The lyric from Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” finishes with “dance.” The line invites everyone to join the party through the song’s defining activity.
“The Twist” was written by Hank Ballard and first recorded by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters in 1959. Chubby Checker’s version, released in 1960, became the breakthrough recording and helped popularize the twist dance across the United States and internationally.
The dance involves swiveling the hips while moving the feet and keeping the upper body relatively upright. Its simple technique allowed large groups to participate, which helped the song spread through television, clubs, and social events. Checker’s performance made the track a defining example of early-1960s dance-pop.
The word “dance” is sometimes replaced in memory by “twist,” because twisting is the song’s central movement. However, the lyric’s invitation says the group is going to dance. “The Twist” is notable for reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 twice, in 1960 and again in 1962.