Claire Thompson
The Chicken Dance is a popular dance and drinking song at weddings, parties, and festivals, particularly those with German-inspired themes. Despite its association with German culture, the dance actually originated in Switzerland in the 1950s. The dance involves a series of simple moves that mimic a chicken's beak, wings, and tail feathers. While some people enjoy the lighthearted and entertaining nature of the dance, others find it cheesy or even cringe-worthy. This paragraph will explore the different perceptions and variations of the Chicken Dance and whether it is possible to make it not suck.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | The song was composed by Swiss accordion player Werner Thomas in the 1950s. |
| Other Names | Der Ententanz, Tchip Tchip, Vogerltanz, the Bird Song, the Chicken Song, the Birdie Song, the Bird Dance, Danse des Canards, the Duck Dance, El Baile de los Pajaritos, O Baile dos Passarinhos, Il Ballo del Qua Qua, Check Out the Chicken, Dance Little Bird |
| Popularity | A well-known drinking and dancing song at American Oktoberfest events and weddings, particularly in cultures that include polka music. |
| Versions | Over 140 versions have been recorded worldwide, including some released by Walt Disney Records. |
| Steps | The dance has five moves, four of which are done in place and repeated throughout each verse. |
| The dancer lifts both hands into the air and opens and closes them like a chicken beak. | |
| The dancer tucks their hands into their armpits and flaps them like chicken wings. | |
| The dancer wiggles their shoulders and/or hips while descending. | |
| The dancer claps four times. | |
| In the fifth move, the dancer and a partner lock arms, face opposite directions, and spin. | |
| Creative Freedom | Dancers are encouraged to be creative and mix things up to make the dance more fun. |
| Criticism | Some people dislike the dance, requesting it on "do not play" lists for weddings. |
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What You'll Learn
The dance's simple steps
The Chicken Dance is a well-known dance at parties and festivals, especially those with German-inspired themes, like Oktoberfest. The dance is simple and involves five discrete moves, performed in repetitions of three, followed by a clap.
The first move is to lift both hands into the air and open and close them like a chicken's beak four times, once on each beat. The dancer then tucks their hands into their armpits and flaps their elbows like a chicken's wings, again, four times, once on each beat. The third move involves wiggling the shoulders and/or hips (tail feathers) while bending the knees and descending for two beats. The dancer then stands up straight and claps their hands to the music four times.
The final move is performed with a partner. The pair may lock arms, facing opposite directions, and spin. However, if you are dancing solo, you can stomp your feet and clap on the outside of the circle, or simply wait for the song to change.
The dance is meant to be fun, so feel free to be creative and mix up the steps!
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The song's Swiss origins
The "Chicken Dance" is an oom-pah song composed by Swiss accordion player Werner Thomas from Davos, Switzerland, in the 1950s. The original name of the song was "Der Ententanz", which means "The Duck Dance" in German. Thomas composed the song in 1957, though some sources claim he wrote the first version in 1955. He played it in restaurants, hotels, and ski resorts for tourists from the 1950s through the 1960s. During this time, he tweaked the melody and developed accompanying dance moves. The dance moves involve imitating a duck's or chicken's beak with your hands, flapping your arms like wings, and bending your knees to walk like the bird.
In 1973, Belgian music producer Louis Julien van Rijmenant (also known as Louis van Rymenant or Louis Julien van Rijmenant) heard Thomas perform the song while vacationing in Switzerland. Van Rymenant obtained the notes from Thomas, produced the melody on a synthesizer, and released it under the title "Tchip Tchip" in 1973. Van Rymenant copyrighted the song in 1969 and had some lyrics created, releasing it to the public in 1970 through his publishing company Intervox Music. However, this initial release was not very successful.
The song became a worldwide hit from 1980 to 1982, with over 140 versions recorded worldwide, including releases by Walt Disney Records. It has been recorded in various languages, including German, Dutch, French, Italian, and English, and has spawned numerous cover versions and parodies. The song and dance gained popularity in the United States during the 1981 Tulsa, Oklahoma Oktoberfest, where a local television station provided a chicken costume for a dancer, giving rise to the name "Chicken Dance" in America.
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The dance's popularity at weddings
The "Chicken Dance", also known as the Birdie Song, is a well-known dance at weddings, particularly in cultures that include polka music. The dance is said to have originated in the 1950s and was composed by accordion player Werner Thomas from Davos, Switzerland. It gained popularity in the Western world and has since become a familiar drinking and dancing song at American Oktoberfest events.
The Chicken Dance is often considered a fun and engaging activity at weddings, especially for older guests. Its simple steps, which involve mimicking a chicken's movements, make it accessible to people of all ages and dance abilities. The dance typically involves five discrete moves, including lifting the hands in the air and opening and closing them like a chicken's beak, tucking hands into armpits and flapping elbows like wings, and wiggling shoulders and hips.
