Discover the Funky History of Southern Culture on the Skids’ “Camel Walk”
If you’ve ever attended a wedding, party or event in the South, you might have noticed people dancing to a funky beat that seems like a cross between a shuffle and a hop. This is the Camel Walk, a dance that originated in the early 20th century and became popular in the African American community. In this article, we’ll be exploring the history and culture surrounding this funky dance move.
Origins of the Camel Walk
The Camel Walk can be traced back to the Memphis Jug Band, a group of musicians who played a mix of blues, jazz and ragtime in the 1920s and 1930s. The band’s lead vocalist, Gus Cannon, would perform a dance that involved shuffling his feet and lifting his knees in time with the music. This dance quickly became known as the Camel Walk, due to its hump-like motion.
The Camel Walk was originally performed at the juke joints and clubs in Memphis, where African Americans would gather to socialize and listen to live music. It soon spread throughout the South, and variations of the dance were developed in cities like New Orleans and Atlanta.
The Camel Walk Goes Mainstream
In the 1960s, the Camel Walk gained mainstream popularity thanks to musical acts like James Brown and The Temptations, who incorporated the dance into their performances. The Camel Walk became a staple of soul and funk music, and its funky beat could be heard on radio stations across the country.
Today, the Camel Walk is still performed at weddings, parties and festivals throughout the South. It has even been featured in movies and TV shows, like Hairspray and The Cosby Show.
The Culture of the Camel Walk
The Camel Walk is more than just a dance move – it’s a cultural phenomenon that represents the resilience and creativity of the African American community. The dance was born out of a desire to express oneself in a segregated society, where African Americans were often denied access to mainstream entertainment venues.
The Camel Walk also represents the importance of community and social connection in African American culture. The dance was often performed in groups, and it was a way for people to come together and celebrate their shared heritage and experiences.
Conclusion
The Camel Walk is more than just a dance – it’s a symbol of Southern history and culture. From its origins in the Memphis Jug Band to its mainstream popularity in the 1960s and beyond, the Camel Walk has captured the hearts and feet of generations of Southerners. So the next time you hear that funky beat, don’t be afraid to get up and do the Camel Walk – it’s a celebration of Southern culture that deserves to be shared and enjoyed by all.
