“Hotline Bling” by Drake. Got the World… Dancing?

“Whatcha DOIN Boo Boo??” These were the words that came out of my mouth when I saw Drake dancing in his “Hotline Bling” video for the first time.  Drake’s moves, for better or worse, have received so much press that I had to give the rapper’s groove some attention in our Bella Ballroom weekly Blog.  Thousands of vine compilations, gifs, mimes, and parody videos have been circulating the Internet spotlighting Drake and his signature moves.

“Hotline Bling” released digitally on July 31 this year, and has since reached the number two spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 becoming Drake’s first top ten hit in two years and his highest charting single as a lead artist.  Could it have to do with the dance moves featured in the song’s music video?  It’s possible.

Outside of the song success, Drake’s dance moves continue to make it into the news.  Two days ago Drake was caught busting out his moves courtside at a Clippers versus Rockets basketball game in Los Angeles.  The news was quick to report the singer’s little freestyle moment that normally wouldn’t be anything newsworthy item if it weren’t for the Drake dance craze.

Last weekend, Saturday Night Live featured a hilarious parody of the “Hotline Bling” video featuring comedian Jay Pharoah as Drake singing lyrics, “I know you make fun of my dance moves/ Turn me into memes and gifs / But I’m proud of my dance moves / Because lots of people dance like this.”  The actor then lists of a bunch of people comparing their dance moves to Drake’s including the dancing styles of a 53 year old dad, a physics teacher, and a drunk guy when his team scores.

While Drake’s dance moves were extremely impactful, they were not planned.  When the director (Director X) was asked if Drake choreographed his dancing parts, he answered, “That’s him going for it. That’s him doing him. You can’t choreograph that. That’s just a man dancing.”  Director X also added that he and Drake had no idea how meme-able the video would become.

Personally I can’t hate on Drake.  Besides the fact that his swag and songs swoon me, I applaud the fact that he will dance like no one is watching in front of the world.  There’s nothing wrong with a relaxed groove, being comfortable in your own skin, and just owning whatever it is you’re presenting.  As a professional performing dancer, if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that people are just going to have to accept you and your style or move on.

What can be learned from Drake’s dance move fame?  At the very least, when you let go on the dance floor, you may draw some attention.  Hey.  There aint nothin’ wrong with inspiring a little social media creativity.

Encore Boo Boo.  Encore.

Article by Ziva.