Many are familiar with the famous, internet-culturally relevant “Evolution of Dance” video on YouTube. Judson Laipply nails a handful of dances spanning Elvis to Outkast.
In that same vein, a mother and son duo participating in a school talent show perform a medley of dances to hit pop songs. The YouTube blurb provides additional nuance of the events:
“Rapper Young Scholar and his mom Ginny Jenkins dance at Myers Park High School talent show. “
The act features unique takes on popular dance crazes from across eras. The playlist includes a medley of recognizable modern hits, supplemented by a handful of classics.
The duo takes the stage with Son rocking a purple Charlotte Hornets basketball jersey, complementing Mom’s light blue one. But what dances do they perform? What songs do they dance to? No need to worry, it’s all broken down below.
Song 1 – “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
The duo starts with a modern pop classic, the 2014 hit sensation “Uptown Funk.” Most would naturally assume that Mom might lag a little behind. It makes sense considering that she’s much older and likely not as familiar with modern music as her son. Honestly, they both look pretty out of their element – but looks can be deceiving.
Lowered expectations might actually work in their favor. With less expectations come less pressure, as well as a beautiful window of opportunity to completely surprise and wow a crowd.
Song 2 – “The Macarena” by Los del Río
Next on the docket is “The Macerna” – the international hit song and dance released in 1993. Everyone and their mom knows this song (see what I did there?). They proceed to place their hands on their head and their hips, matching the still-popular choreography.
Song 3 – “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones featuring the choreography of Carlton Banks
Everyone knows the song and the whacky dance popularized by Carlton Banks’s zany shenanigans on the hit sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Son ushers his mom into the background and slips into a perfect Carlton impression. Mom’s left dumbfounded.
Song 4 – “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex
This song marks a sharp change in style and mood. Mom pushes her son away while a fast-paced, country-influenced dance song hogs the airwaves. Fittingly in cowboy boots, she proceeds to perform a flurry of fancy footwork displaying her technical mastery. It’s as if she’s showing off in front of her son.
Song 5 – “Y.M.C.A.” by Village People
Next, a crowd favorite in practically every locale in America starts. The duo stands in place and motions their arms to the letters of “Y.M.C.A.” Naturally, the audience sings along – the definition of a crowd-pleaser.
Song 6 – “The Choice is Yours” by Black Sheep
A classic 90s hip-hop song starts, marking another sharp stylistic change. Only a fool would assume it’s out of Mom’s reach. The duo starts swinging their bodies fluidly to the rhythm, creating quite an interesting spectacle.
Song 7 – “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer
Next, an 80s classic occupies the airwaves. The duo lowers their core and starts to scurry around unabashedly like hip, dancing crabs. Their choreography pays homage to the chorus of MC Hammer’s hit.
Song 8 – “Jump on It” by Sir Mix-a-Lot
A 90s classic begins to bump, another song coincidentally further popularized on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – “Jump on It.” The duo proceeds to put their hands on their hips and dramatically sway from side to side, front and back before twirling around.
Song 9 – “Wop” by J. Dash featuring Flo Rida
“Wop”was released in 2011. The song had an official partnering with Apple’s iTunes. A group dance is featured throughout the music video.
The talent show contestants start what appears to be their own dance inspired by the song. Regardless, their moves are playful and technically competent.
Song 10 – “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy Tell’em
“Crank That (Soulja Boy)” was a hip-hop sensation in the mid-2000s, for better or worse, featuring a swaggy dance and ridiculous lyricism. Kids of every grade level are familiar with the choreography. It’s a delightful breeze to these guys.
Song 11 – “Cat Daddy” by Rej3ctz
This song was released in 2011. The music video showcases the stylized choreography. Our dancing duo gets to work, gyrating their arms and moving to the rhythm – in other words, Cat Daddying. Their performance is yet again technically proficient and sticks to the textbook moves laid out in the original.
Song 12 – “Stanky Legg” by GS Boyz
The “Stanky Legg” dance became a huge hit in the late 2000s, featuring deep, fitting leg gyrations. It serves as no challenge to our talented contestants. Mom gets pretty into it.
Song 13 – “Gas Pedal” by Sage The Gemini featuring IamSu
Another modern hit (2013), featuring a dark, surreal music video. The dynamic duo proceeds to perform what appears to be their own choreography inspired by the work, lifting one hand in the air and moving around in a circle in tandem.
Song 14 – “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” by Silentó
A few years later in 2015, “Watch Me” was popularized, fully-chocked with a hit new dance as laid out in the music video. The two take turns trading moves. The crowd loves it.
Song 15 – “Hit the Quan” by ILoveMemphis
The “Quan” became popular in the mid-2010s, featuring run-in-place choreography. Mom and Son follow suit, paying homage to the original.
Their talent show performance acts as somewhat of an anthology of dance, spanning as far back as 1965. Michael Jackson’s likely the most glaring omission, but obviously not every classic pop song can be covered. Ultimately, their performances were fluid and playful, dazzling the talent show goers and making an undeniably strong case for first place.
Son’s got some swag, but Mom’s clearly got decades of dancing experience. She steals the show.
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