The Origins of the Chicken Wing Dance
The chicken wing dance is a popular arm movement that is often associated with hip hop and funk music. It involves holding your arms out to the sides and moving them up and down, mimicking the flapping motion of a chicken’s wings. But who originally created this funky dance move?
The origins of the chicken wing dance are unclear, but it seems to have emerged in the 1970s or early 1980s within the African American community. According to some accounts, it may have started in New York City during the early days of hip hop as part of street and club dancing. The dance move itself imitates the flapping and pecking movements of a chicken, hence the name “chicken wing.”
Over time, the chicken wing gained popularity and spread within funk and hip hop culture, becoming a fixture of party dancing. It was likely influenced by similar bird-inspired dances like the funky penguin. The loose arm waving and carefree vibe of the chicken wing perfectly matched the high energy of funk and early hip hop music.
Some of the earliest documented instances of the chicken wing dance appear in music videos and performances by funk, soul, and rap artists in the 1970s and 80s. For example, rap group The Sugarhill Gang can be seen busting some chicken wing moves in their iconic 1979 video for “Rapper’s Delight.” It was also featured in the dance scene accompanying Rockwell’s 1984 hit “Somebody’s Watching Me.”
Individuals Who Helped Popularize the Chicken Wing
Though the precise inventor of the chicken wing dance remains unknown, certain individuals helped popularize and spread the dance craze within hip hop culture:
– Dance crews like Rock Steady Crew brought funk styles like the chicken wing to the mainstream in the early 1980s.
– Popping and locking dancers like Boogaloo Shrimp performed evolved variations of the chicken wing move.
– Hip hop figures Dance Daddy and Skeeter Rabbit frequently exhibited the chicken wing dance in music videos and performances.
– Artists like MC Hammer produced songs like “U Can’t Touch This” with dance routines featuring the chicken wing.
Over time, the chicken wing solidified itself as an iconic hip hop dance move, becoming a favorite party dance and mainstream pop culture reference.
Steps for Performing the Chicken Wing Dance
Though individuals may have their own style, the chicken wing dance involves a basic series of arm and hand motions:
1. Stand upright with legs hip-width apart and knees slightly bent. Keep your posture relaxed.
2. Hold both arms straight out to the sides, parallel to the ground at shoulder height. Bend elbows at 90 degrees so forearms point forward.
3. Flap your arms up and down, mimicking the flapping motion of a chicken’s wings. Let your shoulders and forearms move loosely.
4. For variation, try flapping one arm at a time, alternating sides. Or make small circles with your forearms and wrists while flapping.
5. For footwork, shift your weight from side to side on the beat. Add small hops or taps for more flair.
6. Keep moving to the rhythm of the music. Throw in some loose hip swaying or bops. Have fun!
To get into the lively spirit of the dance, imagine you are an excited chicken pecking and flapping your wings. Let the music move you!
Tips for an Authentic Chicken Wing
– Relax your upper body with bent elbows and loose shoulders as you flap. No stiff or tight movements.
– Bend your knees for a casual bouncing vibe. Keep weight forward on balls of feet.
– Vary the size and rhythm of your flaps to match the music.
– Use your wrists to make subtle circles and waves for flair.
– Throw in some shoulder rolls or isolates if feeling funky.
The Chicken Wing Goes Mainstream
From its street dance roots, the chicken wing move went on to become a mainstream dance craze, referenced across pop culture:
Film & TV
The chicken wing gained visibility through dance-centered movies and shows like Soul Train, Dance Fever, and music videos on MTV. Characters in TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Martin were often depicted doing the dance.
Celebrity Performances
Michael Jackson, Beyonce, and Usher are among the celebrities who have performed the chicken wing dance in their concerts and music videos over the years.
Sports
The chicken wing went beyond music to become a touchdown celebration dance in football and a home run ritual in baseball. Athletes like TO and Albert Pujols brought the chicken wing into stadiums.
| Decade | Pop Culture Chicken Wing Moments |
|---|---|
| 1970s | The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” video |
| 1980s | Dance scene in Fame movie |
| 1990s | MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” video |
| 2000s | Beyonce’s solo concert tours |
| 2010s | Cam Newton’s touchdown dance |
Variations of the Chicken Wing Dance
Over the decades, dancers and choreographers added new styles and variations to the basic chicken wing:
New School Chicken Wing
In the 1990s, the dance evolved with faster arm motions and incorporation of techniques like waving, tutting, and gliding. These updated moves defined the “new school” chicken wing.
