The Netflix show Derry Girls is a sensation all over the world. But for people unfamiliar with the particulars of Irish culture, it has raised some important questions.
One Twitter user recently asked if the “Rock the Boat” choreography in Derry Girls is something that really happens in the country.
https://twitter.com/carovaldez93/status/1158157694915817475
Yes, the choreography to “Rock the Boat,” the single from American band the Hues Corporation, is real. Rather than being some strange cultural artifact from the ’90s, like “Saturday Night” or “Macarena,” it remains a beloved part of many Irish celebrations to this day. For those unaware, the dance usually involves people sitting on the floor in rows while swinging their arms back and forth and clapping to the beat.
For those who are confused, Rock The Boat is basically a rite of passage at Irish weddings. Our weddings have late bars that can run until 2am. We love a dance. And sure a dance we can do on our arses is even better. #DerryGirls pic.twitter.com/EEAjTaRj7n
— Sarah Doran (@sarahisnothere) March 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/Stephanenny/status/1158834635985641472
https://twitter.com/keogh_tara/status/1158674440214982656
https://twitter.com/ErisLovesMovies/status/1158747530487898113
https://twitter.com/fionawalker20/status/1158858883823259651
An essential part of not just weddings but birthdays, graduations, and other large parties, many Irish people were shocked to discover this wasn’t an international phenomenon.
https://twitter.com/ShaunaBMoney/status/1158758466674200577
Does every peoples not do it?
— Roy Murray (@Trimroy) August 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/kittypotpie85/status/1159088107234439168
There are even giant public ones.
https://twitter.com/jocno5/status/1159071180785180672
Including attempts to beat the world record.
Not only is it a thing but we take it very seriously. My home village in particular.https://t.co/7OGUPqMobD
— Karol (@BurgundyJumper_) August 7, 2019
Have it here! https://t.co/RhX8qoWvW3
— Mother on a Rothar (@neasabh) August 6, 2019
And one person is such a big fan that she’ll start doing the dance anywhere, anytime if the song comes on.
https://twitter.com/gloralot/status/1158837332583374848
“Rock the Boat” may not be international yet, but thanks to Derry Girls it may just get there.
https://twitter.com/SpillzHinch/status/1158832729485651969
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