Twerking
| Genre | Bounce music, Hip-hop dance |
|---|---|
| Origin | New Orleans, United States |
Twerking is a dance style characterized by rhythmic shaking of the hips and buttocks, often performed in a low, squatting stance to music with a strong bass line. Rooted in African and African American dance traditions, twerking emerged as a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s within the New Orleans bounce music scene and gained global prominence after Miley Cyrus’s 2013 MTV Video Music Awards performance.[1] Today, it is a staple in music videos, live performances, and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
It is closely related to ass-clapping.
The dance move is often used by go-go dancers, strippers, and women working in similar erotic dance jobs.
History
Twerking’s origins lie in African and African American dance traditions, with roots in West African dances like the mapouka from Ivory Coast, brought to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade.[2] It emerged in New Orleans in the early 1990s as part of the bounce music scene, a hip-hop sub-genre featuring energetic rhythms and call-and-response vocals.[1] The term "twerking" may derive from "to work" or a blend of "twist" and "jerk," first appearing in DJ Jubilee’s 1993 song "Do the Jubilee All" with the lyrics "Twerk baby, twerk baby, twerk, twerk, twerk."[3]
The dance spread across the Dirty South—including Houston, Memphis, and Atlanta—in the 1990s, thriving at block parties and second lines. Its mainstream rise accelerated post-Hurricane Katrina in 2005, peaking in 2013 when Miley Cyrus’s VMAs performance made it the top "what is" Google search that year.[1]
Performance Techniques
Twerking involves specific techniques to create its signature hip and butt movements. Below are common methods:[4]
- Basic Twerk: Stand with feet under hips, rise onto toes, bounce up and down to shake hips and butt, keeping legs together and body relaxed.
- Advanced Twerk: Spread legs shoulder-width apart, rotate heels side to side, isolate leg movement, alternate knee rotations inward and outward.
- Wall Twerk: Place hands on a wall for support, shake hips and butt while keeping upper body still.
- Hands on the Ground Twerk: Place hands on the ground, bend over, shake butt while moving legs and hips.
Practice is essential, with tips including wearing stretchy clothing and using a wall for balance.[4]
Cultural Significance and Controversies
Twerking has become a major element of popular culture, featured in music videos and performances by artists like Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez.[1] Social media has amplified its reach, with millions of twerking videos shared online. Some view it as empowering, especially for women, with Lizzo highlighting its role in body positivity.[2] However, it faces criticism as sexually suggestive, sparking bans in schools and public spaces, reflecting debates over its appropriateness.[5]
Health Benefits
Twerking offers physical benefits, engaging core muscles, hamstrings, lower back, and glutes, burning 5–8 calories per minute for a 150-pound person—300–480 calories per hour, akin to power yoga or brisk running.[6] It improves flexibility, coordination, pelvic floor health, and stress relief, though proper form is key to avoid injury.[7]
Notable Examples in Media
Twerking has been prominently featured in various media, often tied to specific works or performers.
Songs and Performances
- "Anaconda" by Nicki Minaj – Released in 2014, its video showcases extensive twerking.[1]
- Miley Cyrus’s 2013 MTV Video Music Awards Performance – Twerking during "Wrecking Ball" marked its mainstream rise.[1]
- "Pour It Up" by Rihanna – Live performances feature notable twerking.
- "Booty" by Jennifer Lopez – The 2014 video includes twerking with Iggy Azalea.
- "Juice" by Lizzo – Performances blend twerking with body positivity.
- "Savage" by Megan Thee Stallion – Known for twerking in the video and live shows.
Famous Twerkers
- Nicki Minaj – A twerking pioneer, Minaj’s "Anaconda" video and 2018 "Chun-Li" tour performances showcase her skill.[1]
- Cardi B – Known for twerking in her 2018 "I Like It" video and live shows, enhancing her bold persona.
- Megan Thee Stallion – Her 2020 "Savage" performances and TikTok challenges highlight her twerking prowess.
- Lizzo – Combines twerking with empowerment in 2019 "Juice" performances.[2]
- Kehlani – Gained attention for twerking in a 2022 viral video from her "Blue Water Road" tour.[8]
- WAVEYA – South Korean duo Ari and MiU excel in twerking, notably in their 2014 "Anaconda" cover and 2024 "XXX" by Kim Petras video[9].
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Twerking". Wikipedia. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "African origins: From New Orleans to Abidjan, the roots of twerking". The Africa Report. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ↑ "A Complete History Of Twerking (1993-2013)". VH1. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "3 Ways to Twerk". WikiHow. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ↑ "The Origins Of Twerking, Is It Just A Sexual Suggestive Dance?". Media & Society. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ↑ "Science Says You Should Twerk More Often For Your Health, Here's Why". Health Digest. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ↑ "5 surprising health benefits of twerking". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ↑ "[WATCH] Kehlani Reacts To Her Booty Claps Going Viral". The Source. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ↑ https://waveyanews.weebly.com/waveya-news/category/twerk-sluts
