A Comprehensive Guide to Thom Yorke’s Arm-Dancing
There’s dancing, and then there’s Thom Yorke’s arm-dancing — a purer form, all swirling hips and oddly angled arms. It’s a movement you can’t forget (especially if you have seen the “Lotus Flower” video or the just-released “Ingenue”). But it’s not easy to imitate! So in honor of Yorke’s latest musical project — Amok, a new album from his supergroup Atoms for Peace — Vulture has created the definitive guide to Thom Yorke’s Arm-Dancing. Study it now, and you will be totally fluent by festival season.
"Boo! I'm a ghost! Boo! Boo. Why aren't you scared?"
Photo: Lyle A. Waisman/Getty Images
"Hold on, let me just open my apartment door and see what's inside."
No no no noooooooo way! I'm not living without you, etc.
Photo: Roberto Serra - Iguana Press/Redferns
"No, it's fine. Rubinstein recorded all of his best stuff at this angle."
Photo: John Shearer/WireImage
Really, we just wanted an excuse to link to this legendary Yorke/"Single Ladies" video.
Flea, you missed your cue.
Thom Yorke loves water rides.
Photo: Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns
Thom Yorke wants a Drake billboard, too.
Photo: Andy Sheppard/Redferns
Fun fact: Thom Yorke's favorite movie is Wedding Crashers.
Minus the comb, obviously.
Photo: Andy Sheppard/Redferns
It is important to remember the environment while dancing.
"Thom, you don't actually have to lean with the car." "Oh, okay."
Photo: C Flanigan/2012 C Flanigan
Look, he can do conventional dances too.
Let him out!
Photo: Massimo Barsoum/Splash News/Corbis
With bonus maracas.
Photo: Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns
"It's me! I'm under it! Kiss me!"
Crampons optional.
Photo: Greetsia Tent/WireImage
Look, his arms get tired. From all the dancing.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic