Orange Justice: A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Viral Dance

Have you ever seen a dance so infectious, so full of awkward yet charming energy, that you just *had* to learn it? If so, you’ve probably encountered the Orange Justice dance, a viral sensation born from the depths of the Fortnite community and propelled into the mainstream consciousness. This dance isn’t about perfect technique or graceful movements; it’s about embracing the silliness, letting loose, and having fun. And the best part? Anyone can learn it!

This comprehensive guide will break down the Orange Justice dance step-by-step, providing detailed instructions, helpful tips, and even a bit of the backstory behind this iconic emote. Whether you’re a seasoned Fortnite player looking to celebrate a Victory Royale in real life, or simply someone who wants to add a bit of fun to their dance repertoire, this guide will have you doing the Orange Justice in no time.

## The Origins of Orange Justice: A Dance of Triumph

Before we dive into the moves, it’s worth understanding the story behind the Orange Justice dance. Back in 2018, Fortnite developer Epic Games held a contest called #BoogieDown. Players were invited to submit their original dance moves, and the winning entry would be immortalized as an in-game emote. The Orange Justice dance was submitted by a then 14-year-old kid named Michael Mejak, nicknamed ‘Orange Shirt Kid’.

Sadly, ‘Orange Shirt Kid’ didn’t win the competition officially. However, his dance became incredibly popular online, with thousands of people recreating and sharing his unique moves. Due to overwhelming community support and a general feeling that his dance was the most deserving, Epic Games ultimately added Orange Shirt Kid’s dance to Fortnite as an emote, renaming it ‘Orange Justice’.

The name is a subtle but powerful statement, representing the community’s desire for fairness and recognition for the young dancer. It’s a story of online activism, community power, and a reminder that even the silliest dances can have a significant impact.

## Breaking Down the Orange Justice: Step-by-Step Instructions

The Orange Justice dance can be broken down into a few core components. It’s less about precise execution and more about capturing the overall vibe of the movement. Don’t worry about looking perfect; just focus on having fun and getting the rhythm right.

**Step 1: The Base – The Awkward Shuffle**

This is the foundation of the entire dance. Imagine you’re a robot that’s slightly malfunctioning, or a puppet with tangled strings. Your goal is to create a slightly awkward, shuffling movement.

* **Footwork:** Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Shift your weight slightly to one side (let’s say your right). Lift your left foot slightly and tap it forward, then bring it back to the starting position. Repeat this movement several times, creating a small, shuffling motion. Then switch to the other foot and repeat on the left side.
* **Important Note:** The key is to keep the movement small and subtle. It’s not a full-on step; it’s more of a weight shift and a slight tap. The awkwardness comes from the small size and slightly disjointed rhythm.
* **Tip:** Practice this slowly at first, focusing on getting the weight shift and foot tap correct. Once you’re comfortable, gradually increase the speed.

**Step 2: The Arm Swings – Side-to-Side Sway**

Now, let’s add the arm movements. These should complement the shuffling footwork and enhance the overall awkwardness.

* **Arm Position:** Start with your arms hanging loosely at your sides. As you shuffle to the right with your feet, swing your arms slightly to the left, and vice versa. Think of it as a gentle sway, almost like you’re mimicking seaweed swaying in the ocean.
* **Amplitude:** Keep the arm swings relatively small. They shouldn’t be large, exaggerated movements. The focus is on subtle coordination with the footwork.
* **Rhythm:** The arm swings should be timed to coincide with the foot shuffles. As you tap your left foot forward and shift your weight to the right, swing your arms slightly to the left. When you tap your right foot forward and shift your weight to the left, swing your arms slightly to the right.
* **Tip:** Try exaggerating the arm swings slightly at first to get the coordination down. Once you’re comfortable, reduce the amplitude for a more authentic Orange Justice look.

**Step 3: The Chest Pop – The Unexpected Jerk**

This is where the Orange Justice dance really starts to come alive. The chest pop adds a layer of unexpected movement and further enhances the awkward charm.

* **Execution:** While you’re shuffling and swaying your arms, periodically pop your chest forward slightly. It’s a small, quick movement, almost like you’re trying to push something away with your chest.
* **Timing:** The chest pop shouldn’t be synchronized with the footwork or arm swings. It should be random and unexpected. This unpredictability is part of what makes the dance so unique.
* **Frequency:** Don’t pop your chest every single time you shuffle. Aim for one pop every few shuffles. Experiment with different timings to find what feels most natural (or unnatural, in this case).
* **Tip:** Practice the chest pop in front of a mirror to get a feel for the movement. Focus on keeping it small and controlled.

