The Jerk (dance)
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The Jerk was a popular dance in the 1960s. The song You're a Jerk written by Nathan Diaz inspired the jerk to become popular.
[edit] Description
The Jerk is similar to The Monkey. The arms move and hands move as if conducting. The wrists cross in front of the chest and then sweep out in time, or at half time, with the music. The hands are up at face level. On count 1, the outward sweep, the hands are quickly pushed out, giving the jerky motion. For a little more style, the fingers may be snapped on the two outward movements — the first and third counts of the hand motion.
The song, released as a single in 1964 on the Money record label, was a hit for Los Angeles band The Larks. The Capitols performed a 1966 hit song called "Cool Jerk", written to capitalize on the Jerk's popularity. The song has been covered by several bands, including The Go-Go's. The band Rocket from the Crypt recorded the song "When in Rome, Do the Jerk" in 1998 as a homage to the dance.
Bobby Fuller referenced this dance in his song, "Jenny Lee (Do The Jerk With Me)".
