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Twerking

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Twerking is a "dance move that involves a person shaking their hips and bottom in a sexually provocative manner".[1] and "to twerk means to dance in a sexually suggestive twisting fashion".[2]

Origin

It is believed that the word "twerk" is a contraction of twist and jerk.[1]

According to Frugivore Magazine, twerking has it roots in Sub-Saharan Africa. The dance is often performed by whole tribes.[3]

The 'Twerk Team' and rise in popularity

The 'Twerk Team' was founded in 2005[4] and joined YouTube on June 5, 2009.[5] It is composed of two African American girls from Atlanta, Georgia. Since the foundation of the team, they have been posting videos of "them gyrating and shaking their butts, almost to a point that it's artistic."[3] It was called "YouTube's foremost ass-shaking troupe" by gossip website Gawker.[6] As of December 2012 their channel had a total of more than 74 million views and more than 250,000 subscribers.[5] Their Twitter account has about 115,000 followers.[7] The Urban Dictionary claims that they became popular for their dance to the song Donk by Soulja Boy.[8]

Criticism

Many criticized the spread of twerking among early teenagers, calling it "disrespectful and tasteless".[4]

Twerking is often associated with hip-hop culture.[9] The 'Twerk Team' was mentioned in 2011 song Round of Applause by Atlanta-based rapper Waka Flocka Flame featuring Drake: "Bounce that ass, shake that ass like the Twerk Team".[3] Bandz A Make Her Dance rapper Juicy J has a line "start twerking when she hear her song",[10] while French Montana questions the ability of a girl to twerk by asking "What you twerkin with" in his song Pop That featuring Drake, Lil Wayne and Rick Ross.[11]

References

  1. ^ a b Levy, Megan (14 December 2012). "Do you know how to twerk? (Or even what it is?)". The Age. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  2. ^ Ivett, Alex (13 December 2012). "Aussie's most googled 2012: Lara Bingle, reality TV and "how to love"". Australian Times. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  3. ^ a b c Morgan, Glennisha (16 April 2012). "Could 'Twerking' Possibly Be a New Way to Stay Fit?". Frugivore Magazine. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  4. ^ a b Richardson, Matthew (15 October 2009). "Twerk Team sets bad example for younger children". The Famuan. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  5. ^ a b "OfficialTwerkTeam". YouTube. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  6. ^ Sargent, Jordan (6 Decemebr 2012). "Demi Moore Auditions for Twerk Team at Alex Rodriguez's House (UPDATE)". Gawker. Retrieved 20 December 2012. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ "Twerk Team". Twitter. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  8. ^ "TwerkTeam". Urban Dictionary. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  9. ^ McSweeny, Paul (20 November 2012). "Lady GaGa Makes A Mess In Trailer For Song 'Cake'". Entertainmentwise. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  10. ^ "Juicy J – Bands A Make Her Dance (Remix 2) Lyrics". RapGenius. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  11. ^ "French Montana – Pop That Lyrics". RapGenius. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
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