Stanky Leg Chicken Wing
The Stanky Leg chicken wing combines the classic flapping with leg motions inspired by the Stanky Leg dance. This version adds more lower body moves.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Performed to the song “Chicken Noodle Soup” by DJ Webstar and Young B, thistake features exaggerated chicken wing flapping paired with frenetic foot shuffles.
Shoulder Chicken
Some dancers alter the move by keeping arms bent and flapping from the shoulder rather than extending arms straight out. This creates a more constrained chicken wing.
Lyrical Chicken Wing
In lyrical and contemporary dance, choreographers integrate the chicken wing motion in a smoother, more fluid style complementing slower music.
The Chicken Wing in Hip Hop Culture
The chicken wing holds an iconic status in hip hop as both a favorite party move and representation of “old school”funky style:
| Music | Chicken Wing Significance |
|---|---|
| Rap | Featured in early old school rap and music videos |
| Funk | Epitomizes the lively style of classic funk dancing |
| Soul | Used as a fun, goofy dance in soul music performances |
| Hip hop | Seen as an “O.G.” move that pays homage to old school hip hop dance |
Beyond music, the chicken wing also became ingrained in wider hip hop dance vocabulary alongside foundational moves like the cabbage patch, Roger Rabbit, and running man. It’s frequently included in throwback dance breaks and tributes to honor early hip hop dance pioneers. The chicken wing will likely remain a staple dance for generations to come.
How to Add Your Own Style
While staying true to its laidback, funky vibe, there are many ways to make the chicken wing your own:
Arm Styling
– Play with levels by flapping arms high or low.
– Use hands to grasp air, make beaks, or form claws.
– Isolate specific joints like shoulders, elbows, or wrists.
Footwork
– Incorporate hip hop steps like two-stepping or skating.
– Add jumps, turns, drops, or freezes.
– Improvise your own foot shuffles and steps.
Attitude
– Show your personality through facial expressions and attitude.
– Get silly, be dramatic, or act nonchalant.
– Hype up or smooth out the energy of your moves.
Musicality
– Hit sharp accents or sync flaps to lyrics.
– Speed up and slow down your movements to match rhythms.
– Transition between fast and slow tempos.
By blending classic technique with your own style, you can pay homage to hip hop roots while showcasing your individuality. The chicken wing dance encourages free personal expression.
The Lasting Legacy of the Chicken Wing
Starting as a street dance move in the 1970s, the chicken wing exploded into one of the most iconic funky dances in hip hop culture. Its popularity has spanned over four decades and multiple genres of music, film, television, and sports.
Some key reasons for its longevity include:
- Captures the lively, fun essence of old school hip hop and funk dancing
- Repeatable and adaptable to many styles of music
- Requires minimal skill, allowing anyone to participate
- Loosen, goofy attitude provides comic relief
- Strikes nostalgia and connects to hip hop’s roots
Dozens of variations have emerged over time, but the chicken wing remains most recognizable in its original form: arms extended out, elbows bent, flapping carefreely to funky beats. This iconic party dance will keep audiences grinning, giggling, and getting down for years to come. Whenever those wings start flapping, you just can’t help but smile and join in on the fun.
Conclusion
The chicken wing dance has cemented itself as a beloved hip hop dance craze, entertaining partygoers for over 40 years and counting. While its exact origin is vague, the chicken wing arose in the 1970s as part of funk and early hip hop dance culture. Iconic moves like the chicken wing pay homage to hip hop’s old school roots yet remain relevant through pop culture’s ever-changing dance landscape. This fun, lively arm flapping dance requires minimal skill but packs huge attitude. Both MCs busting moves in the Bronx streets and megastars selling out stadium tours have rocked the chicken wing. By adding flair and personal style, each dancer can transform the basic wing flap into their own unique dance. For any fan of funky grooves and carefree self-expression, the chicken wing provides the perfect dancefloor release.