Working for Guinness World Records definitely has its perks, and my most recent adjudication was certainly one of them.  On Saturday, July 17, I had the pleasure of adjudicating a record attempt for the Largest dance – Twist in sunny Glendale, California.  The attempt was held during the 17th annual Glendale Cruise Night, and was led by two legends in the music world – renowned Los Angeles radio DJ Brian Beirne, and the man without whom this record category would not exist, Chubby Checker.

Twisters and volunteers practice their dance moves for the upcoming record attempt.

If you are from southern California, you probably know Brian (a.k.a. Mr. Rock N’ Roll) as the voice of oldies rock station KRTH-FM, where he worked for 27 years.  Brian was the brains behind the record attempt, and oversaw a staff of dedicated and hardworking volunteers.

Chubby Checker of course, needs no introduction.  One of the most iconic performers of the 1960s, Chubby started the worldwide dance craze the Twist.  The hit single of the same name went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1960, and returned to the #1 spot again in January 1962 – the only single to ever reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in two different chart runs.  This year, 2010, marks the 50th anniversary of ‘The Twist’.

Chubby was due to take the stage at 9pm, and Twisters started checking in to be counted for the record attempt an hour earlier, at 8pm.  There were two enclosed areas at either side of the stage with turnstile entrances, as every dancer had to be accurately counted.  There was a huge turnout for the cruise night (one estimate I heard was 27,000), so there was not enough time to count everyone and still keep to schedule.  Instead, we focused on specifically counting only the number of dancers needed to break the record.  This was easily achieved, with a final total of 1,692 dancers.  After it was confirmed that all of the dancers performed the Twist for the required five minutes, I was able to officially announce a new Guinness World Records achievement!

Chubby Checker performs his hit single "The Twist" during the record attempt.

The record attempt took place at the start of Chubby’s performance, so afterwards everyone relaxed and enjoyed the show, which was one of the most fun, high-energy shows I have seen in a while.  After all of these years, Chubby’s still got it!

All in all, it was a fantastic evening in southern California, with amazing music, a great crowd, and a new Guinness World Records achievement.  So until next time…keep Twistin’!

Legendary radio DJ Brian Beirne accepts the official certificate upon setting a new world record.

Amanda Mochan

19 July 2010