Rhythm, Release, and Liberation: A Brief Literature Review on The Healing Power of Movement

In the intricate tapestry of Black culture, dance has always been a profound thread, weaving stories of joy, resilience, and resistance. Among these movements, twerking—a dance characterized by rhythmic hip gyrations—has emerged as both a cultural phenomenon and a potent form of healing for Black women. Yet, despite its deep-rooted history in African diasporic traditions, twerking has been stigmatized, misrepresented, and stripped of its original context.

But here’s the truth: Moving our hips is medicine. It’s reclamation. It’s resistance. It’s a return to our bodies after a world has tried to steal them.

Twerking is Ancestral: A History of Hip Movement as Healing

Twerking is not some new-age trend; it is an extension of African dance traditions that have long used hip movements as a means of expression, spirituality, and liberation. In West African cultures, dances like mapouka, gwara gwara, and azonto emphasize circular hip motions, symbolizing fertility, divine feminine energy, and communal joy. These movements were historically used in ceremonies, rites of passage, and celebrations—marking life, transition, and renewal.

Yet, when these movements traveled across the Atlantic through the transatlantic slave trade, they were often demonized in Western societies, labeled as inappropriate or hypersexual. Black women, whose bodies were already hyper-policed, faced even greater scrutiny. What was once sacred was now shamed.

But despite attempts to suppress it, we never stopped moving.

Reference: Twerking as Healing Praxis for Black Women and Femmes

Reclaiming the Narrative

In modern contexts, twerking has often been misinterpreted and stigmatized, particularly when viewed through a Eurocentric lens that may not fully grasp its cultural significance. This misrepresentation can lead to the sexualization and objectification of Black women's bodies. However, many Black women are reclaiming twerking as a form of empowerment and self-expression. By engaging in this dance, they challenge societal norms, confront stereotypes, and assert control over their own bodies.

Reference: This Ass is Magic: The Black Feminist Power of Twerking

The Therapeutic Potential of Hip Movement

Beyond its cultural and symbolic importance, twerking offers tangible health benefits. The deliberate hip movements can enhance pelvic strength, flexibility, and overall physical fitness. Engaging in such dance forms promotes cardiovascular health, muscle toning, and the release of endorphins, contributing to improved mental well-being.

Reference: Hip Circles (Whining) for Pelvic Health + Kukuwa Fitness African Dance Workout

Emotional Release and Community Connection

Dance, particularly forms that emphasize expressive movements like twerking, provides an avenue for emotional release. For Black women, who often navigate intersecting pressures and systemic challenges, these dances offer a space to process emotions, release tension, and experience joy. Participating in group dance sessions fosters a sense of community, belonging, and shared cultural pride.

Conclusion

Twerking, with its deep-rooted cultural heritage and expressive power, stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Black women. Embracing this dance is not merely about movement; it's about reclaiming narratives, celebrating identity, and harnessing the profound healing that comes from connecting deeply with one's body and culture.

For those interested in exploring the therapeutic aspects of hip movements further, the following video offers insights into advanced African dance techniques.