United States, 1960s
TWIST
The solo dance that liberated bodies
The Twist exploded in the United States in 1960 with Chubby Checker's hit "The Twist," a cover of a Hank Ballard song. A solo dance, face to face, with no contact or lead, it marked a historic break: it was the first great modern social dance that no longer required a partner or codified learning.
Its mechanics are extremely simple: the feet pivot on the balls while the hips and shoulders rotate in opposition, as if stubbing out a cigarette with one's foot. This minimalist movement, accessible to everyone, made it a worldwide phenomenon from 1960 to 1965 and permanently freed the dance floor from traditional leading.
How it's danced
Technique & figures
The Twist is danced solo, facing a partner, to fast four-beat tracks (around 160 bpm). The technique amounts to a single basic movement repeated in a loop.
Styles and fundamentals
The feet pivot on the balls, one foot forward, the other back. The hips and shoulders rotate in opposition, at a steady rhythm. The weight can gradually lower to form a "down twist."
Main figures
- 01
Basic twist
The opposing hip/shoulder rotation on the spot, the elementary building block.
- 02
Down twist
The dancer gradually lowers by bending the knees, without stopping the rotation.
- 03
Fly
An added arm movement evoking a waved handkerchief, very typical of the 1960s.
Reading the music
Early-sixties rock'n'roll, twist (Chubby Checker, Sam Cooke, Isley Brothers).
Did you know?
Explore the rhythms
Same family
Retro
Cross connections
Styles from other families that share a common language with Twist.