Origin of Twerking : How to learn this dance ? | Bénéfits

Twerking dancing meaning

Twerking is a provocative type of dance that has become very popular in recent years. It is based on the realization of sensual movements of the pelvis to shake the buttocks to the rhythm of the music. At first it was practiced mainly by women as a means of inciting the opposite sex, although over time men also began to dance it.

This dance is a type of dancing in which a person, usually a woman, moves their hips in a sexually suggestive manner, often in a low squatting stance. The movement is typically accompanied by a bouncing or shaking of the buttocks. Twerking is often associated with hip-hop and urban culture and is typically performed to music with a strong bass beat.

The origin of twerking

Twerking is part of what is known as "bounce culture", a type of music derived from hip-hop, which originated in New Orleans and whose rhythm led to "booty-shaking dance", later renamed twerking. It seems this butt-focused dance was made famous by Miley Cyrus when she controversially danced it at the MTV Awards in 2013. However, its provenance is much older and has many influences.

The movements of this provocative dance have African influences, especially from dances like the mapouka. But one of the styles that has arguably had the most influence today is the perreo, which is associated with reggaeton culture, and which has helped bring more complexity to the movements.

At first, twerking was linked to strippers and hip-hop culture, but from the year 2000 it began to spread to other environments. Influential singers such as Beyoncé began to dance this type of dance in 2006, and finally Miley gave it the final push in 2013. Currently, it is practiced by a large number of people of both sexes and is part of the popular culture of young people. millennials and generation Z.

Benefits of twerking

Thanks to this great notoriety acquired in recent years, twerking has also gained in complexity. Also, it is no longer just a provocative dance that consists simply of moving the buttocks. Today, it has become a fun and enjoyable way to perform aerobic exercise and strengthen lower core muscles. Dancing the twerk requires using the muscles of the buttocks, hips and legs.

According to some studies, a one-hour session of twerking can help burn up to 600 kcal, thanks to the rapid rhythm of the movements and the effort that different muscles must provide. This is why most dance schools have included this type of dance in their offer.

How to dance? / Learn twerking

Vidéo : City Girls - Twerk featuring Cardi B

The twerk, like many urban dances, is not governed by a precise choreography. It's free and improvised and everyone can practice it. It consists of a combination of movements involving the hips, buttocks and knees, like reggaeton perreo. 

Start in a slightly bent knee position with your hands on your hips. The hips and pelvis move in and out in time with the music, so the buttocks shake noticeably. As you dance, you can include other variations, such as squatting, squatting, with one leg raised, kneeling, and postures that increase its complexity.

The twerk has become the representation of an era and of the most current urban culture. But it's also a great way to exercise, keep your body active, strong, and most importantly, have a good time. If you want to learn to dance this rhythm with a lot of style and attitude, contact us and start as soon as possible.