their abdominal strength. Just as the show appears to be ending, however, an Irish tap dancer comes out of nowhere. Seriously, this dude just scampers into the spotlight, and it's hilarious. He's good, too.

Date: April 23, 2013

Behold, some super crisp footage of a dancer named Goofy doing what he does best. For those who don't know, this kid is the founder of WAFFLE crew. WAFFLE stands for “We Are Family For Life Entertainment,” a posse you can find on the MTA and in Union Square. Judging from this video, it's easy to see why Goofy is the leader of the pack. Also, check out his choice in footwear.

Date: Dec. 13, 2013

Multiple publications have picked up on the fact that subway dancers are a thing in NYC. New York Magazine, however, did something interesting. For their 2013 “Reasons to Love New York” issue, the magazine asked WAFFLE crew's Geovanni Byas to put on a GoPro helmet camera while he and his friends do their crazy stunts. Needless to say, the ensuing video was pretty awesome.

Date: March 15, 2012

Here's a medley of two groups doing their thing on a Brooklyn-bound train. The footage has been edited so it cuts to the best moments. At one point, one of the dancers leaps off the ground, rotating and landing in splits. Later on, another b-boy performs five consecutive back flips. All of it is set to a chill tune by New York-based artists premRock & Willie Green, so it feels like a real show.

Date: Jan. 9, 2012

Allow us to introduce the “Vampire dude.” About 30 seconds into this clip, one of the dancers can be seen hanging upside down from the metal poles at the top of the subway ceiling, looking kind of like Count Dracula (or Edward Cullen, as his friends jokingly refer to him as). These guys stand out from the other dance crews in this list simply for their noteworthy moves. There's the vampire pose, but then there's also the guy at the end who swivels slightly from the posts above.

Date: April 28, 2012

This video is a departure from the subway car and into the actual station, where four guys have amassed a crowd. It starts off with one dude performing a series of flips and other fancy footwork. It then segues into three of the men clapping, dancing in sync, and having a good time. Just when you think their performance is coming to a close, however, a little kid arrives onto to the scene. He begins with a tumble, which is cute, but then proceeds to blow everyone away with moves that seem to come out of nowhere.

Date: Nov. 13, 2009

After seeing this video, you'll wish you could breakdance. These guys look like they're having the best time thrashing about, free as a fish and surrounded by a sea of spectators. Unlike dancers on the subway, they have a lot more room to be expressive and carry out insane acrobatics. Watch these guys perform elaborate flips and headspins before the cops show up.

Date: Jan. 20, 2013

This might be the weirdest dance routine ever, but it works. For starters, the whole video is set to a weird dubstep version of Foster the People's “Pump Up Kicks.” It features five dancers, all disguised in Jabbawockeez-reminiscent masks. They move around as if in slow-mo and pop their arms robotically. Four minutes into the film, one dancer actually latches onto a crew member and simulates all of his dance partner's moves like a mime.

Date: Aug. 2, 2012

While we generally associate subway dance videos with b-boys, apparently swing dancing also occurs on the subway platforms. While waiting for the ACE train to arrive at the 42nd Street stop, a couple of New Yorkers were treated to a swing dancing performance, complete with live musicians. Skillful and sweaty, the two dancers are the epitome of living in New York during the summer.

Date: Feb. 4, 2011

Here's the modern day Electric Boogie happening at 125th Street subway stop in Harlem. This 15-minute gem consists of six dancers doing a series of unique moves. It even features one lone female dance member, which is kind of refreshing. At about nine minutes into the video, some of the dancers link hands and groove to the beat before breaking off individually. This is a cool video because these guys actually seem like a full dance crew, and you can feel the camaraderie.

Date: July 30, 2007

What is Davey Dance-Blog? According to this video's description, it's a project someone named Davey started while traveling throughout Europe in 2007. He picks a random location and pop song, then has someone film him as he breaks into dance. In this video, a guy in red (presumably Davey) initially looks pretty lame dancing by himself. After a pause, however, those around him join in. You have to admit, they do look like they're having fun.

Date: March 24, 2010

Regardless of whether you love or hate them, you have to admit New York subway dancers have talent. Just see these three tap dancers who take turns clicking and clacking away in the middle of a subway. We've never seen heels that moved so fast.