A series of posts on unique dance styles.
And so it begins!
TWIST – a dance inspired by rock and roll music. In early 60’s, a worldwide dance craze! Immense popularity drew criticism as provocative! Stimulated dances such as Jerk, Pony, Watusi, Mashed Potato, Monkey, Funky Chicken, but none were as popular.
Time magazine said, “dancers scarcely touch each other, move their feet. Everything else however, moves! Upper body sways forwards, backwards. Hips, shoulders twirl erotically while arms thrust in, out, up, down. Piston-like motions of baffled bird keepers, fighting off a flock of attack blue jays”
Twist top hits on Billboard:
- The Twist – Hank Ballard, The Mid-nighters (1959)
- The Twist – Chubby Checker (1960-62)
- Let’s Twist Again – Chubby Checker (1961)
- Twistin’ U.S.A. – Danny & the Juniors (1961)
- Slow Twistin – Chubby Checker (1962)
- Peppermint Twist – Joey Dee & the Star-liters (1962)
- Hey, Let’s Twist – Joey Dee & the Starliters (1962)
- Dear Lady Twist – Gary U.S. Bonds (1962)
- Twist, Twist Senora – Gary U.S. Bonds (1962)
- Twistin’ Postman – Marvelettes (1962)
- Twistin’ the Night Away – Sam Cooke (1962)
- Twist and Shout – Isley Brothers (1962)
- Twist-Her – Bill Black’s Combo (1962)
- Soul Twist – King Curtis & Noble Knights (1962)
- Bristol Twistin Annie – Dovells (1962)
- Percolator (Twist) – Billy Joe & Checkmates (1962)
- Do You Know How To Twist – Hank Ballard, Mid-nighters (1962)
- Twist It Up – Chubby Checker (1963)
- Twist and Shout – the Beatles (1964)