The Evolution of Dance started out as a humble YouTube video, and spawned an Internet phenomenon that is still being enjoyed by countless Web viewers today. Read on to learn more about this humorous reflection upon dance history, and learn more about the man behind the laughter.
What is the Evolution of Dance?
Judson Laipply made the Evolution of Dance routine as part of his career as a comedian and public speaker. As a family friendly inspirational presenter, Laipply was advised by a mentor in the business to come up with something unique and his own style, while still conveying a powerful inspirational message. The illustration he chose? The simple idea that life is about change, and that change is something you can approach with lighthearted reflection. By mimicking (and mocking) dance through the decades, Laipply had successfully exemplified how we all change, and how we continue to do so.
The video itself is a recording of Laipply's hilarious sampler platter of dance trends, and he shows no mercy. As a lumbering guy with little to no formal dance training, audiences cannot help but crack up at his interpretation of varying styles of choreography. The video was rated as Number 1 Most Viewed All Time Video on YouTube, as well as a Top Rated and Most Discussed Video. The Evolution of Dance routine has continued to, well, "evolve" as Laipply continues to perform it live at various venues, and he has added and removed steps and songs as he continues to dance his way into people's lives.
The YouTube version contains an impressive medley of music, and many have requested a list of the songs from Laipply. All available from iTunes, the list is as follows:
- Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
- The Twist - Chubby Checker
- Stayin' Alive - The Bee Gees
- Y.M.C.A. - The Village People
- Kung Fu Fighting - Carl Douglas
- Keep On - The Brady Bunch
- Greased Lightning' - John Travolta
- You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC
- Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
- Thriller - Michael Jackson
- Oompa Loompa - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
- Mr. Roboto - Styx
- Break Dance (Electric Boogie) - West Street Mob
- Walk Like An Egyptian - The Bangles
- The Chicken Dance - Bob Kames
- Mony Mony - Billy Idol
- Ice Ice Baby - Vanilla Ice
- U Can't Touch This - MC Hammer
- Love Shack - The B-52's
- Apache - The Sugarhill Gang
- Jump Around - House of Pain
- Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-A-Lot
- Tubthumping - Chumbawamba
- What Is Love - Haddaway
- Cotton Eye Joe - Rednex
- Macarena - Los Del Rio
- Bye Bye Bye - N'Sync
- Lose Yourself - Eminem
- Hey Ya! - Outkast
- Dirt Off Your Shoulder - Jay-Z
- Bye Bye Bye - N'Sync
Merchandise and Resources
Every trend seems to yield some memorabilia, and The Evolution of Dance was no exception in its heyday. Through its former official website, you could order a t-shirt slightly similar to the one Laipply wore in the video, as well as a specially designed Evolution of Dance video designed to both promote the phenomenon and make people smile. Laipply's site also featured an extensive FAQ section, explaining more about his comedy career and how you could bring your own rendition of the video to life. He even invited viewers to submit dance ideas for a future sequel video.
Catch Your Own Glimpse
Have you never seen The Evolution of Dance for yourself? Feel free to check it out above, and get ready to crack up as you remember these dance moves that, while they may have seemed trendy and cutting edge then, can be credited as somewhat silly and ridiculous now.
