Everyone in Seinfeld is flawed, that’s part of the show’s enduring charm. Jerry, George, Kramer, and Elaine – they’re all wonderfully self-absorbed, petty, and prone to comedic mishaps. While fans might debate who is the most flawed, there’s a strong case to be made that Elaine Benes, portrayed brilliantly by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, often finds herself in situations where she’s being taken advantage of, or at least, bearing the brunt of awkward social dynamics.
As the sole woman in the core group, Elaine navigates a unique set of comedic challenges. From Jerry’s lingering romantic interests to tolerating boyfriends with questionable taste (Arby’s, anyone?), and enduring petty squabbles over everyday items, Elaine’s character is constantly tested. One memorable episode perfectly encapsulates this – “The Little Kicks” – where Elaine’s attempt to unwind and dance results in a truly unforgettable, and intentionally terrible, display. This infamous dance, a masterclass in awkward movement, wasn’t just a random comedic invention; it was inspired by the less-than-graceful dancing of a comedy legend.
Elaine’s Horrific (Yet Iconic) Dance in “The Little Kicks”
Elaine Benes’ dance in Season 8’s “The Little Kicks” is arguably her most cringe-worthy, yet simultaneously iconic, moment. The episode sees Elaine accompanying George to a company party. During a toast, Elaine delivers a witty line that lands well with her colleagues, suggesting initial respect and camaraderie. However, this goodwill is hilariously shattered the moment the Bar-Kays’ “Too Hot To Stop” starts playing.
Driven by the music and perhaps a desire to loosen up, Elaine decides to dance, even when no one else joins her. Initially, her co-workers are intrigued, ready to watch Elaine cut loose. But their anticipation quickly morphs into bewilderment as Elaine unleashes a series of bizarre, jerky movements. Arms flail, legs kick in unpredictable directions – it’s a dance that defies rhythm and grace. George’s reaction is priceless horror, uttering the now-classic line, “Sweet fancy Moses,” perfectly capturing the audience’s own stunned amusement.
Jerry Was Already Familiar with Elaine’s Unique Moves
The comedic payoff continues later when George recounts the party to Jerry. Describing Elaine’s dancing as “more like a full body dry heave set to music,” George emphasizes the sheer awkwardness of the spectacle. Jerry’s response, however, is nonchalant and revealing. He asks, “Did she do the little kicks and the thumbs?” This line is comedic gold, implying that Jerry has witnessed this dance before, suggesting it’s not a spontaneous outburst but part of Elaine’s established, albeit terrible, dance repertoire.
A flashback then confirms Jerry’s familiarity, showing Elaine performing her signature “little kicks” dance on a sidewalk in front of a band, much to the visible discomfort of onlookers. George’s resigned comment, “Sometimes you can’t help these people ’til they hit rock bottom,” adds another layer to the humor, highlighting the hopeless nature of Elaine’s dancing and the reactions it provokes.
The Unveiling: Lorne Michaels as the Inspiration Behind Elaine’s Dance
The episode culminates in a hilarious confrontation in Jerry’s apartment. Elaine, oblivious to the social carnage she unleashed at the party, complains about her staff’s newfound lack of respect, hilariously blaming George’s mere presence. She even revisits her dance, this time in front of Kramer. Kramer, known for his unfiltered reactions, is utterly aghast. “You stink,” he bluntly tells Elaine before fleeing the apartment, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Finally, Jerry is forced to break it to Elaine, telling her point-blank how bad her dancing is, even pleading, “Please, please, not in my home” when she starts again.
But where did this iconic bad dance originate? Julia Louis-Dreyfus, in a Vanity Fair interview, revealed her process for creating the dance, explaining she experimented with awkward movements in front of a mirror and even “auditioned” options for her family. However, the true inspiration lies closer to the world of comedy itself. The dance is actually based on none other than Saturday Night Live creator, Lorne Michaels.
From SNL After-Party to Seinfeld Fame: Lorne Michaels’ Moves
As detailed in Jennifer Keishin Armstrong’s book, Seinfeldia: How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything, the comedic gold of Elaine’s dance has its roots in a real-life observation. Seinfeld writer Spike Feresten, a former SNL receptionist, witnessed Lorne Michaels dancing at an SNL after-party. Feresten described Michaels’ dancing as if he “never seen another human dance before,” a flailing, rhythmically-challenged spectacle. This vivid description became the foundation for Elaine’s unforgettable, and intentionally awful, dance moves.
Seinfeld’s Genius: Finding Comedy in the Everyday, Inspired by Reality
The revelation that Elaine’s dance is inspired by Lorne Michaels underscores a key element of Seinfeld‘s comedic genius: its grounding in reality. Many of the show’s most memorable storylines and characters are drawn from the real-life experiences of Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, and the show’s writing team. George Costanza is famously based on Larry David himself, while Cosmo Kramer is inspired by Larry David’s actual neighbor, Kenny Kramer. Even the infamous Soup Nazi and the bizarre holiday of Festivus have real-world origins. This commitment to finding humor in everyday life, even in awkward dancing, is what makes Seinfeld so relatable and enduringly funny.
Seinfeld thrives on these “show about nothing” moments – conversations in diners, apartments, and everyday scenarios that reveal the humor in human interactions. Elaine’s dance, a seemingly small, absurd moment, becomes iconic precisely because it’s rooted in relatable social awkwardness and, surprisingly, inspired by a real person. It’s a testament to Seinfeld‘s brilliance that moments like Elaine’s dance, born from real-life observation and comedic exaggeration, continue to resonate with audiences today.
You can relive Elaine’s dance and other classic moments by streaming Seinfeld on Netflix.
