Ever wondered just how funky your chicken really is? Let’s dive into this iconic dance move that’s been shakin’ up dance floors since the 60s!
The Origins of the Funky Chicken
Y’know, I’ve been obsessing over dance history lately, and few moves have captured my imagination quite like the Funky Chicken. This legendary dance move burst onto the scene in the late 1960s, becoming one of the most recognizable dance crazes of its time.
The Funky Chicken isn’t just any dance – it’s a VIBE. It involves flapping your arms like chicken wings, bobbing your head forward and back, and adding your own personal swagger to make it truly yours. The beauty of this dance is that there ain’t no wrong way to do it… as long as you’re bringing the FUNK!
Rufus Thomas, often called the “World’s Oldest Teenager,” popularized this move with his 1969 hit “Do the Funky Chicken.” But the dance truly entered mainstream consciousness when musical groups like The Jackson 5 referenced it in their performances and recordings.
The Jackson 5 Connection
The Jackson 5 that incredible Motown group featuring young Michael Jackson and his brothers, helped cement the Funky Chicken in pop culture history. Their energetic performances and infectious rhythms were the perfect backdrop for this playful dance move.
Their track “How Funky Is Your Chicken” is a testament to how dance moves and music intertwined in that era to create cultural phenomena. The song’s playful energy and rhythmic beats practically DEMAND that listeners get up and show off their own version of the Funky Chicken.
When the Jackson 5 performed, they didn’t just sing – they MOVED. Their choreography often incorporated elements of popular dances like the Funky Chicken, bringing these moves to audiences across America through television appearances and concerts.
Why the Funky Chicken Endures
Despite decades passing since its heyday, the Funky Chicken remains instantly recognizable in our cultural consciousness. But why?
I think it’s because of these key factors:
- It’s accessible to everyone – Unlike complicated choreography, anyone can do a version of the Funky Chicken
- It’s inherently playful – The dance doesn’t take itself seriously
- It’s customizable – Each dancer brings their own style and flair
- It’s visually memorable – The chicken-inspired movements create an unforgettable visual
- It crosses generations – Grandparents can teach it to grandkids!
How to Do the Funky Chicken (Like You Mean It!)
Wanna learn how to do this iconic move? Let me break it down for ya:
- Start with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent
- Bend your arms at the elbows, positioning your hands near your armpits (creating your “wings”)
- Begin flapping your “wings” while bobbing your head forward and back
- Add a rhythmic step, shifting your weight from one foot to the other
- Get low, bringing your chicken moves closer to the ground
- Add your personal flair – maybe a spin, a kick, or whatever feels right!
The real secret? COMMIT TO IT. The Funky Chicken is not for the half-hearted. You gotta go all in, embracing the silliness and letting yourself be truly uninhibited.
The Cultural Impact of Dance Crazes
The Funky Chicken belongs to a proud tradition of dance crazes that swept across America throughout the 20th century. These phenomena weren’t just about movement – they represented cultural moments, often tied to specific music genres and social changes.
From the Charleston in the 1920s to the Twist in the 1960s and the Macarena in the 1990s, these dances provided a shared physical vocabulary that brought people together across different backgrounds.
The Jackson 5’s connection to dances like the Funky Chicken highlights how African American cultural expressions became mainstream American culture, influencing everything from music to fashion to language.
When Music and Movement Collide
The relationship between specific songs and their associated dances creates a powerful cultural combination. When artists like The Jackson 5 referenced dance moves in their music, they weren’t just describing a physical action – they were participating in a cultural conversation.
This intersection of music and movement creates something greater than the sum of its parts. The song becomes more memorable because of the dance, and the dance spreads further because of the song.
In today’s TikTok era, we see this same phenomenon with viral dance challenges. But there’s something special about those classic dance crazes that required people to gather physically in the same space, feeling the energy of others doing the same moves.
The Funky Chicken in Modern Pop Culture
Even if you’ve never intentionally done the Funky Chicken, you’ve probably seen references to it in movies, TV shows, and commercials. It’s become shorthand for uninhibited, joyful dancing – often used for comic effect.