**Step 4: The Head Nod – The Subtle Acknowledgment**

Adding a subtle head nod can further enhance the overall awkwardness and charm of the Orange Justice dance.

* **Execution:** As you’re shuffling, swaying, and popping your chest, add a small, almost imperceptible nod of your head. It shouldn’t be a dramatic headbang; it’s more of a slight downward tilt of the head, as if you’re acknowledging something insignificant.
* **Timing:** Like the chest pop, the head nod shouldn’t be synchronized with the other movements. It should be random and sporadic.
* **Tip:** Try nodding your head in different directions – slightly to the left, slightly to the right, or straight down. This will add even more variation to the dance.

**Step 5: Putting It All Together – The Awkward Symphony**

Now that you’ve mastered the individual components, it’s time to put them all together. This is where the magic happens.

* **Focus on Rhythm:** Try to find a rhythm that feels natural, even if it’s a bit awkward. Don’t try to force the movements; let them flow organically.
* **Embrace the Awkwardness:** The Orange Justice dance is all about embracing the silliness. Don’t be afraid to look a little goofy. The more awkward you feel, the more authentic you’ll look.
* **Practice, Practice, Practice:** The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with the movements. Eventually, the dance will become second nature.
* **Add Your Own Flair:** Once you’ve mastered the basics, feel free to add your own personal touches to the dance. Experiment with different arm movements, head nods, and chest pop variations. The goal is to make the dance your own.

## Advanced Techniques and Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic Orange Justice dance, you can try incorporating some advanced techniques and variations to further elevate your performance.

* **The Stationary Orange Justice:** This variation involves performing the dance without shuffling. Instead, you stay in one place and focus on the arm swings, chest pops, and head nods. This is a great option if you’re short on space.
* **The Traveling Orange Justice:** This variation involves incorporating larger steps and movements, allowing you to travel across a room while performing the dance. This is a great option if you want to add a bit of energy and dynamism to your performance.
* **The Group Orange Justice:** This variation involves performing the dance with a group of people. This can be a lot of fun, as you can create synchronized movements and comedic moments. Try coordinating your chest pops or arm swings for a more impactful effect.
* **The Improvised Orange Justice:** This variation involves completely letting go and improvising your movements. Don’t worry about following any specific steps; just let your body move to the music and embrace the awkwardness. This is a great way to express yourself and have fun.

## Tips for Mastering the Orange Justice

Here are a few additional tips to help you master the Orange Justice dance:

* **Watch videos of the original Orange Shirt Kid:** Pay attention to his movements and try to emulate his style. Notice his awkwardness, his rhythm, and his overall energy.
* **Practice in front of a mirror:** This will allow you to see yourself and identify areas where you can improve. Pay attention to your posture, your arm movements, and your facial expressions.
* **Record yourself dancing:** This is a great way to track your progress and identify any bad habits. Watch the recordings and critique your performance.
* **Dance with friends:** This is a fun way to practice and get feedback. Dancing with others can also help you loosen up and embrace the awkwardness.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** The Orange Justice dance is all about self-expression. Don’t be afraid to try new things and put your own spin on the dance.
* **Have fun!** The most important thing is to enjoy yourself. The Orange Justice dance is a celebration of silliness and awkwardness. Embrace it and have a good time.

## Why is the Orange Justice So Popular?

Beyond the story and the dance itself, the Orange Justice dance’s popularity stems from several factors:

* **Accessibility:** The dance is easy to learn and doesn’t require any special skills or training. Anyone can do it, regardless of their age or dance experience.
* **Humor:** The dance is inherently funny. Its awkward movements and unpredictable nature are guaranteed to elicit laughter.
* **Relatability:** Many people can relate to the awkwardness and silliness of the dance. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to be yourself and not take yourself too seriously.
* **Virality:** The dance went viral on social media, with thousands of people recreating and sharing it. This helped to spread its popularity and make it a cultural phenomenon.
* **Fortnite Connection:** Its association with Fortnite, a hugely popular game, gave it a massive platform and introduced it to millions of players worldwide.

## The Legacy of Orange Justice

The Orange Justice dance is more than just a viral trend; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has had a lasting impact. It’s a reminder that anyone can create something special and that even the silliest ideas can become popular. It’s also a testament to the power of community and the importance of giving credit where credit is due.

So, what are you waiting for? Put on some music, embrace your inner awkwardness, and start doing the Orange Justice! You might just surprise yourself with how much fun you have.