when was twerking invented

Twerking, as a dance style, has roots that trace back to West African dance traditions, particularly in the dances of the DRC and other countries. However, the term "twerking" gained popularity in the 1990s, especially with the rise of hip-hop culture. It was notably featured in the New Orleans bounce music scene, a genre that incorporates upbeat rhythms and encourages rhythmic hip movement. The term became more mainstream around 2013 when pop culture figures, such as Miley Cyrus, brought it into the spotlight. This led to widespread recognition and discussion of the dance, solidifying its place in contemporary culture. While twerking has historical roots, its modern incarnation and popularization occurred primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.