Jerk

Jerkin' is a style of hip hop dance originally popularized in the late 2000s. It started in Los Angeles high schools and quickly spread globally through viral Internet videos. The main thing that defines jerkin' as a dance are its bouncy, loose, "jerky" movements. Dancers put a heavy emphasis on spontaneity, but there are still some basic moves you can learn and incorporate into your routines.

Steps

Doing the Reject

1. Stand with your right foot behind your left foot. Keep your thighs close together and your torso relaxed.
   • A big part of this move is appearing to fall backward. Try to look like you're leaning backwards while actually keeping your center of gravity in your hips.
   • The reject is considered the standard jerkin' move. A major aspect of jerkin' is to display as much frenetic energy as possible. Your legs should never stop moving. Instead, do the reject while getting into the groove and figuring out what moves to do next.
2. Jump backwards onto your left foot and simultaneously slide your right foot forward. When your left foot is flat on the ground, your right foot should be in the air, toes up. Make it look like you're running backwards without moving from your spot.
   File:Jerk Step 2.jpg
3. Repeat by stepping backwards onto your right foot. Slide your left foot forward with your toes in the air. Keep repeating with each foot. Go as quickly as you can to make it look like you are running backwards in place.
   • Do whatever you want with your arms. Some dancers keep theirs up or swinging in opposite time with their legs.

Doing the Alternative Reject

1. Hop forward onto your right leg. Your right leg and upper body should be straight. While hopping, bend your left leg at the knee so that your left calf is perpendicular to the rest of your body. Your left leg's toes should be pointing down.
   • This version of the reject is more high energy and requires better balance than the first version. While jerkin', you can switch it up between the two to add some variety to your dance.
2. Switch legs. Your left foot should now be on the ground behind you and your right leg in front with toes pointing up. Then jump forward with your left foot directly under your body and bring your right foot back. Now your right foot's toes should be facing the ground.
3. Repeat hopping twice on each foot. Do these moves fast enough and it should look like you're skipping backwards. Just keep hopping the pattern:
   • Right foot on the ground, left leg bent back with toes down.
   • Left foot back on the ground, right foot forward in the air with toes up.
   • Left foot forward on the ground, right leg bent back with toes down.
   • Right foot back on the ground, left foot forward in the air with toes up.

Perfecting the Pin Drop

1. Stand straight on your left leg and cross your right foot behind your left knee. Your legs should look like a number 4.
   • This is a move that requires a lot of flexibility and strength. Do not attempt the pin drop if you are new to dance or are prone to ankle sprains.
   • Many jerk dancers do multiple pin drops in quick succession between periods of doing the reject. The more pin drops you do at once, the more difficult it becomes to right yourself as you get dizzier. A dance with a lot of quick pin drops in a row is very impressive.
2. Bend your left knee and drop towards your left side. Control your fall so you don't go too fast. Remember that your aim is to appear to fall while actually lowering yourself to the ground with your leg muscles. Getting this step right takes a lot of practice.
3. Hit the ground. You should land mainly on your right foot with your left knee in front of it. Timing your fall so that your foot lands flat will keep you from bruising your knee. Feel free to use your hands for balance.
4. Stand back up. Use your right foot to push yourself. Twist a little and corkscrew clockwise as you stand. You can follow this move by mirroring it, starting out on the opposite leg.

Tips

• The reject is considered the default move for jerkin'. Do the reject while you're figuring out the beat or planning what to do next.
• If you attempt to jerk while wearing baggy pants, there's a good chance you'll trip. For this dance, baggy clothing is a handicap.
• The most important part of jerkin' is to maintain a positive vibe. Smile and make sure you look like you're having fun.
• Jerkin' is associated with a certain kind of fashion style. Many dancers wear skinny jeans, neon graphic T-shirts, and skateboard or hightop shoes.

Related Articles

• Shuffle (Dance Move)
• Be a Scene Kid
• Skank

Sources and Citations

See also

• Krump
• Do an Arm Wave
• Pop, Lock, and Drop It
• Crip Walk
• Glide Dance
• Dance to Rap Music
• Crunk Dance