National Dance Like a Chicken Day
National Dance Like a Chicken Day is a quirky holiday dedicated to performing the famous “Chicken Dance” – a beloved dance routine accompanied by a catchy tune that has become a staple at weddings, parties, and social gatherings worldwide.
Quick Facts
When is it?: May 14th annually
Tagged as: Dance Like a Chicken Day, National Chicken Dance Day
What’s the hashtag?: #DanceLikeAChickenDay
When was it founded?: 1970s
Who founded it?: Unknown, started as an alternative way to celebrate May Day
History of the Chicken Dance
The dance originated in Switzerland in the 1950s when accordion player Werner Thomas composed “Der Ententanz” (The Duck Dance). Interestingly, Thomas was inspired by Swiss skiers who reminded him of ducks with their movements. The dance reached America in the 1970s but didn’t gain popularity until the 1980s. The name “Chicken Dance” emerged during the 1981 Tulsa Oktoberfest when performers had to wear chicken costumes instead of duck costumes.
Timeline
- 1955: Werner Thomas composes the original melody in Switzerland
- 1970s: The dance reaches the United States
- 1981: Becomes known as “The Chicken Dance” at Tulsa Oktoberfest
- 2014: 48,000 people perform the dance simultaneously in Cincinnati
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May | 14 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | May | 14 | Thursday |
| 2027 | May | 14 | Friday |
| 2028 | May | 14 | Sunday |
| 2029 | May | 14 | Monday |
How It’s Observed
The celebration involves performing the iconic chicken dance moves: making a beak with your hands, flapping your wings, wiggling your tail, and clapping. People gather at parties, events, and festivals to perform the dance together.
Fun Facts About the Chicken Dance
- Originally meant to mimic ducks, not chickens
- The song has made significant money in commercial licensing
- Known by different names worldwide including “Bird Dance” and “Birdie Song”
- Has set multiple world records for mass participation
- Featured in numerous TV shows, movies, and commercials
Quiz
- What was the original name of the dance?
- In which country was the dance created?
- What year did it become known as the Chicken Dance?
(Answers: 1. Der Ententanz (The Duck Dance), 2. Switzerland, 3. 1981)
FAQs
- What are the basic moves?: Form a beak, flap wings, wiggle, and clap
- Why is it called the Chicken Dance?: Due to a costume mishap at Tulsa Oktoberfest
- Where is it most commonly performed?: Weddings, parties, and Oktoberfest celebrations
Related
- World Dance Day
- Oktoberfest
- National Polka Day
- International Folk Dance Day
- National Party Day
