Every Millennial and Gen Xer vividly remembers when the “Macarena” took over in the ‘996. Our school dances guaranteed at least one round of it, and we have the singing, dancing, comedic, guitarist and 70’s icon Charo, 74, to thank for it.
Related: ’70s Pop Culture Icon, 74, Still as Beautiful and “Cuchi-Cuchi” as Ever
On July 1, Charo reminded her longtime fans that the reason the Macarena exploded in the U.S. was because of her.
“Hola amigos,” she captions her video. :I want to share with you a little history that I hope you like… Once upon a time when my ‘cuchi-cuchi’ was only a ‘kichi-kichi’ I introduce to America a cute song and dance like aerobic exercise by the name Macarena…”
@therealcharo Hola Amigos I want to Share with You a Little History That l Hope You Like It . Once Upon A Time when My Cuchi- Cuchi. Was Only a Kichi Kichi I Introduce To América a Cute Song and Dance like aerobic exercise By the Name MACARENA .and Was a Huge Success . So If Some Time You Feel Sad Or Depress Do Like I Do Baila Baila Baila . And Soon you Will Fell OKAY . I love You All BESOS. #charo #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #dance
♬ original sound – CHaro
The performer apparently heard the original version in Madrid and brought it back with her to dance in her live performances. Inspired by Flamenco dancing, the Macarena was far more “seductive” when Charo did it, but when it officially landed in the U.S. thanks to the The Bayside Boys mix of Los Del Rio’s “Macarena” and was remastered in 1996 with English, the dance became more “robotic” for American enthusiasts.
Fans weren’t just fixated on Charo’s trivia lesson, they couldn’t keep their eyes off of her impressive dance moves and ageless appearance at 74 years old.
“Looking good,” complimented one fan. “I’ve been watching you since I was a kid you’ve always been so beautiful.”
“You haven’t aged,” noted another. “I’m 50-years-oldand I swear you look the same as you did when I was a child. Love your vibe!”
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