Collectively, it feels as if we’re experiencing the worst of the world, everywhere, all at once. But as always, Black people have found ways to take back their joy, and resist oppression through a myriad of ways — one of them being dance. From line dancing, twerking, stepping, and other moves, turbulent times call for more physical movement. Uncertainty surrounding the economy has reminded others of the dubious era of the recession, where the music was good and clubs were filled with people, against the backdrop of people losing their homes and jobs. Despite the world being on fire, there is a yearning for community, for gathering, whether it’s in a coffee shop or a club.

Historically, Black people have always leaned on each other amid tumultuous times. Recently, line dancing, a decades-long pastime within Black communities, has been fueled by social media. Line dancing has always been a part of Black celebrations, from weddings to parties, there’s an expectation that those in attendance will move to the Electric Slide, the Wobble, the Cupid Shuffle, or the Cha Cha Slide on the dance floor.

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