Now that THON 2021 is winding down, we’re finally approaching the Final Four and its many traditions, including Family Hour, a performance from Go Go Gadjet, and THON’s final total reveal.

One often-forgotten Final Four event? A look at the last four line dances! Traditionally, former Dancer Relations captains would hop on stage to perform their respective THON’s line dance. This year, it seems likely we’d see them in a video clip.

Regardless, you’re probably a bit dusty on some older line dances. And if you’re a total noob, you’ve got no idea what’s coming your way. Take a look at each year’s line dance below for a brief crash course or refresher.

2016

Theme: Believe Beyond Boundaries

Line dance:

Top three lyrics:

1. Blast off, BJC! // Can you feel that energy?
2. Hoverboards, watch your toes! // Quick one question, WHAT ARE THOSE?!
3. We Are sign, take a pic // Snap it with your selfie stick

I’m only a junior, but even I know the raw power some of these lyrics bring. Thanks to former Onward State editors like Steve Connelly and Elissa Hill, “Blast off, BJC!” is etched into my memory. What a banger!

2017

Theme: Igniting Hope Within

Line dance:

Top three lyrics:

1. WHY IS EVERYTHING SO LIT? / WHAT WAS THIS YEAR’S BIGGEST HIT?!
2. Smell the roses, bags are packed / Penn State football, guess who’s back?
3. Shake the stands, rock the floor / Hear our little lions roar

As you can already tell, short and snappy lines often make for some of the best line dance lyrics. References to “smelling roses” during Penn State football’s dream 2017 season and rocking the floor are perfect for hyping up a crowd, even four years later.

2018

Theme: Discovering Tomorrow’s Wonder.

Line dance:

Top three lyrics:

1. Cardi B makes money moves / Ooh, look what you made me do
2. College GameDay hits Old Main / Nittany Lion hall of fame
3. Eagles fly, Pens win cup / Trust the process, buckle up

As an unabashed Philadelphia sports fan, did you think I’d leave a line about the Eagles’ first Super Bowl out of this post? Yeah, didn’t think so. Anyway, College GameDay’s triumphant return to campus and Carbi B are okurrrr in our book, too.

2019

Theme: Shape The Moment

Line dance:

Top three lyrics:

1. Wally Triplett, white and blue / WE ARE! Thanks to you
2. For the Kids, For the Glory / Penn State, let’s tell our story
3. Diamonds up, watch them soar / FTK! Is how we roar

Yeah, baby! You always remember you first (line dance), and this was mine. I fondly remember chanting these lines as a wide-eyed freshman. The line dance’s tribute to Triplett was heartfelt then and still feels powerful, so taking it out of this power ranking was never an option.

2020

Theme: Journey Together

Line dance:

Top three lyrics:

1. Hardwood Lions, play it cool / Say it with me, B-BALL SCHOOL
2. Trebek final jeopardy / Alex Morgan sips her tea
3. Mamba! Mentality / Kobe leaves his legacy

Although it certainly didn’t age well, “Say it with me, B-BALL SCHOOL” is still hype as hell. Nothing beat shouting that in a packed arena last year. And now, tributes to Alex Trebek and Kobe Bryant feel even more heartfelt following their passing.

2021

Theme: Rise and Unify

Line dance:

Top three lyrics:

1. Trace McSorley throws a dime // HUB Tent hang out rain or shine
2. Here’s to you, RBG // Boseman in our memory
3. For The Kids, although apart // united always in our hearts

Personally, this year’s lyrics aren’t much to write home about, but that’s to be expected after an objectively rough year. Still, McSorley’s first NFL touchdown is electric, and remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Chadwick Boseman are nice touches, too. An emphasis on sticking together while we can’t be together feels apt as well.