ABSTRACT
October 1996: For months, a single dance has been nearly ubiquitous in U.S. culture. Consisting primarily of arm movements, it is performed by seniors, adults, teenagers, and children. Danced in the streets, in bars, in automobiles, at baseball games, on cruise ships, at political conventions, wedding receptions, and church picnics, it dominates many social events. Almost everywhere, it is performed and its steps are taught. Instructions for it are found on television, in the newspaper, and on sheets of paper handed out at various events. In July, three of the top one hundred singles were versions of the song accompanying this dance. It has dominated radio play in many markets and across a demographic range throughout the summer. Some stations play it again and again, even for hours at a time. 1
