Flap your arms, wiggle your hips and clap your hands: National Dance Like a Chicken Day, on May 14, celebrates the famously silly Chicken Dance. A staple of weddings, Oktoberfests and school events, the dance is easy, energetic and guaranteed to make people laugh. You don't need any dance skills, just a sense of fun and a willingness to look a little goofy.
History of National Dance Like a Chicken Day
The music behind the Chicken Dance was composed in the 1950s by Werner Thomas, a Swiss accordion player. Originally called 'Der Ententanz', or 'The Duck Dance', it was popular in Europe, especially at festivals. The song spread throughout Europe under different names.
In the United States, the song became known as the Chicken Dance. One popular story says it arrived at the Tulsa Oktoberfest in Oklahoma in 1981, where organizers wanted a dance in costume, and no duck costumes were available, so they used a chicken costume instead. The dance quickly became a hit at American festivals, weddings and sporting events.
The Chicken Dance is often played at Oktoberfests, polka events and baseball games. Its simple steps make it easy for people of all ages to join. Who created National Dance Like a Chicken Day is not documented.
Why National Dance Like a Chicken Day Matters
The Chicken Dance brings people together through laughter. Everyone can join in, regardless of age or dance ability.
Silly dancing also reduces stress and gets people moving.
It also shows how a piece of folk music can travel across borders and be reinvented by new cultures, changing from a duck to a chicken along the way.
The Chicken Dance also proves that dancing does not have to be serious or skillful to be fun. People who would never take a dance class will happily flap their arms at a wedding. That sense of shared silliness can break the ice between strangers, bring generations together on the dance floor and create memories that last long after the music stops.
How to Celebrate National Dance Like a Chicken Day
- Do the Chicken Dance: make beaks with your hands, flap your wings, wiggle and clap.
- Host a dance party: play the song and invite everyone to join.
- Dress up: wear feathers or chicken hats.
- Learn the history: read about the Swiss composer.
- Make it a challenge: see who can keep up as the tempo speeds up.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a quick Chicken Dance break can energize a meeting or team event, though participation should be optional. In classrooms, the Chicken Dance is a great brain break or gym activity; students can learn about the song's history and explore folk dances from different countries. At home, families can host a dance-off, make chicken costumes from paper plates, and dance together. Small children especially love the movements and speeding tempo.
Fun Facts About National Dance Like a Chicken Day
- The song was composed in the 1950s by Swiss musician Werner Thomas.
- It was originally called 'The Duck Dance'.
- The Chicken Dance became popular at the Tulsa Oktoberfest in 1981.
National Dance Like a Chicken Day FAQs
When is National Dance Like a Chicken Day?
National Dance Like a Chicken Day is May 14.
Who created the Chicken Dance?
Swiss accordionist Werner Thomas composed the music in the 1950s.
What was it originally called?
'Der Ententanz', or 'The Duck Dance'.
What are the steps?
Beak hands, flapping wings, wiggling down and clapping.