Dougie

The Dougie is a hip-hop dance generally performed by moving one's body in a shimmy style and passing a hand through or near the hair on one's own head.^[1] There is not a defined way to perform the Dougie, and each individual performs with his or her own variation.^[1] Rapper Corey Fowler, nicknamed Smoove, of Cali Swag District said, “Everbody does it different…The way you do it defines you.”^[1]

History

The dance first originated in Dallas, Texas,^[2][3] where it took its name from similar moves performed by 1980s rapper Doug E. Fresh.^[1][4][2] In 2007, Dallas rapper Lil' Wil triggered the movement with his hit "My Dougie."^[3] Then, an individual who attended Texas Southern University returned home to Southern California and taught the future members of Cali Swag District the dance.^[2][5] Cali Swag District recorded the song "Teach Me How to Dougie" and filmed the music video in Inglewood, California during the summer of 2009.^[2][4] Subsequently, the video along with the dance became viral on YouTube.^[2]

Montae Ray Talbert, known as "M-Bone" of Cali Swag District, was killed in his car by an unidentified gunman .^[4] According to the Cali Swag District spokesman, Greg Miller, "He was the best at doing the dance, and on tour he was always the one in the forefront … He helped bring it to the masses."^[4] At the funeral mourners did the dance for a tribute video, and Talbert's grandmother did it as part of her eulogy.^[4]

According to Cali Swag District, “We are not looking forward to making another dance move. The 'Dougie' just picked up organically, we had no idea it would become so popular.”^[6]

In late 2010 and early 2011, the Dougie was performed by a number of athletes and celebrities, including Chris Brown, Reggie Bush,^[2] Dez Bryant,^[2] DeMarcus Cousins and Hassan Whiteside,^[2] Glen "Big Baby" Davis,^[1] Nate Robinson,^[2] John Wall,^[1][7] Braylon Edwards,^[1] Wolf Blitzer,^[4][8] Kate Upton,^[9][10][11] and Michelle Obama.^[4][12]

References