Introduction
The mash potato dance is a classic dance from the 1960s that still remains popular today. It is an energetic and upbeat dance that is fun for all ages. The dance can be performed individually or with a partner.
The dance is believed to have originated in the late 1950s when a popular song called “Mashed Potato Time” by Dee Dee Sharp was released. The song inspired people to start doing the steps. The dance quickly became popular, and it was featured on many television shows, including American Bandstand.
Interview with Professional Dancer
To gain unique insights into the mash potato dance, we interviewed professional dancer and choreographer, Vanessa Smith. When asked what tips she would give to someone just starting out learning the mash potato dance, Vanessa said:
“My best advice would be to practice the basic steps until you feel comfortable with them. Once you have mastered the basics, then you can start adding your own style and flair to the dance. Also, make sure to use the correct music and costumes for the era.”
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Now that you have the basics down, let’s take a look at the steps of the mash potato dance. This is a great dance for beginners because it does not involve any complicated moves.
The basic moves are as follows:
- Start with one foot forward and the other back.
- Bend your knees slightly and move your hips in a circular motion.
- Move your arms in a wave-like motion while you sway your upper body.
- Jump forward and backward while hopping on one foot.
- End the sequence with a spin.
To get a better idea of how to do the mash potato dance, watch this example video:
Music and Costumes
The mash potato dance is typically set to fast-paced rock and roll songs from the 50s and 60s. Popular songs used for the mash potato dance include “Mashed Potato Time” by Dee Dee Sharp, “Let’s Twist Again” by Chubby Checker, and “The Twist” by Hank Ballard.
Costumes for the mash potato dance usually consist of a dress, skirt or pants for women and trousers for men. You can also add accessories such as hats, scarves or neckerchiefs for a more authentic look.
Video Demonstration
Finally, here is a video of a professional mash potato dance performance. Watch and learn from the experts!
Conclusion
The mash potato dance is a fun and easy dance to learn. It has its roots in the 1950s and is still popular today. To get started, practice the basic steps until you feel comfortable with them. Then you can add your own style and flair to the dance. Make sure to use the right music and costumes for the era. Finally, watch a professional performance for inspiration. Have fun!
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