The Nutbush Phenomenon: Revealing the reasons why Aussies just can't get enough of Tina Turner's classic hit

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.

1685067473427.png
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.

Key Takeaways
  • Aussies are obsessed with Tina Turner's classic hit ‘Nutbush City Limits’ and its iconic line dance, which has become a staple at gatherings such as weddings and school discos.
  • The Nutbush dance phenomenon is believed to have originated from a Department of Education scheme or possibly evolved from a 1950s line dance known as The Madison.
  • The Nutbush has a special place in Australian culture, with Australians setting several world records for the largest dance performance.
  • Tina Turner's other hits, such as ‘The Best’ and ‘We Don't Need Another Hero’, also have strong ties to Australia and have been adopted by rugby league and the Australian film industry, respectively.



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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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.

View attachment 20736
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.

Key Takeaways

  • Aussies are obsessed with Tina Turner's classic hit ‘Nutbush City Limits’ and its iconic line dance, which has become a staple at gatherings such as weddings and school discos.
  • The Nutbush dance phenomenon is believed to have originated from a Department of Education scheme or possibly evolved from a 1950s line dance known as The Madison.
  • The Nutbush has a special place in Australian culture, with Australians setting several world records for the largest dance performance.
  • Tina Turner's other hits, such as ‘The Best’ and ‘We Don't Need Another Hero’, also have strong ties to Australia and have been adopted by rugby league and the Australian film industry, respectively.



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!

I love/d Tina Turner. She was simply the BEST. R.I.P. Tina ✝️
 
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.

View attachment 20736
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.

Key Takeaways

  • Aussies are obsessed with Tina Turner's classic hit ‘Nutbush City Limits’ and its iconic line dance, which has become a staple at gatherings such as weddings and school discos.
  • The Nutbush dance phenomenon is believed to have originated from a Department of Education scheme or possibly evolved from a 1950s line dance known as The Madison.
  • The Nutbush has a special place in Australian culture, with Australians setting several world records for the largest dance performance.
  • Tina Turner's other hits, such as ‘The Best’ and ‘We Don't Need Another Hero’, also have strong ties to Australia and have been adopted by rugby league and the Australian film industry, respectively.



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!

I remember doing Nutbush at school in Phys Ed, I even remember doing it on roller skates! I was sitting out the front on my balcony in the last schoolholidays watching 3 young girls dancing in their front yard, (it was so cute). They were around the ages of 5, 8 and 12, I'm assuming, but what got me smiling the most was when nutbush came blaring from their stereo. They all knew the steps perfectly! Ms Turner definitely has a legacy, may she rest in peace.
 
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.

View attachment 20736
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.

Key Takeaways

  • Aussies are obsessed with Tina Turner's classic hit ‘Nutbush City Limits’ and its iconic line dance, which has become a staple at gatherings such as weddings and school discos.
  • The Nutbush dance phenomenon is believed to have originated from a Department of Education scheme or possibly evolved from a 1950s line dance known as The Madison.
  • The Nutbush has a special place in Australian culture, with Australians setting several world records for the largest dance performance.
  • Tina Turner's other hits, such as ‘The Best’ and ‘We Don't Need Another Hero’, also have strong ties to Australia and have been adopted by rugby league and the Australian film industry, respectively.



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!

Having not seen Tina Turner in person, I still love her and her music, she was definitely a 'one off' talented performer.
 
Our dancer size class did the nut bush a couple of weeks ago. Went through the moves without music, i was thinking no,no this is too fast. Music came on and nope it was the correct speed. We did well at 63 i am the baby of the class average age 78. Thanks Tina!
 
I'm in my 50's, and I fondly remember the thrill of dancing the Nutbush at primary school in Victoria...RIP Tina🙏🥰
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.

View attachment 20736
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.

Key Takeaways

  • Aussies are obsessed with Tina Turner's classic hit ‘Nutbush City Limits’ and its iconic line dance, which has become a staple at gatherings such as weddings and school discos.
  • The Nutbush dance phenomenon is believed to have originated from a Department of Education scheme or possibly evolved from a 1950s line dance known as The Madison.
  • The Nutbush has a special place in Australian culture, with Australians setting several world records for the largest dance performance.
  • Tina Turner's other hits, such as ‘The Best’ and ‘We Don't Need Another Hero’, also have strong ties to Australia and have been adopted by rugby league and the Australian film industry, respectively.



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!
 
I remember doing Nutbush at school in Phys Ed, I even remember doing it on roller skates! I was sitting out the front on my balcony in the last schoolholidays watching 3 young girls dancing in their front yard, (it was so cute). They were around the ages of 5, 8 and 12, I'm assuming, but what got me smiling the most was when nutbush came blaring from their stereo. They all knew the steps perfectly! Ms Turner definitely has a legacy, may she rest in peace.
I also used to do The Nutbush on roller skates. Such fun. R.I.P. Tina.
 
Ahh the fun I had when I was President of our P & C at school and had the pleasure of organising our Annual Bush Dance that always had to have the great Nutbush City Limits dance off. Mum's against Dad's, teacher's against tuckshop ladies oh the list was endless. But everyone that attended had a fantastic time. Good old family and community having a great time while we managed to raise the money for our netball courts and fences. I was very proud that year. I think most people of our generation has a Nutbush story. Vale Tina. May her family feel proud of her, may she now be feeling no pain and relish in our heavenly Father's love.
 
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