Twerk y’all: Origins and Cultural Connotations

This energetic dance form that often elicits enthusiastic screams and shouts from nearby admirers has taken the world by storm. In just about every country, with raps written in every language, you can find artists singing or rapping about it and dancers performing it.

But where did it come from? Those who follow pop culture may remember Lil' Jon's "Whistle While You Twerk". Back then twerking was mainly popular in black American nightclubs and strip clubs. One can trace the movement a little further back to the 80s New Orleans "Bounce" style of hip hop, referring to music to which women bounced their booties.

But almost every rhythm, sound and movement that's been popularized by black culture in America, Brazil, Haiti, Jamaica and elsewhere can be traced back to Africa. This is certainly true of twerking, which is an extension of a West African dance style called "Mapouka", originally a celebratory, joyful ceremonial dance which is said to bring one into communion with God. Yes, in Africa and in black American churches, twerking happens as a spiritual communion with the Divine.

At FLYE, we twerk because we want to celebrate our bodies and each other. We twerk so that we can celebrate the diversity of cultures this dance has influenced and as an expression of joy. So come on down to FLYE and let’s celebrate!