The internet is no stranger to dance crazes, but the “Apple dance” TikTok trend has truly taken a bite out of the social media world. Born from Charli XCX’s catchy track “Apple” from her album ‘Brat’, this dance, popularized by NYC-based actor Kelley Heyer, has exploded across TikTok and beyond. Let’s dive into how this unexpected hit took off and why everyone, even celebrities and pets, is doing the “Apple dance.”
Kelley Heyer, initially known for her style and trend videos on TikTok, created the dance on June 14th. At that point, “Apple” was a beloved but not yet mainstream song from Charli XCX’s new album. Heyer, inspired by the lyrics and beat, choreographed the dance in her pajamas, never anticipating the whirlwind that would follow. Her interpretation of lines like “I think the apple’s rotten right to the core” and “I split the apple down symmetrical lines” translated into unique and engaging movements that resonated with viewers.
The dance’s appeal lies in its catchy rhythm and relatively simple yet expressive steps. Heyer herself breaks down the moves, explaining how each lyric inspired a corresponding action, from gestures at the “core” to mimicking splitting an apple. This breakdown itself showcases the creativity behind the dance and makes it even more accessible for others to learn and recreate.
TikTok video of Kelley Heyer demonstrating the Apple dance, wearing a vintage top and gym shorts, with details on her outfit in the caption.
Initially, the “Apple” sound on TikTok had around 200 videos. Within two weeks of Heyer posting her dance, this number jumped to 2,000 as more users started participating. The real turning point came when Charli XCX herself, along with artists Troye Sivan and Terrence O’Connor, joined in and performed the dance. This celebrity endorsement catapulted the trend to a new level of virality. Just a month after Heyer’s original post, videos featuring the “Apple Dance Tiktok” had surpassed 100,000, and continue to climb, now reaching over 400,000.
The “Apple dance” isn’t just confined to humans; pets have also become enthusiastic participants. From dogs and cats to more unexpected animals, the trend has seen a surge in adorable pet renditions. Beyond pets, mascots, animations, and even handmade sweaters inspired by the dance demonstrate the widespread creativity it has unleashed. This inclusivity and adaptability have broadened the dance’s appeal and contributed significantly to its viral spread.
Charli XCX has directly acknowledged and praised Heyer’s contribution, sending her a message expressing her love for the dance and offering tickets to her Madison Square Garden show. This recognition from the artist herself has further solidified Heyer’s role in the trend and highlights the collaborative and community-driven nature of TikTok virality.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, the rapid spread of the “apple dance tiktok” also brought up the topic of creator credit. While many users diligently tagged Heyer, some didn’t, leading to discussions about proper attribution. Heyer addressed this gracefully, emphasizing her appreciation for the intent behind credit but discouraging negativity or “yelling” at others for not tagging her. Her focus remained on the joy of seeing her dance being embraced and shared, prioritizing kindness and inclusivity within the online community.
TikTok video of Kelley Heyer in a green top addressing viewers about crediting dance creators, emphasizing kindness and community.
The “Apple dance” also taps into the broader “brat summer” aesthetic associated with Charli XCX’s album. The playful, slightly rebellious energy of the music and dance resonates with the current internet zeitgeist. The humorous suggestion of even political figures like Kamala Harris joining the trend further underscores its cultural relevance and lighthearted appeal.
For Kelley Heyer, the “apple dance tiktok” success has opened doors and provided unexpected opportunities. While primarily an actor, she recognizes the power of social media in building recognition and creating buzz. The virality has led to new projects and collaborations, allowing her to connect with more people and expand her reach beyond traditional acting roles. Being recognized as “the ‘Apple’ girl” in public is a testament to the dance’s impact and her role in creating this viral phenomenon.
In conclusion, the “apple dance tiktok” is more than just a fleeting internet trend. It’s a testament to the power of creative choreography, catchy music, and the collaborative spirit of online communities. Kelley Heyer’s “Apple dance” has not only amplified Charli XCX’s music but also created a joyful and inclusive online movement that continues to spread and evolve, one apple-themed step at a time. You can find Kelley Heyer on social media @kelleyheyer to see what she does next!
