The Griddy: Unpacking the Viral Dance Craze – Who Made It Popular?
The Griddy, that infectious dance move characterized by heel taps, arm swings, and the signature “throwing your Bs” hand gesture, has become a global phenomenon. While Allen Davis, a high school footballer from Louisiana, initially created the dance in 2018, its widespread popularity is attributable to a combination of factors and individuals. In short, the Griddy’s popularity is the result of Allen Davis’s creative spark, combined with celebrity endorsements, widespread social media adoption, and its integration into popular games like FIFA and Fortnite.
From Local Roots to Global Sensation: The Griddy’s Journey
The journey of the Griddy from a local high school creation to a global phenomenon is a testament to the power of social media and celebrity endorsement. Davis’s original dance went viral on TikTok in 2019, capturing the attention of a wider audience. However, it was the adoption and popularization by LSU Tiger wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase that truly catapulted the Griddy into the mainstream.
The LSU Effect: Jefferson and Chase Champion the Griddy
Jefferson and Chase integrated the Griddy as their signature touchdown celebration, showcasing it on a national stage. Their continued use of the dance after entering the NFL, with Jefferson particularly making it his own as a Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, cemented the Griddy’s place in popular culture. The visual appeal and inherent celebratory nature of the Griddy made it instantly meme-able and easily replicable, fueling its further spread across various platforms. It became the de facto endzone dance for a generation.
The Social Media Avalanche: TikTok and Beyond
The initial virality of the Griddy on TikTok was crucial, but its continued proliferation across other social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter further amplified its reach. Users created countless videos showcasing their own Griddy interpretations, often set to popular music or incorporating it into comedic skits. This user-generated content further normalized the dance and cemented its status as a cultural touchstone. The dance went far beyond the original format, adapting and changing to the different individuals that made it popular across social media.
Gaming Integration: FIFA and Fortnite Embrace the Griddy
The inclusion of the Griddy as an emote in Fortnite and a celebration in FIFA marked a significant turning point. These games boast massive global player bases, exposing the dance to millions who may not have otherwise encountered it. The ability to perform the Griddy within these virtual worlds further blurred the lines between the physical and digital realms, solidifying its place in the popular consciousness. The presence of the Griddy in FIFA 23 allows players to personify their favorite athletes in their post-game celebrations.
The Anatomy of a Viral Dance: Why the Griddy Resonates
Several factors contribute to the Griddy’s enduring appeal. Its relatively simple steps make it easy to learn and perform, encouraging widespread participation. Its celebratory nature aligns perfectly with moments of triumph and excitement, making it a natural fit for sporting events and other forms of entertainment. Moreover, the inherent playfulness and visual appeal of the Griddy make it highly shareable and meme-able, further fueling its viral spread.
In essence, the Griddy’s success stems from a confluence of factors: a catchy and accessible dance, celebrity endorsement, strategic use of social media, and integration into popular gaming platforms. It is a prime example of how a simple creation can transform into a global phenomenon through a combination of organic growth and strategic amplification. The Games Learning Society studies the intersection of learning and play, something that the Griddy is well aware of. More information about the Games Learning Society can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Griddy
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Griddy, providing more details about the dance and its history:
1. Who invented the Griddy?
The Griddy was created by Allen Davis, a high school footballer from Louisiana, in 2018. He originally conceived it as a fun, rhythmic dance inspired by the Nae Nae craze of the mid-2010s.
2. When did the Griddy become popular?
The Griddy started gaining traction in 2019 when it went viral on TikTok. Its popularity exploded further when Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase began using it as their touchdown celebration.
3. How do you do the Griddy?
The Griddy involves alternatingly tapping your heels, either in place or while walking, while swinging your arms back and forth. The signature move is “throwing your Bs,” which involves forming “ok” symbols around your eyes.
4. What is the meaning of “throwing your Bs” in the Griddy?
“Throwing your Bs” refers to the hand gesture where you make “ok” symbols around your eyes. The exact meaning is open to interpretation, but it is generally seen as a playful and celebratory gesture.
5. Why is the Griddy popular in sports?
The Griddy’s celebratory nature makes it a natural fit for sports. Athletes use it as a way to express joy and excitement after scoring or achieving a significant milestone.
6. Is the Griddy in Fortnite?
Yes, the Griddy is available as an emote in Fortnite. It was first released in Chapter 2: Season 6 and is often associated with NFL player Justin Jefferson.
7. How do you do the Griddy in FIFA?
In FIFA 23 and FC 24, you can perform the Griddy celebration by holding down the right trigger (RT on Xbox, R2 on PlayStation) and flicking the right thumbstick up twice.
8. Is the Griddy still popular?
Yes, the Griddy remains popular, although its peak may have passed. It is still widely recognized and performed in various contexts, including sports, social media, and gaming.
9. What other dances are similar to the Griddy?
The Griddy is inspired, in part, by earlier dances like the Nae Nae. It also shares some similarities with other hip-hop dances that emphasize rhythmic movement and celebratory gestures.
10. Did Justin Jefferson create the Griddy?
No, Justin Jefferson did not create the Griddy. While he popularized it on a national stage as an NFL player, the dance was originally invented by Allen Davis. Jefferson even unveiled newer versions of the Griddy dance that he became famous for.
11. Is there a song associated with the Griddy?
While there isn’t a single official song, many people associate the Griddy with various hip-hop tracks that provide a suitable beat for the dance. The Get Griddy emote in Fortnite featured a song by YoungBoy.
12. What is the origin of dance?
The earliest historical records of dance come from cave paintings in India dating back to around 8000 BCE. Egyptian tomb paintings from around 3300 BCE also depict dance. These early dances were often religious in nature.
13. What is the “sturdy” dance?
The “sturdy,” or “getting sturdy,” is a hip-hop dance that originated from the Woo Walk popularized by rapper Pop Smoke. It involves a series of hops from foot to foot, with drops and spins.
14. Is the Griddy only for American football?
While the Griddy became widely known through American football, its popularity extends beyond the sport. It has been adopted in various other contexts, including soccer, gaming, and social media trends.
15. Is Griddy Energy related to the Griddy dance?
No, Griddy Energy, the electricity provider that went bankrupt in Texas, is unrelated to the Griddy dance. The name is simply a coincidence.