National Dance Like a Chicken Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Dance Like a Chicken Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Dance Like a Chicken Day is observed on May 14th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Dance Like a Chicken Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you should know about National Dance Like a Chicken Day.

📅 What day is National Dance Like a Chicken Day 2024?

In 2024, National Dance Like a Chicken Day is on Sunday, May 14th. It is the 2nd Sunday in May; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all fascinating details and facts about May 14, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Dance Like A Chicken Day, which falls on May 14th, is a day dedicated to bringing back joyful memories of performing the famous Chicken Dance. Almost everyone has participated in this dance at some point in their lives, whether it was during their school days or at a recent event. The catchy oompah tune that accompanies the dance, now known as “The Chicken Dance Song,” was originally created in Switzerland during the 1950s. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the song gained popularity in the United States. So, why not play the song and join in the fun of doing the chicken dance with the young ones in your life today?

📜 National Dance Like a Chicken Day History

The “Duck Dance” first emerged at Thomas’ restaurant in 1963, as people started imitating duck-like dance movements that we all recognize today. They couldn’t resist grooving to the music! In the 1970s, Thomas changed the name of the song to “Tchirp-Tchirp” to better represent the creatures he loved. For almost ten years, the Chicken Dance song was only known in a small Swiss vacation town.

Then, Belgian music producer Louis Van Rymenant came across Thomas’ tune while vacationing and decided to add lyrics to it. It became an instant hit. By the 1970s, “Duck Dancing” had made its way to America, complete with its signature dance steps. September Music Corporation acquired the rights in the United States and renamed the song “Dance Little Bird.” Stanley Mills, the song’s publisher, tried to include English lyrics but was unsuccessful.

In the 1980s, various bands like De Electronica and a polka band released different versions of the song, including an instrumental version on their album “Hooked on Polkas!” Despite Mills’ efforts, the song didn’t achieve much success on the charts in the early 1980s.

However, by the late 1980s, the Duck Dance was rebranded as “The Chicken Dance” and began appearing at a wide range of events, from Oktoberfests to birthday parties. After Mills agreed to include the song on a compilation of dance songs, “The Chicken Dance” transcended its genre. It has since been used in commercials, karaoke, and has achieved both chart success and financial prosperity. Today, it remains a popular choice for various occasions, and we all have a fondness for its amusing music.

✅ National Dance Like a Chicken Day Facts

🔖 It’s a bestseller
The song has been captured in more than 140 unique renditions, and it has been purchased by over 40 million people all around the globe.

🔖 It topped the charts

🔖 It was named after the wrong bird!
The original name of the song was “Der Ententanz,” which means “The Duck Dance” when translated.

👍 Why Is National Dance Like a Chicken Day Important

Everyone remembers dancing to “The Chicken Dance Song.” Even if you’re an adult, the oompah music makes you want to dance! The chicken dance is a lot of fun for people of all ages.

We may all recall how excited we were as children when we heard “The Chicken Dance Song” and joyously clapped and danced along to the music. Many of us can recall a happy memory associated with the dance, whether we remember it from summer camp, played it in our high school band, or have a video of our daughter dancing to it when she was young!

Get over your embarrassing worries and hit the dance floor! Dancing is a fantastic way to get your heart rate up (particularly when the Chicken Dance speeds up).

🙂 How To Observe National Dance Like a Chicken Day

⚡ Check out some polka
“The Chicken Dance Song” is essentially a genuine German oompah music piece that bears a strong resemblance to polka, characterized by its prominent tuba-driven rhythm. Although polka music is not frequently heard these days, we can diminish the novelty of “The Chicken Dance Song” by incorporating some polka elements into it.

⚡ Dance like a chicken
Certainly! Everyone knows and loves “The Chicken Dance Song!” It’s a classic tune that has been enjoyed since the 1970s, and it’s famous for its iconic “beak” and “wing” dancing moves.

⚡ Dress like a chicken
Are you ready to step things up? Consider wearing a chicken onesie or even just a paper beak. That’s a true dedication to celebrating National Dance Like a Chicken Day.

📅 When is National Dance Like a Chicken Day?

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