Twerking

Twerking is a type of dance characterized by thrusting hip movements and a low squatting stance. The word itself is a portmanteau of "twist" and "jerk." This dance style gained significant mainstream popularity in the early 2010s, largely through its presence in music videos and online content.

The origins of twerking are often traced to traditional African dances, particularly those from West Africa, which involve similar hip and pelvic movements. Elements of these traditional dances are believed to have influenced various forms of hip-hop and street dance that developed over time. The dance has been performed in various forms within African diasporic communities for decades before its more widespread recognition.

Twerking is typically performed with the body in a squatting position, with the knees bent and the back lowered. The movement involves isolated, rapid shaking or bouncing of the hips and buttocks. It is often performed to popular music, particularly in genres like hip-hop, dancehall, and bounce music. The dance can be performed solo or with a group of dancers.

The term "twerking" became widely known in popular culture around 2013, largely due to a viral video and its prominent use in music by artists such as Miley Cyrus. Since then, it has become a recognizable dance move in popular culture globally, featured in various media and practiced in dance classes. While often associated with sexualized expression, it is also viewed by practitioners as a form of empowerment and self-expression.