Liste's TED Talk on twerking should be a must-watch in your lineup of videos
Got curiosity about the genius behind twerking? Let Lizzo's TED Talk enlighten you!
Lizzo, the renowned Grammy Award-winning artist, is known for giving Rihanna a standing ovation—now she’s made headlines with her TED Talk––on none other than twerking. Yep, you heard that right!
Beyond just a dance move, right?
Don’t believe the hype that Miley Cyrus invented twerking at the 2013 VMAs. Lizzo wants to clarify the misconception. Twerking's origins are deeply entrenched in Black culture, serving as a form of expression, joy, and spirituality.
In her TED Talk, Lizzo highlights that twerking has evolved from traditional African and Caribbean dance practices. It's not only a dance for the cultural expression but also a means to promote self-love and body acceptance. As Lizzo puts it: "Through the movement of twerking, I discovered my ass is my greatest asset."
Reasons to give it a watch
Can you ever say no to Lizzo? We didn't think so! In just a few minutes, you’ll gain insights into Black culture, self-expression, and the importance of understanding before assuming. Without a doubt, you'll gain a renewed appreciation for shaking it at home after you’ve gotten some knowledge. To stay true to the essence of the TED Talk: Never assume, always twerk!
The talk concludes with a dance party that you won't want to miss. Check out the full video below.
Twerking’s African and Afro-Caribbean Roots:
The rich history of twerking can be traced back to West African dances, such as the mapouka from Côte d'Ivoire, which involves swift hip movements. Similar moves can be found in traditional dances across West Africa, where they play a vital role in various cultural ceremonies and celebrations.
Moving towards the Caribbean, dances like the wining or dutty wine held influential sway. These dances, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago, have cultural roots in West Africa and have been shaped by Afro-Caribbean practices over time.
In New Orleans, the dance form gained popularity in the early 2000s as part of the city's vibrant hip-hop and electronic dance music scene. The style, known as "bouncing," or "twerking," was often featured in underground dance parties and rap music.
Mainstream popularity surged in 2013 when Miley Cyrus integrated twerking into her MTV VMAs act. The global recognition of twerking further amplified its cultural relevance.
Steering Clear of Misconceptions and Cultural Appropriation:
Twerking sometimes faces criticism when non-Black individuals profit from it without honoring the rich cultural history and significance. This highlights the nuanced issues surrounding cultural exchange and appropriation.
In brief, twerking represents an evolution of traditional African and Afro-Caribbean dance forms, finding expression through modern cultural channels.
- Despite the popular misconception, Miley Cyrus did not invent twerking, as revealed by Lizzo in her TED Talk, which delves into the history and cultural significance of the dance.
- In her talk, Lizzo discusses the origins of twerking, tracing its roots back to West African dances like the mapouka and the wining from the Caribbean, showcasing the deep connections between these traditional dance practices and the popular dance move.
- By understanding the African and Afro-Caribbean roots of twerking, one can appreciate not only its history but also its importance as a form of self-expression and a means of promoting cultural awareness, as lesioned by Lizzo in her insightful TED Talk.
