Donald Trump’s controversial statement during a recent presidential debate about immigrants “eating the pets” in Springfield, Ohio, has unexpectedly ignited a viral dance craze on TikTok. This bizarre claim, which quickly became a subject of memes and online mockery, has now inspired the “Eating The Dogs Dance,” a blend of jazz and hip hop moves that’s capturing the internet’s attention.
The dance, set to a catchy remix of Trump’s debate audio, involves playful gestures mimicking eating, dog ears, and cat claws, resonating with the internet’s penchant for turning political moments into viral sensations. This trend showcases how social media, particularly TikTok, can transform serious political discourse into lighthearted, albeit sometimes pointed, entertainment.
One of the most popular versions of the “eating the dogs dance,” choreographed by Marlon Davila Avalos, a professional dancer, has garnered over 11 million views. Avalos’s polished rendition, performed with a trio, perfectly encapsulates the silly yet engaging nature of the trend, prompting comments like “I love our generation for this.” This reaction highlights the dance’s appeal as a form of collective internet humor and commentary.
Close-up of a dog's face, potentially representing pet ownership and care in discussions around pet welfare and related topics.
The origin of this peculiar dance trend traces back to Trump’s debate remarks where he falsely claimed, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating, they’re eating the pets of the people that live there.” This statement, intended to bolster his stance on immigration, instead sparked widespread disbelief and ridicule. The claim was quickly debunked and linked to right-wing conspiracy theories, even contributing to serious repercussions in Springfield, including bomb threats attributed to the misinformation.
However, on the internet, the reaction took a different turn. Fueled by a remix created by TikTok user CasaD, Trump’s words morphed into a danceable beat. This remix became the soundtrack for the “eating the dogs dance,” transforming a divisive political statement into a source of amusement and creative expression.
Professional dancer Sebastian Gonzalez Molina, whose own “eating the dogs dance” video has amassed over 19 million views, believes the remix is key to the trend’s virality. “It has not just a deep, fun beat but an innuendo that can be turned a little bit sexy,” Molina explained. He notes that the dance’s popularity isn’t necessarily about intricate steps, but rather about the shared laughter and commentary it provides on a “really ridiculous thing.”
A dog sitting on a pile of money, symbolizing the financial aspects of pet ownership, possibly related to pet insurance costs or veterinary expenses.
The “eating the dogs dance” is more than just a fleeting internet fad; it’s a reflection of how social media users engage with and reinterpret political discourse. It exemplifies TikTok’s power to transform news and current events into viral dance challenges, even originating from unexpected sources like presidential debate soundbites. As Molina aptly puts it, “It takes the weight of this claim that is causing real harm and it twists it,” turning a potentially damaging statement into a moment of shared online levity. Even dancers with physical limitations are joining in, like Julian Plunkett, who performs a seated version, demonstrating the dance’s widespread appeal and adaptability. The “eating the dogs dance” stands as a testament to the internet’s unique ability to find humor and create community, even amidst political absurdity.
