Have you ever heard of the dance crazes “The Mashed Potato” and “The Alligator”? These 1960s dance moves have been popular for decades, but where did they come from and why did they capture the attention of so many people?
From dance halls to living rooms, “The Mashed Potato” and “The Alligator” were all the rage in the 60s. So, let’s take a closer look at these iconic dance moves and discover why they still inspire us to hit the dance floor today!
“Do the Mashed Potato Do the Alligator?” is a phrase from a popular dance song of the 1960s. The mashed potato was a dance move where you twist your feet and shuffle around, while the alligator involved bending your arms and making a snapping motion. The song encouraged people to dance and have fun, and the moves became popular at parties and on dance floors. Today, the mashed potato and alligator are still danced by people who love the retro vibe of this classic song.
H2: Do the Mashed Potato Do the Alligator?
If you’re a fan of classic dance crazes, you may be familiar with the Mashed Potato and the Alligator. These two dances originated in the 1960s and were popularized by songs of the same name. While they may not be as well-known as the Twist or the Cha-Cha, they still have a place in dance history. Let’s take a closer look at the Mashed Potato and the Alligator.
H3: What is the Mashed Potato?
The Mashed Potato is a dance that originated in the United States in the early 1960s. It was popularized by the song “Mashed Potato Time” by Dee Dee Sharp. The dance is characterized by a series of twisting and bending movements that mimic the actions of mashing potatoes. The dance moves are simple and easy to follow, making it a popular party dance.
To do the Mashed Potato, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly and twist your hips to the left. Then, twist your hips to the right. As you twist, bring your arms up and down in a chopping motion. Repeat this movement several times, bending your knees and twisting your hips with each chop.
The Mashed Potato is a fun and energetic dance that is perfect for parties and social events. It is a great way to get people up and moving and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
H3: What is the Alligator?
The Alligator is another popular dance from the 1960s. It was popularized by the song “Do the Alligator” by Bill Haley & His Comets. The dance is characterized by a series of movements that imitate the actions of an alligator. The dance moves are simple and easy to follow, making it a popular party dance.
To do the Alligator, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly and twist your hips to the left. Then, twist your hips to the right. As you twist, bring your arms up and down in a chopping motion. Next, bend your knees and bring your hands together as if you’re clapping. Repeat this movement several times, bending your knees and twisting your hips with each clap.
The Alligator is a fun and energetic dance that is perfect for parties and social events. It is a great way to get people up and moving and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
H3: Benefits of Doing the Mashed Potato and the Alligator
Dancing is a great way to stay active and healthy. Both the Mashed Potato and the Alligator are fun and energetic dances that can help you burn calories and improve your overall fitness. Dancing can also help improve your balance, coordination, and flexibility.
In addition to the physical benefits, dancing is also a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. It’s a fun and social activity that can help you connect with others and feel more confident in yourself.
H3: Mashed Potato Vs Alligator
While the Mashed Potato and the Alligator are both popular dances from the 1960s, they have some key differences. The Mashed Potato is characterized by twisting and bending movements that mimic the actions of mashing potatoes. The Alligator, on the other hand, is characterized by a series of movements that imitate the actions of an alligator.
Both dances are fun and energetic, but the Mashed Potato is generally considered to be easier to learn and more popular at parties and social events. The Alligator is a bit more complex and may require more practice to master.
H3: How to Learn the Mashed Potato and the Alligator
Learning the Mashed Potato and the Alligator is easy and fun. There are plenty of online tutorials and videos that can help you get started. You can also take dance classes or attend dance parties to learn the dances in a social setting.
When learning the dances, it’s important to start slowly and focus on mastering the basic movements. As you become more comfortable with the dances, you can add your own flair and style to make them your own.
H3: Conclusion
The Mashed Potato and the Alligator are two classic dance crazes from the 1960s. They are fun and energetic dances that are perfect for parties and social events. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, you can learn these dances and enjoy the many benefits of dancing. So, why not give the Mashed Potato and the Alligator a try and see for yourself why they are still popular after all these years?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers about the popular dance moves “Do the Mashed Potato” and “Do the Alligator.”
What is the “Mashed Potato” dance?
The “Mashed Potato” is a dance move that originated in the 1960s. It involves bending your knees, twisting your hips, and moving your arms in a pressing motion as if you’re mashing potatoes. The dance move gained popularity thanks to songs like “Mashed Potato Time” by Dee Dee Sharp.
Today, the “Mashed Potato” is still enjoyed at parties and events as a fun and easy-to-learn dance move.
What is the “Alligator” dance?
The “Alligator” is another dance move from the 1960s that involves mimicking the movements of an alligator. It starts with a low crouch, with your arms extended out like alligator jaws. You then move side-to-side, snapping your arms together like an alligator closing its jaws.
The “Alligator” dance is often paired with the “Mashed Potato” dance for a fun and lively dance routine.
What songs are popular for the “Mashed Potato” and “Alligator” dances?
Some popular songs for the “Mashed Potato” dance include “Mashed Potato Time” by Dee Dee Sharp, “Do You Love Me” by The Contours, and “Land of 1000 Dances” by Wilson Pickett.
For the “Alligator” dance, popular songs include “Alligator” by the Canadian band Grateful Dead and “See You Later, Alligator” by Bill Haley and His Comets.
Can anyone do the “Mashed Potato” and “Alligator” dances?
Yes, anyone can do these dance moves! They are both easy to learn and don’t require any special skills or training. Just follow the steps and have fun.
The “Mashed Potato” and “Alligator” dances are a great way to get up and moving, whether you’re at a party or just looking for a fun way to exercise.
Are there any variations of the “Mashed Potato” and “Alligator” dances?
Yes, there are many variations of these dance moves! Some people add their own twists and turns to make the dances more unique. Others combine the “Mashed Potato” and “Alligator” dances with other popular dance moves, like the Twist or the Swim, for a more complex routine.
The most important thing is to have fun and let loose while doing these dances!
Land Of 1000 Dances by Wilson Pickett with Lyrics
In conclusion, the dance crazes of the past may seem outdated, but they still have the power to bring people together and create a fun atmosphere. The Mashed Potato and the Alligator may not be as popular as they once were, but they are still enjoyed by many. So, don’t be afraid to bust out your best moves and get the party started.
Furthermore, these dances have a rich history and cultural significance. They were often born out of specific communities and were a way for people to express themselves and their identities. By learning and performing these dances, we can pay tribute to the people and cultures that created them.
Lastly, dancing is not only a fun activity but also has many physical and mental health benefits. It can improve coordination, balance, and flexibility, as well as reduce stress and increase happiness. So, whether you’re doing the Mashed Potato, the Alligator, or any other dance, keep moving and enjoying the joy it brings.
