twerking classes in medellin

Twerking (also known as “twerk”) is growing in popularity in Medellín, Colombia. Before 2018, twerking in Medellín was primarily something seen at clubs, parties, and social gatherings, rather than practiced or taught formally. Influenced by hip hop culture and Caribbean dance styles, twerking has roots in African dance traditions and became internationally recognized through music videos and pop culture, especially from the early 2000s onward. In Medellín, it was initially more of a freestyle movement incorporated into reggaeton, dancehall, and hip hop nights, with little formal instruction or recognition as a structured dance genre.

What is Twerking?

The roots of twerking can be traced back to traditional African dances such as Mapouka from Côte d’Ivoire, which emphasize hip movement and body isolations. Twerking is a dance style that involves rhythmic hip thrusts and bouncing movements, typically performed in a squatting or bent-over position. It’s both a freestyle and choreographed dance form that requires strength, control, and flexibility, particularly in the lower body and core.

Here is some basic information about twerking, to get you started:

  • Movement Mechanics: Twerking requires strength, control, and flexibility, particularly in the lower body and core. The fundamentals focus on isolating the hips, thighs, glutes, and core, combined with footwork and upper body movement.

  • Foundational Vocabulary: Some common twerking basics include isolations (moving the hips independently of the upper body), hip rolls (circular hip movements while standing or squatting), bounces (up-and-down movement of the hips, often to the beat), claps (quick, sharp twerk movements that emphasize impact), and wall twerk (performing twerking movements while supported by a wall, often upside down or in a handstand position).

  • Cross-Genre Integration: Twerking can be combined with other urban dance styles and is a great way to improve physical fitness, rhythm, and self-confidence. It also encourages self-expression, body positivity, and a sense of community in class.

  • Advanced Progressions: Once you have more experience, you can begin to learn more complex techniques, such as layering movements (e.g., combining hip rolls with chest pops), tempo changes, freestyle improvisation, and choreography for performance. You can also explore how to incorporate elements from dancehall, Afrobeat, reggaeton, and hip hop into your twerking style.

Medellin’s Historical Connection to Twerking

Recognizing the demand and enthusiasm for this high-energy, empowering style, DANCEFREE introduced private twerking classes, incorporating freestyle moves, technique, conditioning, body control, rhythm, and expression. Students can learn warm-ups and conditioning exercises to build the muscle groups needed for twerking.

Class Schedule & Pricing in Medellin

DANCEFREE offers private twerking classes, in person in Medellín, Colombia, and online via Zoom and Google Meet. Our in-person classes are available 7 days a week, and online classes are offered on weekdays, subject to instructor availability.

If you would like to take private twerking classes, click here to view the steps for beginning private classes.