3,2,1 recording: the TikTok dance

Abstract

Specifically in the area of ​​dance, the digital platform “TikTok” has been gaining prominence through the production of video choreography, titled challenge, dances or challenges. These choreographies are short productions, between 15 and 60 seconds, with special effects and personalized soundtracks, intended to be reproduced by other people. In this sense, the objective of this work is to understand dance from the perspective of TikTok. Virtual ethnography was used as a methodological path, based on observation of the digital platform, using the hashtag #dançachallenge and the platform's own search tools. According to observations, TikTok dances typically have short movements that fit the angle of the screen. For the most part, it is not possible to see the knees, feet and upper limb actions that occur quickly in conjunction with the beats of the music. These characteristics create a greater degree of difficulty in carrying out a sequence of steps, and thus, challenges are created. You don't need much structure to produce a challenge, the clothes just need to be comfortable, there aren't many worries about costumes or sets. In videos with more than one person, the choreography takes place synchronously, indicating little improvisation. There is no predominance of one style of music, however, hip hop body movements appear frequently in the videos analyzed. In this sense, the interaction of digital media is increasingly encouraging people to dance, bringing new possibilities and demands to dance and the dancing body.