For the uninitiated, twerking might just look like a dance move where one shakes their hips and butt. But those who have tried it out know how challenging and fun it can actually be! Not to mention that mastering the art of twerking can also boost your confidence, improve your fitness, and learn some killer dance moves that can make you the star of any party.
If you’re curious about twerking, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to get started – from the history of twerking to step-by-step instructions on how to shake it like a pro.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is for anyone who’s ever been curious about twerking and wants to learn the basics, improve their twerking skills, get fit, boost their confidence, or have fun. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, this guide has something for everyone.
What is twerking?
Twerking is a dance move that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans in the late 1980s. It involves shaking one’s hips and butt in a vigorous and rhythmic manner, usually to the beat of hip-hop or booty music. The name “twerk” is said to come from “work,” as in, “working your booty.” Over the years, twerking has gained mainstream popularity and is now a popular dance style in clubs, parties, and competitions around the world.
Why learn how to twerk?
Apart from being fun, twerking has several benefits that make it worthy of your time and effort. Here are a few:
– Improves fitness: Twerking is a great cardiovascular exercise that can burn calories and strengthen your core, legs, and glutes. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay fit, twerking might be just what you need.
– Boosts confidence: Twerking requires a certain level of body awareness and control, which can help you feel more confident in your own skin. As you learn to move your body in new ways, you might surprise yourself with your capabilities and feel more empowered.
– Helps you to express yourself: Twerking is a dance style that encourages freedom of movement and self-expression. It’s a great way to let loose and have fun while exploring your own creativity.
– Builds community: Twerking is often done in groups, which can create a sense of community and belonging. You can meet new people, make friends, and bond over a shared love of dance.
Now that you know why twerking is worth learning, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of how to do it.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Twerk
Before we get started, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
– Wear comfortable clothes: Twerking involves a lot of movement, so you’ll want to wear clothes that are comfortable and don’t restrict your movement. Leggings, shorts, or sweatpants are all good options.
– Warm-up: Before you start twerking, make sure to do a quick warm-up to prevent injury. You can do some light cardio, stretching, or even some yoga to get your body ready.
– Find some music: Twerking is all about moving to the beat, so make sure you have some music ready that makes you want to shake your booty. Hip-hop, trap, and booty music are all good choices.
Now, here are the steps to twerking:
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed slightly outward.
2. Bend your knees slightly and place your hands on your hips.
3. Arch your lower back and stick your butt out as far as you can.
4. Start bouncing your butt up and down while keeping your knees bent. Imagine that you’re sitting in an imaginary chair and your butt is pressing on the seat.
5. As you bounce, try to isolate your butt cheeks and move them independently of each other. This takes some practice, but try to focus on squeezing one side of your butt and then the other.
6. Gradually increase the speed and intensity of your bouncing as you get more comfortable with the movement.
7. Experiment with different angles and positions of your body. You can try twerking facing forward, to the side, or even with your back against a wall.
8. Remember to keep your movements smooth and fluid. Twerking is all about flowing from one movement to the next, so try to avoid any sudden jolts or jerks.
9. Mix it up with other dance moves. Twerking can be combined with other dance styles like hip-hop, jazz, or salsa to create your own unique style.
10. Practice, practice, practice! Twerking is a skill that takes time and dedication to master, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t come naturally at first. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon be twerking like a pro!
Tips and Tricks for Mastering Twerking
Here are a few additional tips and tricks to help you improve your twerking skills:
– Engage your core: Twerking requires a lot of core strength, so make sure to engage your abs and lower back as you move. This will help you maintain your balance and control your movements.
– Use your arms: Your arms can help you to balance and add some variety to your twerking. Try raising your arms above your head, pulling them down to your sides, or even waving them around in the air.
– Take breaks: Twerking can be intense, so make sure to take breaks when you need to. Stretch, drink water, and rest if you start to feel tired or sore.
– Watch tutorials: There are plenty of tutorials online that can help you improve your twerking skills. You can find videos on YouTube or Instagram that break down different twerking moves and provide tips on how to execute them.
– Get feedback: If you’re serious about improving your twerking, consider taking a class or working with a dance instructor. They can provide feedback on your technique, help you improve your form, and push you to your limits.
– Keep it fun: Twerking is meant to be fun, so don’t take it too seriously! Dance with friends, experiment with different music, and enjoy the process of learning something new.
Tools, Resources, and Recommendations
If you’re looking for some tools and resources to help you master the art of twerking, here are a few recommendations:
– Twerking classes: Many dance studios offer twerking classes that can help you improve your skills. Check online to see if there are any classes in your area.
– Dance apps: There are several dance apps available that can teach you how to twerk. One popular app is Dance Fitness with Jessica, which offers twerk cardio workouts.
– Twerking workshops: If you’re really serious about twerking, consider attending a twerking workshop. These events bring together twerk enthusiasts from all over to learn new moves, dance together, and have fun.
– YouTube tutorials: There are plenty of YouTube tutorials that can help you improve your twerking skills. Some popular twerk teachers include Keaira LaShae, Anisha Gibbs, and Nicole Steen.
– Twerking gear: If you’re a dedicated twerker, you might want to invest in some twerking gear. This can include leggings with cutouts, booty shorts, or even a twerk belt to help you accentuate your movements.
Conclusion
Twerking is a fun and challenging dance style that can boost your confidence, improve your fitness, and help you express yourself. By following the steps in this guide and practicing regularly, you’ll be on your way to mastering the art of twerking in no time. Remember to be patient with yourself, have fun, and always keep the music flowing!