Once taught in the nation's elementary schools, showcased at the start of all sporting events, and included as part of the exam for new U.S. citizens, the patriotic kicks, dips, waves, and twirls from "The Star-Spangled Banner" have nearly vanished from the public consciousness over the past century, the study found.
In the original choreography of Francis Scott Key, the lawyer and vivacious dancer who also penned "The Star-Spangled Banner," singers begin the second line of the song by holding a salute while marching in place. Then, when "Whose broad stripes" is sung, they jump into a slightly wider than shoulder-width stance, put a hand on their hip, and slowly point across the horizon, pantomiming Key's view the morning of Sept. 14, 1814, when he awoke to see the U.S.
In 1931, when it became clear the elaborate semaphore flag routine performed to 'O! Say does that star-spangled banner yet wave' had gone out of style, Herbert Hoover signed a resolution replacing it with a peppy jazz square, which was thenceforth known as the "Hoover Shuffle.""What has sadly eluded nearly everyone's memory is not only these changes, but also the all-important grand finale during the routine's emotional climax," O'Neill said.
"On one hand, I suppose it's unfortunate the majority of U.S. citizens are not aware of the rich tradition of movement that informs our expressions of patriotism," he continued, adding that before long finding someone who can dance the national anthem might be as rare as meeting someone who knows his state's handshake. "But we also shouldn't forget there is still a small group of individuals working to keep those traditions alive.
questar1959_ron Wasn’t it something like...?
Even if they did there's no guarantee the 'dance' would be properly executed 🤷🏾♂️
I heard that colin Kaepernick thought the moves were racist in nature so i have sworn never to do the dance again.
wjhenn Dud.
noonanjo
I feel ashamed now.
It's easy
Christopher Walken is in the 15% that KNOWS
anchorarmz
Most don't know why they vote demmocratic
Oh come on, even B.Franklin knew the breakdance and twerking moves, he just made his and Betsy Ross's ladies do the moves.
POTUS Trump, The ONLY American Who Knows All The Dance Moves To National Anthem. The Words Not So Much. MAGA2020
It's really easy actually. Step 1: Kneel
How is that possible? It's the simplest dance possible. There's two moves. When it starts you stand up and place your right hand over your heart. Or in some circumstances you salute instead. That's it.
Right on!!! 👌👌
I dont care... I dont dance. Lol
Tumblr post Finds 85% Of Americans Don't Know All The Dance Moves To National Anthem
😂😂😂
The most difficult move is to remain standing.
the jerk found a table, the smooth move slid past the lady & music died
Hey, don't blame my 'Cuz'~ F..S. Key. He just wrote the words....the tories kept the dance moves. 🐴
And 13 of the 15% do them poorly
Not this.
It’s best to stay in your lane. Don’t try to do too much.
I just headbang the whole time. You can't be called un-American when you do that shit.
Who cares when a president is tearing the world apart.
85% of Americans don't know any dance moves, so this makes sense.
noonanjo Here they are:
Aren’t we just supposed to fire our guns off into the air?
It's just a jump to the left And then a step to the right With your hands on your hips You bring your knees in tight But it's the pelvic thrust That starts to drive you insane
Just follow the steps.
This is a travesty. What has our country come to?