What is jerking in dance
So jerking's this street dance thing, really high-energy and rhythmic. It started in LA around the mid-2000s. You know those sharp, almost robotic moves? Quick feet, and this signature "jerk" where your hips and shoulders suddenly snap opposite ways. It blew up around 2009, mainly because of that song "Teach Me How to Jerk" by Audio Push. YouTube and MySpace basically made it a thing.
It's part of this whole "Jerkin'" subculture—specific fashion like skinny jeans, Vans, bright graphic tees, and a music genre mixing West Coast hip-hop with dance-pop. Unlike other street dances that flow or have complex footwork, jerking is all about sudden, syncopated stops and starts. Looks kinda like a video game character glitching, honestly.
How is jerking different from other dance styles like popping or locking?
Yeah, it looks a bit like popping or locking at first glance, but there's real differences:
- Origin and Timeline: Popping and locking came out of the 1970s funk era. Jerking? That's 2000s internet culture and modern hip-hop.
- Core Movement: Popping's about tensing and relaxing muscles for that "hit." Jerking is a full-body shift—torso twists, arms and legs go opposite.
- Rhythm: Jerking's usually faster (130-140 BPM), staccato and off-beat. Popping and locking are slower, more funk-driven.
- Signature Moves: Jerking's got the "Reject," "Dip," "Pin Drop." You won't find those in funk styles.
What are the basic steps of jerking?
Start with the basics. Here's the essential moves:
| Move Name | Description | Key Technique |
|---|---|---|
| The Jerk (Basic) | Feet shoulder-width apart. Twist your upper body one way, hips the other. Arms swing with your torso. | Sharp and explosive. The "jerk" is the transition between twists. |
| The Reject | Step back with one foot, thrust hips forward, arms back. Looks like you're pushing something away. | Hip thrust is key. Upper body stays rigid for contrast. |
| The Dip | Bend knees, drop down, then pop back up. Often with a head nod or arm swing. | Straight back. Power from legs, not waist. |
| Pin Drop | Theatrical move. Crouch down, touch the floor, spring back up while jerking. | Speed is everything. Under a second for the whole thing. |
What music is best for jerking?
Traditional jerkin' music is a hip-hop subgenre. Key stuff:
- Tempo: Fast. 130 to 150 BPM.
- Production: Synthesizers, claps, simple basslines that repeat.
- Lyrics: Dance moves, fashion, partying.
Classic tracks: "Teach Me How to Jerk" by Audio Push, "Jerkin'" by New Boyz, "Drop It" by DJ Mustard. Modern dancers also use EDM and trap—those sharp, staccato rhythms fit the aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jerking
Is jerking still popular today?
Peaked around 2009-2011, but it's still a niche thing in underground communities and on TikTok. Lots of its moves ended up in contemporary hip-hop and freestyle.
Do I need to be flexible to learn jerking?
Nah. It's all about sharp, angular movements. Basic moves just need normal hip, shoulder, and knee range. Practice will improve coordination and speed, though.
Can jerking be combined with other dance styles?
Totally. People blend it with popping, breaking, house dance. Just keep that signature "jerk" motion as a transitional element.
What should I wear when practicing jerking?
Comfortable, loose clothes. Traditional stuff: skinny jeans, Vans or Converse, fitted t-shirt. Avoid baggy clothes that hide your moves.
Checklist for Learning Jerking
- Master the basic jerk motion: twist torso and hips in opposite directions.
- Learn the Reject, Dip, and Pin Drop in sequence.
- Practice with a metronome or jerkin' music to build rhythm.
- Record yourself to check sharpness and timing.
- Watch tutorials from original dancers like New Boyz or Audio Push.
- Freestyle to different tempos for versatility.
Expert Insights: Why Jerking Matters in Dance History
Dance historian Dr. Monique Charlesworth says: "Jerking marks when internet culture started shaping street dance. Earlier styles needed physical presence in clubs or cyphers. Jerking spread through viral videos, making dance more accessible. Its robotic, glitchy aesthetic foreshadowed the digital era's influence on movement art."
You can see jerking's legacy in modern trends like "Twerking" and "Shuffling"—they all rely on rapid, repetitive body isolations. It also paved the way for dance-centric music videos and social media challenges that dominate pop culture now.
Short Summary
- Definition: Jerking is a sharp, robotic street dance from 2000s Los Angeles, defined by sudden torso and hip twists.
- Key Moves: Basic jerk, Reject, Dip, and Pin Drop form the core vocabulary.
- Music: Best danced to fast jerkin' hip-hop (130-150 BPM) or electronic tracks with staccato beats.
- Cultural Impact: Pioneered internet-driven dance virality and influenced modern freestyle and TikTok trends.