Definition
Hitch hike (also known as the Hitch‑Hiker) is a dance craze that originated in the United States during the early 1960s. The dance consists of a simple hand gesture mimicking a hitchhiker’s thumb, combined with body shimmying and occasional foot steps.
Overview
The dance gained popularity after the release of Marvin Gaye’s 1962 Motown single “Hitch Hike.” Its revival was spurred by Vanity Fare’s 1969 hit “Hitchin’ a Ride,” which helped cement the move in line, club, and later disco dances. The hitch‑hike gesture has appeared in various cultural contexts, including film (e.g., Hairspray) and contemporary dance routines.
Etymology / Origin
The name derives directly from the hitchhiking gesture—a thumb extended outward to solicit a ride. The dance’s emergence is linked to the lyrical and rhythmic content of Marvin Gaye’s “Hitch Hike,” which encouraged listeners to imitate the motion while dancing. The subsequent popularity of “Hitchin’ a Ride” reinforced the association between the music and the movement.
Characteristics
- Core movement: Repeatedly extending the right thumb over the right shoulder three times, clapping, then repeating the same pattern with the left thumb over the left shoulder.
- Body work: Accompanied by shimmying body ripples typical of 1960s dance styles.
- Variations: Dancers may add steps backward, sideways, or hip swivels, adapting the move to line dancing, club settings, or jazz/disco choreography.
- Simplicity: The pattern is deliberately straightforward, allowing participants of all skill levels to join the craze quickly.
Related Topics
- 1960s dance crazes (e.g., The Twist, The Mashed Potato)
- Motown music and its influence on popular dance
- Line dancing and its evolution in American culture
- Disco dance styles of the 1970s and 1980s
- Cultural representations of hitchhiking in media and performance art