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DESPITE the flack it receives as a facilitator of the ‘classy-bougie-ratchet’ trend, TikTok dances can be seen as an alternative form of fitness; a way for people to work that ‘body-ody-ody-ody-ody’.
Contrary to popular belief, TikTok dances aren’t as easy as they seem. Despite the video only being seconds long, what the audience is unaware of are the hours of practice sessions, repetitions, and retakes required to make those on-screen performances look effortless.
Novice TikToker, Lindsay, shared with fellow media that, "trying to keep up with the dancers on TikTok is sometimes harder than the actual dance. I have to continuously replay the video and by the time I’m able to pick up the moves, I am already red in the face and sweating profusely”, resulting in “a sweaty mess” of a performance that’s permanently shelved into her drafts folder.
Although most TikTok dances are often described through the use of emojis, it’s the level of coordination and meticulousness in the movements ─ along with the fast-paced music ─ that makes those few seconds seem like a speeded-up car chase rather than a simple dance performance, turning this leisurely activity ─ with every practice session, repetition and retake ─ into a makeshift cardio workout.
According to New York-based personal trainer, Chad Weiss, the “tremendous amount of energy” required for each TikTok dance can help “people burn 400-600 calories in an hour.”
Yet does it only take an hour to produce such TikTok dance videos? Here is what classically-trained ballet dancer, Aydah Albaba, told fellow media: “If you want your version of the routine to look perfect (by executing the correct choreography) and appear effortless, that is a workout.”
Yes, these videos that are posted for the world to view may in reality take hours on end to perfect, so if the MCO has dulled your motivation to work out, or you’re just looking for new and fun ways to get your cardio done, why don’t you try out some TikTok dances. ─ The Vibes, 8 March, 2021
