The Nutbush Phenomenon: Revealing the reasons why Aussies just can't get enough of Tina Turner's classic hit
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It’s a familiar feeling for many Australians–standing in a school hall or wedding reception, singing along to the hits of Tina Turner, and dancing the Nutbush together. It’s a rite of passage for Aussies everywhere.
Our memories of the Nutbush might rightly be vivid, but the truth is that Australia has a unique connection with Turner that isn’t shared anywhere else in the world.
Turner sadly passed away at the age of 83 this week. But here at Seniors Discount Club, there is still time to pay tribute to the rock legend and explore her special connection to our country.
The iconic dance routine to Turner’s classic hit ‘Nutbush City Limits’ (1973) is something every Aussie should know.
Strangely, no other countries are quite as obsessed with the dance as Aussies are - despite the fact that the hit only ever reached #14 on the local charts when it was first released and only #16 when re-released in 1991.
Why is it, then, that the Aussies seem to love the Nutbush more than anyone else?
The mystery is deepened further by the fact that Tina Turner herself never actually performed the dance moves in her live shows - it was never a part of the original routine.
It might have something to do with a Department of Education scheme from the mid-70s.
The scheme combined physical education with creative arts in primary school, providing the perfect opportunity for Aussie kids to learn line dancing.
On the other hand, the Aussie Nutbush may have nothing to do with any official curriculum – and instead spread across the nation thanks to the hard work of individual teachers.
An alternative suggests that the popular dance form many affectionately recognise as the Nutbush underwent an evolutionary process stemming from a 1950s line dance called The Madison.
But what’s certain is that the Nutbush has made countless memories for Aussies, and it’s not going away soon.
The latest world record set for the largest performance of the dance was at Birdsville’s Big Red Bash, and there’s hope that there are more to come.
If the Nutbush wasn’t enough to prove Turner’s lasting influence down under, then there are more examples of her captivating Aussies.
Her 1989 hit ‘The Best’ was adopted by Aussie rugby league in an effort to promote the sport – and it worked, with Aussie fans now associating the song with the sport.
Another iconic hit that was especially close to Australians is ‘We Don’t Need Another Hero’ (1985), which was written for the Aussie flick Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, in which Turner also starred alongside Mel Gibson.
So, as we raise a glass to the memory of Tina Turner, let us also reminisce on the special connection she had to Australia– a connection so special it can be summed up in a single dance routine to a single song.
We’ll always remember the Nutbush, and it’s hard to imagine Australian culture without it.
Folks, we want to hear your stories too - have you got any fond memories of grooving to the Nutbush in your younger years? We’d love to hear them!
Our memories of the Nutbush might rightly be vivid, but the truth is that Australia has a unique connection with Turner that isn’t shared anywhere else in the world.
Turner sadly passed away at the age of 83 this week. But here at Seniors Discount Club, there is still time to pay tribute to the rock legend and explore her special connection to our country.
The iconic dance routine to Turner’s classic hit ‘Nutbush City Limits’ (1973) is something every Aussie should know.
Strangely, no other countries are quite as obsessed with the dance as Aussies are - despite the fact that the hit only ever reached #14 on the local charts when it was first released and only #16 when re-released in 1991.
Why is it, then, that the Aussies seem to love the Nutbush more than anyone else?
The mystery is deepened further by the fact that Tina Turner herself never actually performed the dance moves in her live shows - it was never a part of the original routine.
It might have something to do with a Department of Education scheme from the mid-70s.
The scheme combined physical education with creative arts in primary school, providing the perfect opportunity for Aussie kids to learn line dancing.
On the other hand, the Aussie Nutbush may have nothing to do with any official curriculum – and instead spread across the nation thanks to the hard work of individual teachers.
An alternative suggests that the popular dance form many affectionately recognise as the Nutbush underwent an evolutionary process stemming from a 1950s line dance called The Madison.
Australians fondly remember dancing to the late Queen of Rock’n Roll’s hit Nutbush City Limits. Credit: Shutterstock.
But what’s certain is that the Nutbush has made countless memories for Aussies, and it’s not going away soon.
The latest world record set for the largest performance of the dance was at Birdsville’s Big Red Bash, and there’s hope that there are more to come.
If the Nutbush wasn’t enough to prove Turner’s lasting influence down under, then there are more examples of her captivating Aussies.
Her 1989 hit ‘The Best’ was adopted by Aussie rugby league in an effort to promote the sport – and it worked, with Aussie fans now associating the song with the sport.
Another iconic hit that was especially close to Australians is ‘We Don’t Need Another Hero’ (1985), which was written for the Aussie flick Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, in which Turner also starred alongside Mel Gibson.
So, as we raise a glass to the memory of Tina Turner, let us also reminisce on the special connection she had to Australia– a connection so special it can be summed up in a single dance routine to a single song.
We’ll always remember the Nutbush, and it’s hard to imagine Australian culture without it.
Folks, we want to hear your stories too - have you got any fond memories of grooving to the Nutbush in your younger years? We’d love to hear them!
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