Imagine being at a baseball game and witnessing a cheerleader, seemingly detached, fixing her makeup. Suddenly, a quirky beat drops, and she effortlessly transitions into a unique dance. Thumbs swivel, elbows pop, all with a cool, nonchalant vibe that’s utterly captivating. This is the essence of the “Pikki Pikki Dance,” a routine that originated from the cheerleaders of the Kia Tigers in Gwangju, South Korea, and has since exploded into a global phenomenon.
Kia Tigers cheerleader Lee Ju-eun performs the Pikki Pikki dance with thumb swivel and nonchalant expression
Coined from the onomatopoeic “pikki pikki” sound effect that punctuates the music, this dance is more than just cheerleading; it’s a playful taunt performed when an opposing batter strikes out. The unexpected combination of a laid-back demeanor, catchy, squeaky sounds, and surprisingly addictive moves has turned the Pikki Pikki dance into a viral sensation across social media platforms.
The spark that ignited this global dance craze can be traced back to a 19-second fan-captured video featuring Kia Tigers cheerleader Lee Ju-eun. Uploaded to YouTube in June, the clip’s charm was undeniable. It rapidly spread across Instagram, TikTok, and beyond, amassing over 80 million views and counting. Numerous other videos showcasing different Kia Tigers cheerleaders performing the Pikki Pikki dance have also garnered hundreds of thousands of views, further fueling the online buzz and solidifying its status as a must-see dance trend.
While the Pikki Pikki dance might be new to many globally, it’s rooted in South Korea’s vibrant baseball culture. Baseball’s surging popularity in South Korea, especially among a younger, social media-savvy generation, has created the perfect environment for such trends to flourish. Now, the Pikki Pikki dance is transcending borders, with TikTok influencers, pop music icons, and even cheerleading squads from other sports adopting and reinterpreting the routine.
A notable example of this global adoption is Kylie Dickson, a cheerleader for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. She shared a TikTok video of herself and fellow cheerleaders performing their rendition of the Pikki Pikki dance. The contrast between the Cowboys’ high-energy, precisely choreographed “Thunderstruck” routine and the relaxed coolness of the Pikki Pikki dance was immediately apparent and widely commented on by fans, highlighting the unique appeal of the Korean dance.
Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform Pikki Pikki dance with hair-fiddling transition on TikTok
Adding even more fuel to the fire, pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo joined the Pikki Pikki dance phenomenon. Following her concerts in Korea, Rodrigo posted her own TikTok version of the dance. This 13-second clip, seemingly filmed backstage with actor Madison Hu, quickly exploded, reaching over 14.3 million views in just a few days. Many fans expressed surprise and delight at Rodrigo’s participation, recognizing the dance’s previously niche Korean meme status now reaching mainstream global audiences.
The core appeal of the Pikki Pikki dance, and what unites these diverse interpretations, lies in its unexpected gear shift. The humor and charm come from the abrupt yet nonchalant transition from a state of rest or casual activity to the quirky dance movements. Whether it’s the Cowboys cheerleaders fiddling with their hair or Olivia Rodrigo and Madison Hu touching up makeup, the pre-dance nonchalance amplifies the impact of the sudden, catchy routine.
Olivia Rodrigo and Madison Hu perform Pikki Pikki dance with makeup touch-up and sassy shrug on TikTok
In Korean baseball, cheer culture is deeply ingrained. Fans actively participate with team-specific chants and inflatable cheering sticks, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Cheerleaders are central to this spectacle, energizing crowds with dynamic performances every inning. While Korean cheerleaders have built strong local fanbases and garnered millions of YouTube views over time, the Pikki Pikki dance marks an unprecedented moment – their first true breakthrough onto the global stage as a viral social media phenomenon. What was once a fun, local cheer routine has now become a worldwide dance craze, showcasing the unexpected global reach of Korean pop culture and the captivating power of a truly unique dance trend.
