Web definition:

Twerking is a type of dancing in which the dancer, usually a woman, shakes her hips in an up-and-down bouncing motion, causing the dancer’s buttocks to shake, “wobble” and “jiggle”. It combines the words “to” and “work”.

Who did it?

In 1993, DJ Jubilee released a track titled Do the Jubilee All which had lyrics like Twerk baby, twerk baby, twerk twerk twerk. Then YouTube videos tracing back to 2009 show dance group Twerk Team twerking to popular songs. But it was pop singer Miley Cyrus who really generated interest in the word after first revealing her moves in a Facebook video, then in her We Can’t Stop music video and finally twerking with Robin Thicke at the VMA.

Three steps to twerking:

1. Bend over.

2. Shake your hips like a saltshaker.

3. Then squat all the way down and come up like a wave, shaking your hips all the while.

Marie Christina Kolo from Madagascar was spotted twerking effortlessly! When we asked her how, she revealed that back home they were brought up dancing. “In my family when we were children, we were taught how to dance. When the music is on, I have to be down. So I simply love dancing, be it any form. African dance includes a lot of hip movement and twerking is quite like it. The main focus is on the derriere,” said the project coordinator working with an NGO in Calcutta. For friend Kamil, “twerking shows off one’s flexibility and the other person you are dancing with can also feel your moves”. Soon the entire group was trying out the twerk!

Nina Saxer who “loves dancing” was seen grooving to her kind of music on Friday. “I actually twerk for fun and I feel it’s a great way to keep your legs toned!” she laughed. “This kind of dance was there even before Miley Cyrus but she gave it a new dimension with her performance,” added Nina.

Twerking for Natalia Thompson absolutely works because “it makes the guys go gaga”. The most important prerequisite? “A good butt”, winked the partygoer who rated her twerking a modest 3 out of 5!

Yoga instructor Kulsum struck the famous Miley Cyrus tongue-out pose! *giggle*

Dressed in an off-shoulder LBD, Lopamudra Saha tried her version of twerking. “Shaking your booty, pouting and being sensuous are the key points of twerking! And Miley’s winking pose should be followed if one wants to master the art of the dance form,” said the 33-year-old entrepreneur.

“Twerking is fun and I feel it is a statement that I am 32 and can still twerk like a 20-year-old. Of course, without sticking my tongue out in that manner! Miley Cyrus is a minor and she better not do that any more,” was Jaya’s word of caution as she attempted some cool twerking moves.

Bacardi NH7 Weekender pre-party @ Plush

The pre-party on Friday saw music lovers grooving to house and techno music churned out by DJ Kris Correya from Mumbai. NH7 Weekender plays out on December 14-15 at Ibiza Resort.

“I am always surrounded by DJ friends, who keep on saying how cool the NH7 Weekender is in Pune. Now having the event in Calcutta will be cool! I was very eager to attend the pre-party at Plush. I hope I will be able to attend the main event in December,” said stylist Neha Panda in her cute SpongeBob pants!

“NH7 Weekender is all about music and for a complete music lover like me, it’s a treat to have many bands play at one venue. At times, it’s a welcome change from the commercial Bolly or international pop music which we keep hearing,” said designer Dev.

Friday Opening Blast @ Shisha

To mark the start of the party season!

Virdhi Sethia was all smiles on Friday at Shisha. Dressed in a Russian red dress paired with a wreath, the 25-year-old couldn’t stop blushing at her bachelorette party with friends. “I’m getting married in just 10 days and it’s a mixed feeling that I am presently going through!” gushed the bride-to-be.

Tanwi Singhania, who loves Avicii, couldn’t get enough of the music at Shisha. “Fridays are TGIF for me as I party on Friday and sleep almost all of Saturday and Sunday before I get back to my books,” confessed the student as she danced away in her Forever New top and pastel shorts! #Cute!

Text: Pramita Ghosh
Pictures: Rashbehari Das