5 reasons to take up the "Jerusalema (dance) Challenge"

Jan 27

Dancing by ourselves literally raises us. But when we dance collectively, personalities and energies pool. You may want to round up a few friends and take this challenge.

All you need is a video recorder such as your smartphone, a few partners, and a recording of the "Jerusalema" song by DJ Master KG and Nomcebo Nothule Zikode. Zikode, a South African songwriter and singer, co-wrote and sang on Master KG's song "Jerusalema." It sprang to No. 1 on Billboard Music charts and Apple Music charts.

How the song-dance began

In the beginning the song was just another applauded South African house track. But the "challenge" part, adding a group dance, catapulted "Jerusalema" to world fame. The song came out in 2019, followed by the dance angle. One afternoon a group of performers in Angola filmed themselves dancing together as they ate their lunches.

As intriguing posts do, the singing, dancing lunchers went viral.

I mean when has a tune waded into your ears, then performed a thumping butterfly-stroke around your brain? Hearing "Jerusalema" I wanted to swim, dance, hum, to remember summer vacations. Somehow you feel calm and energized at once. Most will struggle with the Zulu lyrics, but, regardless, many will get the spiritual message.

And since the song's title suggests the biblical city of Jerusalem, people at least have a head start, by having seen a version of the word "Jerusalema."

Jeanette Dilts, dancer, personal trainer. Courtesy photo.

It's good for you

"Dancing in a group allows us to forget about our troubles," said Jenny Dilts, personal trainer and fitness instructor. "We can freely move together in a choreographed manner which is good for regulating our biological systems and staying healthy all while having fun. The energy that comes from a room full of dancers is not only exciting and contagious it’s a healthy way for people to bond and socialize."

Stephanie von Hirschberg, editor magazines and books. Photography by Connie Shakalis.

One stands out

One of most well known versions of the "Jerusalema Challenge" comes from the Irish police force, the Gardaí. Viewers uploaded this rendition of the Challenge, according to independent news group "The Conversation," sending it viral almost the day it was born. And not just because of social media; local newspapers and national news saw its value too.

Competing with Ireland's success, The Swiss Police challenged the Gardaí to best them. But the Swiss could not, conceded, and ended up displaying an Irish flag on the Swiss police building.

Even our own Bloomington's Cook Medical accepted the challenge, in 2021.

It was my friend Stephanie von Hirschberg who acquainted me with the song-and-dance project, after its rhythms ensnared her. "The song is infectious and inspiring," she said. "Even though I don’t understand the Zulu lyrics, I can hear that it’s a lamentation about suffering, a prayer from the heart for release.

The song is a plea to God to transport the singer to the heavenly city. Translated from the native Zulu language, and according to "The Guardian," it says: “Jerusalem is my home/ Guide me / Take me with You / Do not leave me here.” “All of this happened when I was about to lose hope.”