National Dance Like A Chicken Day

Young child flapping their arms like wings, wearing a chicken hat, surrounded by barnyard scenery.. — National dance like a chicken day illustration

Are you ready to shake your tail feathers? It's National Dance Like a Chicken Day!

When is Dance Like A Chicken Day?

It's national dance like a chicken day on the 14th May.

A Poultry Party like no other

On this clucking fantastic holiday, people from all over gather together to celebrate and embrace their inner chicken. Whether you're a seasoned chicken dancer or a complete novice, this day is the perfect opportunity to let loose and bust some moves that are sure to ruffle some feathers.

This whimsical holiday has gained quite the following online. With a whopping 1571 mentions detected, it's clear that people just can't resist the charm of dancing like these feathered friends. The peak of chicken dance mania was recorded on May 14, 2015, when the internet was running foul with chicken dance enthusiasts.

Let's shake a tail feather

Dance Like a Chicken Day is not only a chance to have some clucking good fun, but it's also an excellent way to get your body moving. Similar to other dance forms, the chicken dance provides a cardio workout and helps improve coordination. So, don't be chicken—get out there and shake a tail feather!

To celebrate this special day, gather your flock, both feathered and non-feathered, and have a poultry party like no other. Create a playlist of catchy songs that'll get everyone flapping their wings and scratching the dance floor. Show off your best chicken moves and make sure to be as clucky as possible.

History behind the term 'Dance Like A Chicken'

1960

The Birth of the Chicken Dance

In 1960, a Swiss accordion player named Werner Thomas composed a catchy instrumental track called 'Der Ententanz' (The Duck Dance) for a competition. The lively tune gained popularity and was later paired with a series of simple dance moves. The dance was first introduced in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, and it quickly spread throughout Europe.

1977

The Chicken Dance Crosses the Pond

In 1977, the Chicken Dance made its way across the Atlantic to the United States. It was introduced at the Tulsa, Oklahoma International Folk Dance Festival by a Swiss folklorist named Uli Nef. The festivalgoers loved the playful and infectious dance, and it started gaining attention in the American dance scene.

1981

The Chicken Dance Goes Mainstream

In 1981, the Chicken Dance truly went mainstream. The dance received a significant boost when it was featured in a popular Belgian film called 'Madame Edouard.' The film's director, Yves Robert, showcased the dance at a wedding scene, and its inclusion helped propel the Chicken Dance to global recognition.

1982

The Midwest Polka Connection

The Chicken Dance became particularly associated with polka music and gained popularity in the Midwest region of the United States. Polka festivals and weddings often featured the Chicken Dance as a staple dance, and it became a beloved part of the local cultural traditions.

1994

Chicken Dance Takes Flight in Pop Culture

The Chicken Dance achieved widespread fame in popular culture in 1994 when it was featured in an episode of the hit TV sitcom 'Friends.' The episode titled 'The One with All the Wedding Dresses' showcased the characters performing the Chicken Dance at a wedding expo. This exposure further solidified the Chicken Dance as a cultural phenomenon.

2009

Record-breaking Chicken Dance

On September 5, 2009, the city of Stuttgart, Germany set a Guinness World Record for the largest Chicken Dance gathering. A staggering 7,544 participants converged at the Castle Square to dance together, surpassing the previous record set in the United States. This event highlighted the global appeal and enduring popularity of the Chicken Dance.

Did you know?

Did you know that the classic chicken dance song, also known as the Chicken Dance Polka, was composed by Swiss accordionist Werner Thomas in the 1950s? It has since become an international hit and is played at weddings, parties, and, of course, on National Dance Like a Chicken Day!