We’ve seen it pop up in:
- Wedding receptions (usually by that one uncle)
- Comedy films featuring awkward dancing
- Nostalgic references in period shows set in the 60s and 70s
- Commercial advertisements trying to appear fun and energetic
- School talent shows and community performances
This dance has remarkable staying power, continuing to make appearances decades after its introduction.
Why We Need More Funky Chicken Energy Today
In our sometimes too-serious world, I think we could use more Funky Chicken energy. There’s something beautifully liberating about a dance that’s intentionally silly, that prioritizes fun over looking cool.
When someone does the Funky Chicken, they’re saying: “I don’t care if I look ridiculous – I’m here to have a good time.” That attitude is increasingly rare in our carefully curated social media era.
The Funky Chicken reminds us that joy often comes from surrendering our self-consciousness and embracing playfulness. In a world where we often overthink everything, there’s wisdom in occasionally flapping our arms like chicken wings and bobbing our heads to a funky beat.
How Funky Is YOUR Chicken?
The beauty of this dance is that it’s a personal expression. The question “How funky is your chicken?” isn’t just a song title – it’s an invitation to bring your unique style to this classic move.
Some people’s Funky Chicken is high-energy and athletic. Others might keep it subtle with just a hint of chicken-like movement. Some add extra sounds, facial expressions, or complementary moves.
There’s no right answer to how funky your chicken should be. The only requirement is that you enjoy yourself while doing it.
Hosting Your Own Funky Chicken Dance-Off
Wanna bring some retro fun to your next gathering? Consider hosting a Funky Chicken dance-off! Here’s how:
- Create a playlist featuring The Jackson 5’s “How Funky Is Your Chicken” and other funk classics
- Designate a dance floor area with plenty of space for flapping arms
- Consider providing simple props like feather boas or headbands
- Create fun categories for winners like “Most Enthusiastic Chicken,” “Most Technical Chicken,” and “Most Original Interpretation”
- Have participants demonstrate their version of the dance while others cheer them on
- Award silly prizes that fit the theme
This kind of lighthearted competition brings people together through shared laughter and creates memories that’ll last way longer than more conventional party activities.
At the end of the day, the Funky Chicken is more than just a dance – it’s a state of mind. It’s about embracing joy, being willing to look silly, and connecting with others through shared movement.
So the next time you hear a funky beat, don’t be afraid to let your inner chicken out! Flap those wings, bob that head, and show the world just how funky your chicken really is.
Whether you’re a seasoned funk dancer or a nervous newcomer, the Funky Chicken welcomes all. It’s stood the test of time because it speaks to something universal – our desire to express ourselves freely and joyfully.
As The Jackson 5 knew all those years ago, asking “How funky is your chicken?” isn’t just about a dance move – it’s about celebrating the unique style each of us brings to life’s dance floor.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go practice my Funky Chicken before my neighbor’s 70s-themed birthday party this weekend. My chicken’s gotten a little rusty, but with some practice, I’m confident I’ll be the funkiest chicken in the coop!
What’s your experience with the Funky Chicken? Drop a comment below with your favorite dance moves or memories of getting funky on the dance floor!
Background[]
“How Funky Is Your Chicken” was written by Willie and Richard Hutch, and Lester Carr, and was produced by Hal Davis.
How Funky Is Your Chicken
FAQ
What movie is How Funky Is Your Chicken from?
How funky is your chicken?! If you love Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992), and you enjoy podcasts, we covered it in episode 197 of the We Don’t Wanna Grow Up podcast (released October 27, 2022).
Where is how funky your chicken from?
“How Funky Is Your Chicken” is a song by American pop band The Jackson 5, released as the seventh track from the Third Album.
Who wrote the Funky Chicken song?
“Do the Funky Chicken” is a song written and recorded by American R&B singer and entertainer Rufus Thomas for Stax Records in 1969.