How to Do Something Your Don Know: How to Do the Carlton Dance

The classic 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a major television hit. One of its most iconic contributions to pop culture was the “Carlton Dance”—an exuberant jig to the tune of “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones. Invented by actor Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Will Smith’s cousin Carlton Banks on the show, the dance quickly became a global sensation.^[1] To do the Carlton Dance, learn the basic steps, throw in some extra moves, then perform with the help of some nostalgic ’90s props.

EditSteps

EditMastering the Basics

Swing your arms back and forth. Start by pushing both arms straight out in front of you, then swing them around and up to the right. Your right elbow should be bent at a 90 degree angle with your hand pointing at the ceiling. Your left arm should be bent in front of your chest. Snap using both hands. Repeat the swinging motion, to the left this time. Snap.^[2]
Move your head and chest forward and backwards as you swing your arms. Once you've gotten comfortable with the arm movements, it's time to incorporate your head and upper body. When your arms come straight out in front, push your chest and head back. When you swing your arms to the side and snap, push your chest and head forward.^[3]
- Repeat this back and forward motion as you continue to swing your arms to the beat.
Do a step-touch to the right, then to the left. First, step to the side with your right foot. Then bring your left foot in and touch the floor lightly. Don’t put any weight on your left foot. You've completed one step-touch. Repeat the move but in the opposite direction, starting with your left foot.^[4]
- Try this part without the arms at first to make things easier.
Push your hips up and down while you step-touch. Now it's time to add some hip motion. Push your hips up to the left when you step to the right. Bring your hips down when you bring your left foot in for the touch. Then, push your hips up to the right when you step to the left. Bring your hips down again when the right foot touches. Repeat.^[5]
- Try making this motion very smooth. It should look almost like you’re swaying back and forth.
Swing your arms and step-touch in unison. Now you’re ready to combine all the moves. Swing your arms to the right as you begin your step-touch to the right. Your step-touch should end when you snap your fingers. Then, reverse the motion—swing your arms to the left while stepping to the left. Repeat until you can do all the moves fluidly and rhythmically.^[6]
- Once you feel confident, try playing “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones to practice dancing to the beat.

EditAdding Extra Moves

Spin in a circle after doing a step-touch. Carlton occasionally spices up his signature dance with new moves. Try adding in a quick spin between the basic steps. To time this move with Carlton in his most popular version of the dance, twirl at the end of the line "But when I see you hanging about with anyone" in the first verse.^[7]
Do a jazz split after the spin. If you are flexible enough, go down into a jazz split with your front leg straight and back leg bent. Once you've hopped back up, continue performing the basic Carlton Dance moves.^[8]
- Make sure to limber up beforehand, to make sure you don't pull a muscle or injure yourself while doing an advanced dance move like the splits.
Pause and wave your hand in front of your face. Time this move to the lyric "I wanna die" at the end of the first verse. Stop step-touching, stand with your feet about hip-width apart, and bend your left arm so your hand is in front of your face. Then, wiggle your hand quickly back and forth as you bring it down, while simultaneously bending your knees.^[9]
- Jump back into the basic steps once Tom Jones has finished singing the line "I wanna die."
Slide to the side to add some flair. Step to the left and slide your right foot along the floor to bring your feet together. At the same time, hold your arms at a diagonal, with the right arm pointing up and the left arm pointing down.^[10]
- You can repeat the slide multiple times in a row to move across a room, like Carlton does.^[11]

EditPerforming the Dance

Learn the lyrics to “It’s Not Unusual” so you can sing along. When Carlton Banks dances on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," he often mouths the words. Sometimes he even sings into an imaginary microphone. Search online for the full lyrics of Tom Jones’ famous song, then break it down into sections that you can memorize one by one.
- Grab a candle to use as your own imaginary microphone, like Carlton in season 3 of the show.^[12]
Dress the part by wearing a Carlton Banks-inspired outfit. To round out your performance, considering dressing in the preppy '90s style of Carlton Banks. In his most iconic version of the dance, he wears a blue and purple madras shirt, khaki pants, and a brown leather belt.^[13]
- For another signature Carlton look, try a chunky, cable-knit sweater over a collared shirt.^[14]
Play “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones. Make sure to play the song while you dance. Purchase the song, or play it on a streaming service like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. You can set up a computer, or put out speakers to play the music.
Perform at a party or event. Put your skills on display by doing the Carlton Dance in public. You can plan in advance to do the dance, by asking the DJ to add "It's Not Unusual" to his or her playlist. You can also perform the dance spontaneously, if the song happens to come on during an event.