King Tut: The Dance of Egyptian Figures - History and Technique

The King Tut dance (also known as King Tut) is a highly distinctive style based on traditional Egyptian movement elements. The word "king" translates to "король" (king) and "Tut" refers to Tutankhamun.

The full name of this style is "King Tutankhamen," commonly shortened to "tutting." This style shares similarities with Ancient Egyptian culture, as its movements are derived from Egyptian frescoes. Wall paintings, murals, and the right angles of Egyptian figures—all served as the foundation for this new, unconventional direction.

How King Tut originated remains unknown, but the style has become popular and is often used alongside other genres like popping and hip-hop.

Today, it is believed that King Tut was created in the Western United States. Bugs Bunny—a funny cartoon character—provided the initial spark for the style's formation, as in one episode the main character, a rabbit, demonstrated hand movements using right angles. Mr. Re, Animation, and Boogaloo Shrimp became highly popular, inspired by this style and the drawings on Egyptian pyramids.

The most famous tutting dancer is Mr. Wiggles. His performances are considered among the best in the United States and Europe.

In Russia, this style is danced extremely fast, making the performance look bright and flashy. However, compared to the traditional execution of King Tut, the Russian version is considered incorrect. This style should not be danced quickly; rather, the dancer should choose a medium tempo while staying on beat with the music. Only then will the dance look unique and unusual.

So how should you dance King Tut? The focus is mainly on the hands. To start learning, you need to master bending your wrist at a perfect 90-degree angle without tensing your arm.

Proper posture is a crucial element of the dance. You can't get away with just arm movements—the overall picture matters, and a slouching pharaoh hardly looks majestic. While dancing, keep your back straight, shoulders slightly lowered, gaze forward, and face level.

You don't need supernatural skills to learn this style, but King Tut requires patience and hard work. To understand the essence of the dance, you must feel it not only physically but also emotionally. You need to become part of the dance and express what you feel, revealing your story.

Everyone knows that dance is pure magic, and King Tut is no exception. Unlike other styles, you shouldn't fear repetition here. Listen to the rhythm and move with the times. King Tut opens up limitless possibilities for creative expression, and it blends beautifully with other styles while also standing strong on its own.