When it comes to national dances, countries often have a rich history and cultural heritage to draw upon. But Australia's unofficial national dance, the "Nutbush," has a more unexpected origin story. So, how did this energetic and infectious dance become an integral part of Australian culture?
**The Birth of the Nutbush**
The Nutbush dance has its roots in the 1970s, when Australian country music was on the rise. One of the pioneers of this genre was an Australian singer-songwriter named Max Merritt, who wrote and recorded a song called "Slippin' Away" in 1976. The song's catchy chorus and energetic rhythm caught the attention of audiences, and soon it became a staple of Australian country music.
**The Dance Takes Off**
In the early 1980s, a young Australian musician named Kelly Willis (not to be confused with the American country singer) started performing a dance routine to "Slippin' Away" at local bars and clubs. The dance, which involved a series of energetic steps and hand movements, quickly gained popularity among the crowd. Willis's enthusiasm and charisma helped spread the dance across the country, and soon it became a staple of Australian country music festivals and events.
**The Nutbush Goes Mainstream**
In the late 1980s, the Nutbush dance received a major boost when Australian rock band, Cold Chisel, covered "Slippin' Away" on their album "Twentieth Century." The song's popularity soared, and the Nutbush dance became a staple of Australian music festivals and parties. The dance's infectious energy and simplicity made it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, and it quickly became a national phenomenon.
**Unofficial National Dance**
By the 1990s, the Nutbush had become an integral part of Australian culture, with the dance being performed at weddings, festivals, and even in parliament. While it never received official recognition as Australia's national dance, the Nutbush has become an unofficial symbol of Australian culture and identity. The dance's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to bring people together and create a sense of community and shared experience.
**Conclusion**
The Nutbush dance may have started as a simple country music dance, but it has evolved into an integral part of Australian culture. Its infectious energy, simplicity, and accessibility have made it a beloved national pastime, and its unofficial status as Australia's national dance is a testament to its enduring popularity. So the next time you're in Australia, be sure to bust out your best Nutbush moves – you never know, you might just start a dance revolution!
