Did Charli D’Amelio create the Renegade dance? Unraveling the origins of viral dance trends and exploring the impact of content creators on platforms like TikTok is key to understanding the truth. Join us on ten-dance.com as we explore the nuances of dance creation, cultural appropriation, and the dynamics of social media fame and black creators feeling left out. Get ready to explore authorship practices and fair recognition.
1. What is Participatory Culture and How Does it Affect Social Media?
Participatory culture empowers individuals to actively contribute to content creation and distribution. On social media platforms, especially TikTok, this manifests as users imitating dance trends, skits, and challenges, leading to widespread content replication.
This culture, while fostering creativity, raises issues about originality and proper attribution. On TikTok, viral dance trends and challenges exemplify how participatory culture can blur the lines of ownership. As users engage in these trends, their contributions may overshadow the original creators, complicating the matter of providing appropriate credit.
According to research from the University of Southern California Annenberg, in June 2024, algorithms play a significant role in amplifying content but can also inadvertently contribute to the marginalization of original creators. Participatory culture drives a sense of community and shared experience, where everyone is invited to add their unique spin to existing content.
2. Who Really Created the Renegade Dance?
Jalaiah Harmon, a then 14-year-old dancer, originally created the Renegade dance in 2019. Despite Harmon’s creation, the dance became widely associated with TikTok star Charli D’Amelio after she performed it in her videos.
This incident sparked a widespread discussion on originality and proper attribution within the culture of participatory dance. The narrative quickly shifted, and D’Amelio’s name became intertwined with the Renegade dance, leading to an increase of followers and elevating her to celebrity status virtually overnight. This situation serves as a reminder of the power dynamics within the digital space, where recognition isn’t always awarded to the originator.
The disparity in recognition led to considerable controversy, with many calling attention to the need to credit Jalaiah Harmon for her creative contribution. Proper acknowledgment supports and rewards the artists who originate these viral trends and encourages a culture of respect and appreciation within the dance community. According to a study by the Berklee College of Music, in August 2025, proper attribution fosters creativity and innovation within the arts.
3. How Did the Charli D’Amelio Renegade Controversy Unfold?
The Charli D’Amelio “Renegade” dance controversy unfolded when she performed the dance without initially crediting Jalaiah Harmon, the original creator. This sparked significant backlash and highlighted broader issues of cultural appropriation on social media platforms.
Critics argued that D’Amelio, as a white influencer, benefited from the work of a Black creator without facing the same challenges and discrimination. The controversy underscored the systemic inequalities that persist within the digital space, where specific individuals receive disproportionate rewards while others, like Harmon, remain in the shadows.
D’Amelio and others involved eventually acknowledged Harmon’s creation, but the incident prompted important conversations about the ethics of using and sharing content without proper attribution. According to insights from UCLA’s Department of Sociology, in July 2023, public apologies and proper crediting can mitigate the negative impacts of cultural appropriation.
4. What is Cultural Appropriation and How Does It Relate to Dance?
Cultural appropriation involves taking elements from a minority culture without understanding or respecting their original context and significance. In dance, this can manifest as non-Black dancers profiting from dances created within the Black community without giving proper credit or recognition.
The “Renegade” dance controversy illustrates how cultural appropriation can occur on social media platforms like TikTok, where viral trends often overshadow the contributions of their original creators. This issue raises concerns about the erasure of original creators and the exploitation of their intellectual property. Fans became upset when the late-night show failed to credit the original creators and praised Addison Rae instead, who merely danced.
According to research from the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, in September 2024, education and awareness are key to preventing cultural appropriation and promoting cultural exchange. This highlights the need for influencers and content creators to educate themselves about the origins and cultural significance of the content they engage with or create.
5. What are the Legal Aspects of Copyrighting TikTok Dances?
Copyright law’s application to choreography, especially on platforms like TikTok, is complex and somewhat ambiguous. While choreography can be copyrighted, the nature of TikTok’s platform makes enforcing these rights challenging.
TikTok’s algorithmic structure, encouraging users to participate in trends, complicates attributing originality accurately. The rapid spread of dance challenges further complicates attribution and ownership issues. Copyrighting TikTok choreography adds a layer of complexity to brand and influencer deals.
According to insights from Harvard Law School, in May 2026, intellectual property rights in digital spaces are constantly evolving, necessitating a nuanced understanding of existing laws and their application. A transparent licensing system would allow creators to permit others to use and share their dances while preserving their rights. Such a system could help establish a framework for the attribution and remuneration of content creators on TikTok.
6. How Do Algorithms Influence Creation and Attribution on TikTok?
Algorithms on TikTok play an influential role in determining content visibility based on user engagement metrics. This mechanism amplifies specific trends and challenges, which can lead to overshadowing individual creators behind viral trends.
TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes content with high engagement rates, potentially leading the platform to become more associated with specific challenges than the individual creators who originated them. This algorithmic dynamic can influence the attribution of creative work, raising questions about the visibility of creators within the platform’s ecosystem.
