The dance world is constantly evolving, with new moves and trends emerging from various cultural landscapes. Among these, the “dab” dance move rose to prominence in the mid-2010s, quickly becoming a global phenomenon. But What Is Dabbing Dance exactly? This article delves into the origins, meaning, and cultural impact of the dab dance, exploring its journey from the Atlanta hip hop scene to worldwide recognition.
The Genesis of the Dab: Atlanta’s Hip Hop Roots
The dab dance is widely believed to have originated within the vibrant hip hop culture of Atlanta, Georgia. Around 2012, whispers of a new move began to circulate, gaining traction within the local rap scene. While pinpointing the exact creator remains debated, the dance is strongly associated with the Atlanta hip hop community.
In May 2015, the “Dabbin Dance Official Video” surfaced on YouTube, offering an early visual representation of the move. However, it was the hip hop trio Migos who truly catapulted the dab into the mainstream. Their song “Look at My Dab,” released in the fall of 2015, became an anthem for the dance, embedding it firmly within popular culture.
Image alt text: Migos group members Quavo and Offset executing the dab dance move during a live performance.
Defining the Dab: More Than Just a Dance Move
So, what is dabbing dance in terms of physical movement? The dab is characterized by a sharp, expressive gesture resembling a sneeze. It involves dropping the head into the bent crook of a slanted arm and raising the opposite arm straight out to the side. This action is often described as mimicking a forceful nod into the elbow.
However, the dab is more than just a set of steps; it’s an expression. Originators like Atlanta rapper PeeWee Longway described “dabbin'” as embodying confidence and style. In a 2015 interview, he connected dabbing to the feeling of self-assurance when wearing a striking outfit. Migos echoed this sentiment in their lyrics, suggesting “dabbin’ is a way of fashion,” linking the dance to a broader sense of swagger and self-possession.
When it’s that time to come out and time for [them] to see it on you . . . you got to really come through that even dabbin’. . . . When you put your favorite outfit on, you dabbin’ at that moment.
— PeeWee Longway
This connection to confidence is crucial to understanding what is dabbing dance represents. It’s not merely a sequence of movements but a visual declaration of self-assuredness, a way to project “swag” – a term that “dab” was seen as replacing.
The Dab Takes Center Stage: Popular Culture and Global Spread
The dab’s ascent to global recognition was significantly boosted by Cam Newton, the then-Carolina Panthers quarterback. In 2015, Newton adopted the dab as his signature touchdown celebration, showcasing the move to millions of NFL fans each week. This high-profile endorsement propelled the dab dance into mainstream consciousness, sparking widespread imitation and media attention.
Image alt text: American football player Cam Newton performing his signature dab celebration after scoring a touchdown.
From football fields to schoolyards, the dab dance became ubiquitous. Social media platforms further fueled its virality, with countless videos and memes featuring the move. The dab transcended geographical boundaries, embraced by diverse communities worldwide.
Addressing the Drug Use Speculation
While primarily known as a dance and expression of confidence, the term “dab” also has a separate meaning related to cannabis consumption. “Dabbing” in this context refers to heating and inhaling concentrated THC vapors. This has led to speculation about a possible link between the dance and drug use terminology.
Some theories suggest the dab dance’s name originated from its resemblance to the coughing motion associated with inhaling THC concentrates. However, this connection remains largely unsubstantiated. While both meanings of “dab” emerged around the same period, the dance’s association with Atlanta hip hop and expressions of confidence is the more widely accepted origin story.
It’s worth noting the linguistic similarity to the word “dope,” which can mean both illicit drugs and something cool or excellent. This lexical overlap might suggest a subtle, indirect influence of the drug-related “dab” on the confidence-related dance move, but direct evidence is lacking.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Dab Dance
What is dabbing dance? It’s a cultural phenomenon that originated in Atlanta’s hip hop scene, evolved into a global dance craze, and became synonymous with confidence and swagger. While the peak of its mainstream popularity may have passed, the dab remains a recognizable and influential dance move. Its journey illustrates how dance trends can emerge from specific subcultures, rapidly permeate popular culture, and leave a lasting mark on the global dance landscape. The dab dance serves as a testament to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of dance and its connection to broader cultural trends.
