The word "viral" has been used to describe dance videos that have gone viral on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. These dances are typically choreographed to popular songs and involve sensual movements that are often seen as too explicit for public consumption. While some people may find them offensive or distasteful, others enjoy watching and performing these dances.
What exactly is it about these dances that make them so appealing? Why do they go viral and become culturally significant? In this article, we will explore how eroticized viral dances become transnational cultural scripts of intimacy.
One reason why eroticized viral dances go viral is because they appeal to our basic human desire for connection and intimacy. Humans are social creatures who crave physical and emotional closeness with others. Eroticized viral dances tap into this need by evoking feelings of attraction and sexual arousal in both performers and viewers. When we watch someone dancing seductively, we feel connected to them in a way that goes beyond just observing their moves. We imagine ourselves in their place, experiencing the same thrill and excitement. This can be especially true when the dance is performed by an attractive person or group of people. By sharing these videos online, we can experience vicarious intimacy through another person's sensuality.
Another reason why eroticized viral dances go viral is because they challenge societal norms around gender roles and sexual expression. Many of these dances feature women as the primary performers, breaking down traditional ideas of femininity and masculinity.
The "WAP" dance features women grinding against each other while singing lyrics like "I am a freak in the streets." This challenges the idea that women should be demure and reserved, instead showing us that there is power in owning one's sexuality. Similarly, the "Hot Girl Summer" dance celebrates self-confidence and body positivity, which may be seen as rebellious in some contexts. These dances also often involve suggestive gestures and movements that blur the lines between public and private space, making them seem more scandalous and intriguing.
Eroticized viral dances become transnational cultural scripts of intimacy because they allow us to connect with others across borders and cultures. When we share these videos online, we are participating in a global conversation about sex, desire, and relationships. We can see how different cultures interpret and perform these dances differently, creating new meanings and associations along the way.
The "Buss It" dance has been adapted by many different groups, including men, non-binary individuals, and even pets. By sharing these adaptations, we show our creativity and ingenuity, demonstrating that we all have something unique to contribute to this shared experience.
Eroticized viral dances go viral because they tap into our need for connection, challenge societal norms around gender roles and sexual expression, and allow us to connect with people from all over the world. They are more than just dances; they are expressions of identity, politics, and culture. As such, they will continue to be important cultural touchstones for years to come.
How do eroticized viral dances become transnational cultural scripts of intimacy?
The rise of social media has created new opportunities for people to connect with each other, including through dance performances that have gone viral on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. These videos often feature attractive young women dancing sensually to popular music in order to elicit a response from viewers, who may share them widely and contribute to their "virality.