The internet has once again proven its power to catapult the unexpected into global phenomena, and the latest sensation is the “Apple” dance. Born from the creative mind of NYC-based actor Kelley Heyer, this dance, set to Charli XCX’s “underappreciated” track “Apple,” has exploded across TikTok and beyond. What started as a spontaneous expression of musical enjoyment has morphed into a viral craze, embraced by Charli XCX herself, the cast of the movie Twisters, and countless others.
Kelley Heyer, in a recent interview, shared the story behind the dance’s meteoric rise. Her journey began during the pandemic, using TikTok as a creative outlet. While she had explored fashion and trend videos, choreography was uncharted territory until “Apple” from Charli XCX’s album Brat captured her imagination. The infectious melody and lyrical depth of “Apple” inspired Heyer to create a dance in front of her mirror, clad in pajamas, marking the inception of a viral sensation.
Decoding the Moves: A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the “Apple” Dance
Heyer emphasizes that the dance is deeply rooted in Charli XCX’s lyrics, serving as a visual interpretation of the song’s narrative. Let’s break down the moves lyric by lyric:
“I think the apple’s rotten right to the core” – This line, imbued with a sense of inner turmoil, translates into a gesture across the heart and a slide down the body. Heyer explains, “What’s at my core? My heart and my pussy.” This movement embodies the raw, visceral emotion of the lyric.
“from all the things passed down from all the apples coming before” – Reflecting on generational trauma, Heyer envisioned “a little staircase and a little apple falling down the staircase.” This imagery becomes a hip movement, repeated three times, followed by a crucial pause.
“and then the quick and-one looks like you’re putting a seatbelt on” – This energetic move adds a dynamic element, inspired by Charli XCX’s love for driving, injecting a playful, signature Charli touch.
“I split the apple down symmetrical lines” – Here, dancers mimic splitting an apple, with variations including apple or heart shapes. Heyer notes, “the apple is the heart,” suggesting a deeper symbolic connection.
“what I find is kind of scary” – A classic head shake, a staple in TikTok dances, conveys the lyric’s sense of apprehension.
“makes me just wanna drive” – Another iconic Charli XCX line, prompting a move that encapsulates the urge to escape and drive.
Alt text: Kelley Heyer demonstrating the Apple dance in pajamas, explaining outfit details with hashtags #charlixcx #brat #apple
The Viral Spark and the Explosion
Initially, the “Apple” sound on TikTok had around 200 videos when Heyer posted her dance. Over two weeks, it gradually climbed to 2,000, with people starting to tag Heyer in their renditions. The turning point arrived when Charli XCX, alongside Troye Sivan and Terrence O’Connor, recreated the dance. This celebrity endorsement acted as a catalyst, propelling the dance into hyper-viral territory. Within a month, videos using the sound surged from 200 to over 100,000, and now surpass 400,000.
Beyond Human Dancers: Pets, Mascots, and Global Participation
The “Apple” dance’s appeal transcends human dancers. Pets attempting the moves, mascots incorporating it into routines, and even animations have joined the trend. One fan even knitted an “Apple” dance sweater, showcasing the diverse and creative engagement sparked by Heyer’s choreography. This widespread participation highlights the dance’s accessibility and infectious fun.
Charli XCX’s Seal of Approval and the Credit Conversation
Charli XCX directly acknowledged Heyer’s creation, sending a message expressing her admiration for the dance and offering tickets to her Madison Square Garden show. While thrilled by Charli’s recognition, Heyer addressed the online discourse surrounding credit. She expressed discomfort with fans using her name to criticize others for not tagging her, emphasizing that while credit is appreciated, it’s not something to “die on a hill for.” Heyer prefers kindness and celebration of the dance’s widespread enjoyment over demanding constant acknowledgment.
Alt text: Kelley Heyer in a green top speaking to camera, addressing fans about dance credit and kindness with hashtags #charli #brat #apple
“Brat Summer,” Kamala Harris, and the Dance’s Cultural Resonance
The “Apple” dance arrived amidst a “brat summer” trend, amplified by online discussions, including references to Kamala Harris. Heyer jokingly predicted Kamala Harris might even do the dance, highlighting its permeation into broader cultural conversations. The dance’s virality underscores its connection to the cultural zeitgeist and its ability to tap into current online dialogues.
From Actor to Accidental TikTok Star
Heyer, primarily an actor, views social media success as a tool for self-promotion. While grateful for the opportunities arising from her viral dance, she firmly identifies as an actor, using platforms like TikTok to build recognition and generate buzz for her acting career. The “Apple” dance has opened doors, leading to collaborations and increased visibility, blurring the lines between traditional acting and the world of online content creation.
The Ongoing Apple Dance Phenomenon
The “Apple” dance continues to spread, appearing in clubs and various online spaces. Heyer herself is experiencing newfound recognition, being identified as “the ‘Apple’ girl” in public. This viral dance has not only provided a fun internet trend but has also significantly impacted Heyer’s career, demonstrating the unpredictable and powerful nature of online virality in today’s digital landscape. The “Apple” dance serves as a testament to the internet’s capacity to transform a simple dance into a global sensation, uniting people through shared movement and music.
