Batusi

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Batusi /bæˈtuːsi/ is a 1960s style go-go dance invented for the Batman television series. The name is a pun on the then-popular dance the Watusi.

Performance[]

The Batusi is performed by making a horizontal V-sign with one's index and middle fingers of both hands, and drawing them across in front of the eyes, away from the center of the face simultaneously, with the eyes roughly between the fingers. This is performed in time with the music, and is improved upon by continuing to dance with the lower half of the body, simultaneously.

History[]

The Batusi first appeared in the premiere episode of the 1960s American television series based on the comic book character Batman. It appeared again in the episode "The Pharaoh's in a Rut" that aired three months later.

There are conflicting reports as to who invented the dance, which became a national craze on the dance scene. One account is that it was invented by dance instructor Arthur Murray for Batman, and was supposedly first performed at a cocktail party at a New York City discothèque, Harlow's.[1] But in a 2005 Wizard magazine interview, Adam West claims credit for creating the Batusi's unique moves.[2]

The dance has reappeared in many television shows, including two episodes of The Simpsons,[3][4] Xena: Warrior Princess,[5] and Everybody Loves Raymond,[6] and Shaggy refers to the dance in an episode of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You![7] It has also been in movies such as Pulp Fiction, Antz, and Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt.

References[]

  1. ^ "Dance & Dancing - The Batusi (Batman)". TV Acres. Archived from the original on 2012-09-14. Retrieved 2010-12-25.
  2. ^ "Wizard Entertainment". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved 2011-11-16.
  3. ^ "Mr. Plow" (originally aired November 19, 1992)
  4. ^ "My Mother the Carjacker" (originally aired November 9, 2003)
  5. ^ "Lifeblood" (originally aired March 13, 2000)
  6. ^ "Robert's Wedding" (originally aired May 19, 2003)
  7. ^ "Decoy for a Dognapper" (originally aired October 11, 1969)

Further reading[]

External links[]

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