The popularity of the Chicken Dance at weddings can be attributed to its lighthearted and entertaining nature. It is often seen as a way to get guests up on the dance floor and create a joyful and celebratory atmosphere. Some couples may choose to include it as a fun and memorable element, especially if they know their guests will enjoy it. The dance is usually accompanied by upbeat music, contributing to the festive ambiance.
However, the Chicken Dance is not without its detractors. Some couples may consider it a faux pas or too "cheesy" for their wedding reception. They may prefer more elegant or sophisticated alternatives, such as traditional waltzes and polkas, or other group dances like the Cupid Shuffle, Cha Cha Slide, or Electric Slide.
Ultimately, the inclusion of the Chicken Dance at weddings is a matter of personal preference. While some couples embrace its playful nature and the opportunity to bring guests together in a lighthearted moment, others may seek a different tone for their celebration. The Chicken Dance continues to be a popular choice at weddings, especially for those who prioritize fun and want to see their loved ones whooping it up on the dance floor.
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The dance's presence in pop culture
The Chicken Dance has become a cultural icon, with its distinct melody and recognisable moves making it a staple at celebrations worldwide. From wedding receptions to Oktoberfest events, this catchy tune has ingrained itself into the collective consciousness, bringing joy and uniting people in shared moments of celebration and movement.
One notable example of the Chicken Dance's presence in pop culture is its appearance in a television advertisement for the album "Bird Dance" by the polka-themed cover band "The Emeralds". The advertisement featured a bird-costumed dancer among a group performing the dance, and it helped the album achieve double-platinum status in Canada and gold status in Australia.
Additionally, the Chicken Dance has been performed during sporting events, such as at the Wells Fargo Center when the NHL club Philadelphia Flyers scored four goals in a game during the 2015-2016 season. The Flyers even had a partnership with Chick-Fil-A, where customers could get free breakfast sandwiches the day after the Flyers scored four or more goals.
The Chicken Dance has also made its way into the film industry, with actor John Travolta performing the dance during Sanremo 2024. Its simple and playful moves have ensured its enduring popularity, making it a timeless piece of pop culture that continues to bring people together and create joyful shared experiences.
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The dance's variations
The Chicken Dance, also known as the Birdie Song, the Bird Dance, the Duck Dance, and many other names, has become a familiar sight at weddings, parties, and festivals around the world. The dance originated in the 1950s when Swiss musician Werner Thomas composed the original melody on his accordion. Over the years, Thomas tweaked the melody and added a dance to accompany it. The dance involves five moves, which are repeated throughout each verse:
- The dancer lifts both hands into the air and opens and closes them like a chicken's beak four times.
- The dancer tucks their hands into their armpits and flaps their "wings" four times.
- The dancer wiggles their shoulders and/or hips (tail feathers) while descending for two beats.
- The dancer claps four times.
- The dancer locks arms with a partner, facing opposite directions, and spins.
While these are the basic steps, dancers are encouraged to be creative and mix things up to make the dance more fun. The Chicken Dance is often performed in circles, with dancers linking elbows with their neighbours. It is also common to stomp your feet and clap along with the music.
The Chicken Dance has become a staple at weddings, particularly in cultures that include polka music. It is also a popular drinking and dancing song at Oktoberfest celebrations, not only in the US but also in Germany, where it is known as "Ententanz" or Duck Dance. The dance has spread to other countries as well, with over 140 versions recorded worldwide, including releases by Walt Disney Records.
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Frequently asked questions
The Chicken Dance is a popular dance and song that is well-known in Western cultures. It originated in Switzerland in the 1950s and is often performed at weddings and drinking events like Oktoberfest.
The dance involves five moves that are done in place and repeated throughout each verse. The dancer lifts both hands into the air and opens and closes them like a chicken's beak, tucks their hands into their armpits and flaps them like wings, wiggles their shoulders or hips, and then claps. During the refrain, dancers can lock arms with a partner and spin in opposite directions.
No, the chicken dance is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is often performed at weddings, parties, and festivals like Oktoberfest. While it may be associated with childhood memories or school events, it is not exclusively for children.
The Chicken Dance was originally composed by Swiss accordion player Werner Thomas in the 1950s. It was known as "Der Ententanz" or "The Duck Dance." Over time, it gained popularity and spread to other countries, with musicians creating their own versions. In 1981, it became known as the Chicken Dance at the annual Oktoberfest in Tulsa, Oklahoma when a German band suggested using duck costumes to engage the audience. However, they could only find a turkey costume, so they turned it into a chicken, and the Chicken Dance was born.
The Chicken Dance is often associated with polka music and is considered a type of polka by some people. It is commonly performed at events and festivals that feature polka music, such as Oktoberfest and weddings with polka traditions. However, others may disagree and view it as a unique dance separate from traditional polka.
