Dance, Dance, Dance

Dance, Dance, Dance
Dance is an ever evolving medium. From the swing in the 20s to the flapping in the 50s to the Soulja Boy in the new millennia, dance has changed to suit the needs of the generation. Modern dances such as the Whip, Nae-Nae, and Quan have stemmed from the internet and video sharing platforms like Vine.
The Whip
The dance known as the Whip has gained traction through the video sharing platform Vine. It was first popularized by rap artist Silento’s debut music video, Watch Me, garnering more than 300 million views in only four months. What makes the Whip unique from other dances is its simplicity. The dance involves the cranking of the outstretched arm counterclockwise while standing in a squatted position. However, this is only the basic version of the move, for additions can be made based on personal preference. For example, one can do the basic Whip and also out stretch both arms in unison or one after another. The Whip has become even more popular over time with influential celebrities like Odell Beckham Jr. and Chris Brown hitting the Whip daily. The Whip is a fairly easy dance move to master, so it can be done regardless of prior dancing experience or age.
The Nae-Nae
For the average person, the Nae-Nae might be harder to execute properly. The Nae-Nae originates from the same place as the Whip, Silento’s hit single “Watch Me.” Like the Whip, Vine played an important role in popularizing the dance move with Vine stars Nash Grier and Lele Pons busting the Nae-Nae frequently. The Nae-Nae involves the outstretched arm high above the head moving in a circular motion in rhythm with the body’s hips and knees. The Nae-Nae has also captivated the attention of sport superstars. In 2014, the Houston Texans J.J. Watt busted the Nae-Nae while returning a fumble for a touchdown. The Houston Rocket’s center posted a video of him doing the Nae-Nae on Instagram.
The Quan
The Quan is by far the hardest dance to master out of the three. The Quan gained its popularity from the viral hit single, “Hit the Quan,” by Heaven King. The viral video was released two months after Silento’s “Watch Me.” It involves outstretched arms moving forward in a circular motion in sync with the center of mass in one’s body. The Quan is very popular amongst the hip-hop dance scene in New York and Los Angeles and has not stopped growing in popularity since. Once again, videos of famous celebrities, such as “The Rock” and the Miami Marlin’s second baseman Dee Gordon’s videos of them doing the Quan have gone viral, increasingthe dance’s popularity.