How to Do the Watusi

The Watusi became a popular dance craze in the 1960s when Ray Barretto's "El Watusi" record went gold. The simple moves and stationary position involved in the Watusi dance made it popular to perform anywhere. You don't need a lot of room or skill to do the Watusi--just a desire to learn a fun dance that is a true blast from the past.

Instructions

1. Turn on some enjoyable, nostalgic sixties music.

2. Stand with your feet at a comfortable distance apart. Bend your needs slightly.

3. Shift your weight to your right leg and jut out your right hip on the count of one. Then, on the count of two, shift your weight to your left leg and move your left hip out. Continue by moving your hips right, then left, then right and so on.

4. Position your hands as if you were holding a spoon in each hand. With your arms bent, swing your arms to the right side of your body on the same count you shift your weight to your right leg. Then, swing you arms to the left when you shift your weight to your left leg. Your outer hand should be pointed up and about the same height as your shoulder.

5. Add additional movements once you are used to the moves and develop some coordination for the dance. Do some light bouncing with your legs and bob your head side to side.

Tips & Warnings

• The movements in the Watusi dance are very much like swinging a golf club. It can help to imagine you are swinging a golf club when you are first learning the dance.

• The Watusi should be performed to music with a moderate tempo.