Tyla, the South African singer who has been captivating the global music scene, isn’t just winning awards; she’s taking over TikTok one viral dance at a time. Following the immense success of her debut album and her groundbreaking Grammy win for Best African Music Performance with “Water,” Tyla has once again ignited social media with a new dance craze. This time, it’s set to the rhythm of her track “Jump,” and it’s characterized by the same fluid, hip-swaying movements that have become synonymous with her unique style. But what exactly is the Tyla dance, and why has it become so incredibly popular? Let’s dive into the steps, the origins, and the social media storm surrounding this latest dance phenomenon.
The Genesis of the Tyla Dance: A Throwback Stage Performance
The Tyla dance craze can be traced back to a throwback video Tyla herself posted on TikTok. On May 28th, she shared a clip from a performance of her song “Jump,” showcasing her signature moves on stage. “Was an opener last year, and i was SWINGINGGGGG,” she captioned the video, using the hashtag “#tylaedit.” This seemingly simple post acted as the catalyst for the viral explosion that was to come.
This initial spark was amplified when a TikTok edit by user @gelogelada went viral, quickly becoming known as “That Tyla edit.” This edit highlighted Tyla’s smooth, hip-centric dance, setting the stage for a full-blown trend.
Why Did the Tyla Dance Go Viral? The Perfect TikTok Storm
The infectious nature of the Tyla dance stems from a combination of factors perfectly aligned for TikTok virality. Firstly, the dance itself is captivating. It’s characterized by fluid hip movements and a confident swagger that is uniquely Tyla. Secondly, the chosen sound, a sped-up version of her song “Jump,” provides an energetic and catchy backdrop that’s irresistible for creators looking to make engaging content.
The viral “Tyla edit” video, racking up over 75 million views and millions of likes, served as the initial ignition. From there, the trend exploded, fueled by the participation of high-profile creators like Charli D’Amelio. D’Amelio, a TikTok megastar, jumped on the trend, and her video generated even more views than the original edit, exceeding 100 million views and propelling the Tyla dance into the mainstream TikTok consciousness.
The trend’s accessibility also played a crucial role. While Tyla’s execution is undeniably smooth, the basic hip movements are relatively easy for others to attempt, encouraging widespread participation. This has led to over 300,000 creators using the sound and putting their own spin on the Tyla dance.
Decoding the “Blue Sweats Girl” Mystery
As the Tyla dance trend surged, an interesting side phenomenon emerged: the “before he sees blue sweats girl” inside joke. This refers to the search for the “original” girl who popularized the dance in blue sweatpants. While the top video associated with this search term features creator Brooke Monk, the comments suggest she might not be the OG “blue sweats girl” everyone is talking about.
Another creator, Laura Sophia, is a strong contender for the title. Her video performing the Tyla dance has garnered over 11 million likes and features her prominently in blue sweatpants, aligning with the inside joke. This playful mystery further fueled engagement and discussion around the Tyla dance trend.
Tyla: A Trendsetting Force Beyond “Water”
This isn’t Tyla’s first rodeo when it comes to creating viral TikTok dances. Her Grammy-winning hit “Water” previously spawned the “Water challenge,” where people recreated Tyla pouring water on herself during her performances. This earlier trend showcased her ability to translate her stage presence into engaging online content and solidify her position as a trendsetter.
Tyla herself has expressed excitement about the viral success of her music and dances. During an interview on Apple Music’s The Dotty Show, she shared her amazement at seeing prominent figures like Megan Thee Stallion and Christina Aguilera participating in the “Water” challenge. This genuine enthusiasm and engagement with her online audience further amplify her influence and contribute to the ongoing cycle of viral trends.
The Tyla Dance: More Than Just a Trend
The Tyla dance is more than just a fleeting internet fad; it’s a testament to Tyla’s artistry and her deep connection with her audience. It showcases her captivating dance style, her infectious music, and her ability to tap into the pulse of social media culture. Move over, previous TikTok dance queens – Tyla is solidifying her reign as the artist who consistently sets the dance floor ablaze, both online and offline. The Tyla dance is a celebration of movement, music, and the undeniable star power of Tyla herself.
