Twist: what is this dance and how to dance it?

Few are unfamiliar with the rousing and intriguing, light and fast twist. This dance has an interesting history of its origin. Fans of this dance style still gather viewers in many parts of the world, demonstrating simple, but at the same time effective steps, enchanting with a huge number of spins.

The name Twist itself is translated from English as "spinning" and "rotating". Refers to a twist of a rock and roll band. This is a rather fast dance, and an accelerated tempo is chosen for its performance. Movements during the dance are performed clearly, while maintaining a certain rhythm. Twist itself includes many spinning elements to turn a performance into a spectacular, delightful show.

This is a great option for aspiring performers to learn this self-contained dance. There is no need to wave your arms or perform various pirouettes or jumps. It is not even necessary to perform movements in sync with your partner. The main focus of the performance is on the legs while the arms are in a comfortable position. Depending on the skill of the partners, they can be used during the dance (improvisation).

This direction can be divided into:

• dance performance by a couple;
• individual execution;
• team performances.

Rotations during the dance are performed with two legs or with one leg, they are performed while standing on a toe or heel. Correct transfer of your own body during movement, feeling the rhythm and maintaining balance are important components of a twist. This will allow you to perform dance elements brightly, energetically, easily and incendiaryly. In addition, you do not need to learn intricate movements for a long time, look for a partner for a dance, and adapt to various conditions.

Philadelphia is considered the birthplace of dance. It was here that in 1961 popular singer Chubby Checker performed the hit "Twist Again" in a similar style. It was from this time that the active spread of twist around the world began.

Appearing in the 60s of the last century, this fast dance immediately gained considerable popularity. Even the most humble or strict people could not resist succumbing to his spell. The sound of music with dynamic movements immediately delighted all visitors to the large number of dance floors that appeared at that time.

In the Soviet Union, this direction appeared a little later, only by 1964. For many party leaders of that time, including Nikita Khrushchev, this dance seemed unworthy of Soviet youth, so a ban was imposed on it. Despite him, in the era of Khrushchev, they loved to dance, regardless of the strata of society, belonging to different trends. Twist remained a frequent "guest" on dance floors, practicing it at home, demonstrating their steps at dance evenings. He gained immense popularity, no entertainment event could do without him. The advantage was also that you could dance it yourself, without a partner, which greatly helped the ladies who were bored without their gentlemen. This style is distinguished by indestructible optimism, confidence and ease of execution.

Observing from the side, it seems that all the elements of the twist are simple and easy to master. But not always what seems simple turns out to be so in reality.

You can master dance movements yourself or by visiting special schools that study dance. In any case, such a pastime will always be filled with fun. The dance itself does not differ in strict rules, so each school forms the movements at its discretion.

The twist features are:

• performing movements at a fast pace;
• dance steps with the free setting of partners;
• with execution 4 by 4;
• using a leading movement in the form of leg rotations with an emphasis on the heel or toe.

By following the steps step by step, you can master Twist in no time, starting from scratch.

• Rotation. It is the rotation that is the main element in the twist. Starting to move, it is necessary to perform a rotational movement first with one, then with the other leg, and complete with both. It is necessary to stand on the right leg, at this time the left one will rest on the toe. Next, rotate the feet of the left leg, then repeat the same movement with the other foot. After that, you need to stand on the right foot, at this time the left one rests on the heel. The same movements are repeated for each leg.

• They learn the Watusi movement with their feet shoulder-width apart. The purpose of this dance element is to learn how to develop rhythm during the dance, giving more energy. It is necessary to bend your legs, performing a half-squat, stretching your arms in front of you. They begin to make semicircular movements with their hands to the right, and then to the left. After that, they are repeated in the opposite direction.

• Engage the hips with the arms. On the count of "times" you need to transfer the weight to the right leg, taking the thigh of the right leg back. On the count of "two" - to transfer the weight to the left leg, taking its hip to the side, swinging the hips to the sides. On the count of "three", movements with both hands are added to these steps. When learning a dance, it is important not to forget about the hands, about their synchronization during movement.
• Hitch-hike. It is not difficult to perform such a movement. It is enough to stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. In this movement, the main emphasis is on the hands. You need to click your fingers while counting "1,2,3,4". To count “4” on the right side, cotton is produced. Further, similar actions are performed with the other hand. Repeat the steps several times. All movements are performed rhythmically, as required by the twist.
• Monkey movement. To perform it, the legs with bent knees are placed shoulder-width apart. Unclench your fists, point your palms up. Then you should bend forward, raising your right hand. Shaking the body and head at this time is an indispensable attribute. Having taken the starting position, you should again bend forward, clasping your hands in front of you. After that, tilt to the right is performed, followed by straightening and tilting to the left - also with straightening. It is important during the dance not to forget to straighten up in time.

You can watch the twist tutorial in the video below.