Twister Dance Review
Twister Dance Review
The Twister Dance Review takes a classic party game and gives it a high-energy makeover for the modern age. Released by Hasbro in 2012, this electronic twist on the iconic Twister franchise traded floor mats for glowing spots that challenged kids to move, groove, and dance along to popular music tracks. With built-in songs from chart-topping artists and the option to plug in your own MP3 player, Twister Dance earned its place on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2012 list as one of the most entertaining and active gifts of the season.
In this review, we’ll explore how Twister Dance worked, why it was such a holiday sensation, and what made it one of the year’s must-have Christmas toys.
A New Spin on a Classic Game
Twister has been a family favourite since the 1960s, but by 2012 Hasbro knew it was time to reinvent the game for a new generation. Twister Dance swapped the giant floor mat for a compact electronic console with four colour-coded dance spots. Instead of twisting arms and legs into knots, players followed flashing lights with their feet, turning the game into a rhythm-based dance challenge.
The goal was simple: step on the right coloured spot in time with the beat. Songs built in included hits from artists like Britney Spears, Ke$ha, and Willow Smith, ensuring the soundtrack was instantly recognisable to kids and tweens. This clever blend of familiar branding with music culture made Twister Dance feel both fresh and relevant.
Design and Features
The set came with an electronic Twister Dance console and four coloured dance spots (red, blue, green, yellow). The console lit up in sync with the music, guiding players to step on the correct spots. Multiple difficulty settings meant kids could start simple and work their way up to faster, more complex routines.
One standout feature was the MP3 input port. Kids could plug in their own music player and let the game generate dance sequences to their favourite songs. This kept the play experience fresh and personalised, extending the game’s lifespan beyond the preloaded tracks.
Play Value and Appeal
Twister Dance stood out among the most popular Christmas toys of 2012 because it encouraged both active play and social interaction. Unlike many toys that year, which leaned heavily on tech screens, this one got kids moving. It was equally fun for solo play — dancing along to perfect a routine — or group sessions at parties and family gatherings.
The physical activity element was a big hit with parents, who appreciated that it combined exercise with fun. For kids, the appeal was all about the music and the challenge of mastering routines. Siblings and friends often turned it into competitions, adding even more replay value.
Why It Was a 2012 Christmas Favourite
Twister Dance captured the spotlight for several reasons:
- Modernised Classic – Reinvented a beloved brand for a new generation.
- Music Integration – Popular tracks from real artists boosted its appeal.
- Custom Play – MP3 input allowed kids to use their own music.
- Active Fun – Encouraged kids to move, dance, and stay active.
- Group Friendly – Perfect for parties, sleepovers, and family nights.
Collector’s Perspective
Although primarily a children’s toy, Twister Dance holds nostalgic appeal as a unique moment in the Twister brand’s evolution. For collectors of Hasbro’s history, it represents a time when the company experimented with merging toys, music, and physical activity. Complete sets with the console, all four dance spots, and original packaging are relatively rare now and can command interest from niche collectors.
Consumer Feedback
Reviews in 2012 were upbeat. Parents praised its active element: “Finally, a toy that gets them off the sofa and moving,” one noted. Kids loved the music tie-ins: “I got to dance with Britney Spears’ song on Christmas morning — best gift ever,” said another.
Some users mentioned that the difficulty curve could be steep on higher settings, but most saw this as part of the fun. Others highlighted that the MP3 function kept the game feeling fresh long after the novelty of the built-in songs wore off.
Buying Tips
Twister Dance is no longer widely available at retail, but second-hand markets sometimes list it. For advice on sourcing retro toys safely, check our best places to buy Christmas toys online guide. When buying used, make sure the console lights still function properly and that all four dance spots are included — missing pads significantly reduce play value.
Complete sets in working condition can still provide plenty of fun today, especially for family game nights with a nostalgic twist.
Extended Play Ideas
Twister Dance wasn’t just about following lights. Many kids used it as a stage prop, turning their bedrooms into mini discos with friends. Some families even linked it into party games, setting up competitions with prizes for the best performance. Its portability also made it easy to bring along to sleepovers or holiday gatherings, keeping groups entertained for hours.
Parents reported that Twister Dance became a go-to for rainy days when energy levels were high but outdoor play wasn’t possible. It was a toy that kept giving long after Christmas morning excitement had faded.
Verdict
Twister Dance was a bold reinvention of a timeless brand. By fusing music, movement, and technology, Hasbro created a toy that felt both classic and cutting-edge. Its place on the Top 10 Toys This Christmas list was well deserved, and its mix of fun, fitness, and family play made it one of 2012’s most memorable gifts.
For more festive favourites, visit our Hasbro Christmas Toys brand page, or check out the full 2012 toy archive for every seasonal hit.
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