Think Twerking Is Scandalous? So Was the Waltz, Once

Here’s a fun little Friday video for you: Time magazine, inspired by the hullaballoo over Miley Cyrus’ twerktastrophe at the VMAs, has put together a history of “forbidden” dances. Forget grinding: In the late nineteenth century, even the waltz was considered risqué, because its “closed hold” meant partners were—gasp!—actually touching each other. Like, for extended periods of time.

The video is a pretty nifty look at how what’s considered acceptable public behavior changes over time. The one thing that never changes, though, is that if you give a “scandalous” dance a few decades to cool off, it’ll probably become totally standard. You know how your mom did the twist at your cousin’s wedding? In the ’60s, it was definitely not considered mom, or wedding, appropriate. (Not sure what that means about what moms will be doing at weddings 50 years from now…)

Take a look—and happy Friday!

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