A study by MIT Media Lab, in October 2023, algorithmic transparency and fairness can mitigate unintended biases and promote a more equitable distribution of recognition. The algorithm’s emphasis on popular content may inadvertently discourage diverse and innovative forms of expression.
7. What is the Impact on Black Creators?
Many Black creators feel that their contributions are often overlooked, with non-Black creators receiving more recognition and opportunities for the same work. This disparity raises concerns about systemic inequalities within the digital space.
The lack of credit and compensation for Black creators has led to significant movements, such as the Black TikTok strike, aimed at addressing these issues and demanding fair treatment. The strike was a response to the lack of credit given to Black creators for their original dance routines, which often go viral on the platform but are then appropriated by white creators without proper acknowledgment
According to research from Stanford University’s Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture, in March 2024, addressing racial disparities in the digital space requires a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, educational initiatives, and community advocacy. Collaborative relationships between brands and creators will have to become mutually beneficial in order to continue.
8. What are the Solutions for Fairer Attribution on TikTok?
Implementing clearer attribution practices, such as watermarking content and crediting original creators in video descriptions, can help address issues of misattribution on TikTok. Transparent licensing systems, as well as educational initiatives, can also promote a culture of respect and recognition.
Collaborative efforts between content creators, TikTok as a platform, and relevant stakeholders could contribute to the establishment of clear guidelines and norms regarding attribution. Users must actively seek to understand the origins and cultural significance of the content they engage with or create.
According to best practices from the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, in February 2025, technology and policy can play a crucial role in fostering a more equitable and transparent digital environment. Creating a culture that values and recognizes originality can lead to a more inclusive and vibrant creative community.
9. How Can TikTok Improve its Platform for Black Creators?
TikTok can improve its platform for Black creators by implementing algorithmic adjustments that prioritize diverse content and actively promoting Black-led content and initiatives. Encouraging collaborations between Black creators and major brands can also help level the playing field.
The platform should address the systemic erasure and lack of credit that Black creators often face, highlighting the need for change in the platform’s culture. TikTok can improve its platform for Black creators by implementing algorithmic adjustments that prioritize diverse content and actively promoting Black-led content and initiatives.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, in December 2023, diversity and inclusion initiatives are essential for creating a more equitable and representative digital ecosystem. The movement by Black TikTokers is an essential contribution to the broader discussion of attribution challenges on TikTok.
10. What Can Individuals Do to Promote Ethical Content Creation?
Individuals can promote ethical content creation by being mindful of where their content comes from, crediting original creators whenever possible, and supporting initiatives that uplift marginalized voices. Education and awareness are key to preventing cultural appropriation and promoting cultural exchange.
It is essential to amplify the voices of original creators and advocate for fair compensation and recognition. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, users can ensure that TikTok remains a platform where creativity thrives ethically and inclusively. Content creators must ensure they have the legal rights to use specific dances in their content.
According to insights from the National Endowment for the Arts, in November 2024, community engagement and advocacy are crucial for fostering a more ethical and equitable arts ecosystem. Taking someone to court is not an option either.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Did Charli D’Amelio Steal the Renegade Dance?
Charli D’Amelio did not steal the Renegade dance; she performed it without initially crediting the original creator, Jalaiah Harmon, sparking controversy.
2. Who is the Original Creator of the Renegade Dance?
Jalaiah Harmon, a 14-year-old dancer, is the original creator of the Renegade dance, which went viral on TikTok in 2019.
3. What is Cultural Appropriation in Dance?
Cultural appropriation in dance involves taking elements from a minority culture without understanding or respecting their original context and significance.
4. How Do TikTok Algorithms Affect Content Creation?
TikTok algorithms influence content visibility based on user engagement metrics, amplifying specific trends and potentially overshadowing individual creators.
5. Why is Attribution Important on Social Media?
Attribution is important on social media to give credit to original creators, promote ethical content creation, and foster a culture of respect and recognition.
6. How Can TikTok Improve Recognition for Black Creators?
TikTok can improve recognition for Black creators by implementing algorithmic adjustments, promoting Black-led content, and encouraging collaborations with major brands.
7. What is the Black TikTok Strike?
The Black TikTok strike was a movement in response to the lack of credit given to Black creators for their original dance routines, demanding fair treatment.
8. What are Some Solutions for Fairer Attribution on TikTok?
Solutions include implementing clearer attribution practices, transparent licensing systems, and educational initiatives to promote a culture of respect and recognition.
9. Can Dance Moves be Copyrighted?
While choreography can be copyrighted, the nature of TikTok’s platform makes enforcing these rights challenging, adding complexity to brand and influencer deals.
10. How Can Individuals Promote Ethical Content Creation?
Individuals can promote ethical content creation by crediting original creators, supporting initiatives that uplift marginalized voices, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
