To finish 2012 we experienced ‘Gangnam Style’, now the next viral Youtube clip for 2013 is the ‘Harlem Shake’. The viral video has prompted many elite sporting teams to perform their own take, most notably the NBA team Miami Heat lead by Lebron James as King James. Crazes and viral topics allow sporting teams to provide entertainment of a different kind than just the excitement of sport the athletes participate in. Offering some comic relief through such videos offers fans a different insight into the daily lives of an organisation and athletes.
The videos are roughly 30 seconds long and are performed with no real choreography or formal dance experience required. Participants range from players, coaches, fans and mascots dressed as if it were Halloween “dancing” to Baauer’s ‘Harlem Shake’ song. Most of the videos start with one individual in a mask dancing by themselves surrounded by a group whom don’t take much notice until the beat drops in the song when mayhem breaks loose.
If you haven’t seen one by now it’s okay, below you will find the top 10 Shakes performed by sporting teams and a list of FORTY other videos from different leagues and sports around the world, such as the NBA, MLB, NHL, EPL, College sports, AFL and NRL. Comment to let us know which one is your favourite and why, enjoy.
THE TOP 10
1. University of Georgia Men’s Swim & Dive Team
This has to but number one for one main reason, it’s performed underwater! Along with that, the setting up of the table and chairs are another feat in itself and lastly the student performing the shake in a sleeping bag underwater, gets a difficulty score of 10.
2. NBA Miami Heat
Miami’s shake starts with Chris ‘Birdman’ Anderson acting as his namesake, followed by Lebron James leading the team as ‘King James’. The Heat decided to perform an extended version with close ups of James, Chris Bosh with a blinged out boombox, a dancing bear and Ray Allen as the Phantom.
3. University of Maryland Men’s Basketball Game
A very impressive Harlem Shake which involves the student sections at the Maryland’s basketball game versus Duke. This is a great example of the craze being used in a unique way to engage fans at a live event. The songs prior are very impressive to watch as well. (1:35)
4. University of Kansas Men’s Basketball Team
This is the first video where we see a coach involved. Bill Self is seen coming up with plays for the team but isn’t having much success until he writes ‘Harlem Shake’ on the board. It’s always great to see a grown man dressed as a baby as well.
5. NBA Denver Nuggets
Denver’s rendition is impressive because of the Nugget’s centre JaVale McGee dressed as the predator, watch out!
6. University of Louisville Men’s Basketball Team
What better way to celebrate a win . . . . . than performing the Harlem Shake. Unfortunately no props or costumes, but definitely style points for the dance at the beginning.
7. EPL Manchester City
Manchester City is the first English Premier League team to perform the Harlem Shake, featuring many superheroes, i guess they were recruited to catch up on the table.
8. AFL Hawthorn FC
The first Australian sporting team to make the list involves a chicken being a chicken in the gym until a penguin and the Tasmanian devil arrive. I am unsure what the player in the bin is doing but i guess that’s what the Harlem Shake is all about.
9. NRL New Zealand Warriors
The New Zealand Warriors performed their Harlem Shake during a news report on a plane, yes on a plane. I don’t know if any safety regulations were breached but it’s safe to say people aren’t meant to fit in the overhead luggage stowaway (3.00)
10. NBA Toronto Raptors
To round off the top 10 we have the Toronto Raptors. Amir Johnson decides to interrupt Dwayne Casey during a halftime speech wearing an alien mask. Why this rounds out the top 10 you ask, the extended solo by the giant mouse at the end.
NBA Harlem Shake Videos
NBA All-Star Jam
mascots, mascots, mascots, mascots and MORE mascots!
Dallas Mavericks
Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter star together in their simple rendition inspired from the 60’s
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs players haven’t performed a Harlem Shake yet, but that hasn’t stopped the Spurs staff from getting involved!
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors felt as though one Harlem Shake wasn’t enough. In their video they have brought us: the Arena Shake, Tunnel Shake, #Bazemourning Shake and Pre-game Shake!
Phoenix Suns
Another staff video, this time in the Sun’s team store. The players don’t always get to have the fun.
Atlanta Hawks
Harry the Hawk with some lucky fans in the 6th man section get into the spirit of things at the game
Charlotte Bobcats
The Bobcats weren’t happy with just one performance like Golden State, they have created an in game edition along with a team store special.
Orlando Magic
Orlando’s mascot STUFF leads this all out mayhem clip featuring fan’s at the Amway Centre
Minnesota Timberwolves – The Anti Harlem Shake Edition
If you’re not a fan of the Miami Heat you will definitely enjoy this clip. The Timberwolves mascot is seen hitting a fake lebron james with a bat, a video which was screened at the game. Unfortunately the inspiration didn’t rub off on the players to well.
MLB Harlem Shake Videos
Kansas City Royals
With spring training coming to a close a couple of the Royals players decided to celebrate.
Oakland Athletics
Between selling memberships and tickets, the sales team at Oakland managed to fit in a Harlem Shake during lunch!
Miami Marlins
What’s impressive about the Marlins performance is the use of costumes! look at the size of the crab and the seahorse.
Arizona Diamondbacks
I think the players weren’t too happy with their current warm up routine, I guess they found a new one!
Super Rugby Harlem Shake Videos
Crusaders
Speechless on this video, superman I believe almost knocks himself out on the camera.
Blues
I don’t quite understand the romantic affection with the weights, but the energy is definitely there from the Blue’s.
NFL Harlem Shake Videos
With NFL teams currently on break it was left to the rookies, and they haven’t disappointed. See if you can spot any future NFL stars.
NCAA Harlem Shake Videos
University of Kentucky
ESPN’s College Gameday and Kentucky fans have produced a great video with their own interpretation of the Harlem Shake song, so if you’re sick of the song you will LOVE this one.
Florida Gators (Live edition)
Wanting to get the crowd involved in half time entertainment, the Gators have found a solution.
Florida Gators (Again)
I believe they learnt their lesson from this version as it was lacking energy and participants, check out the dead cockroach!
University of Texas
I believe things are always bigger in Texas
University of Oregon
The Duck has come to fool everyone! Just when you think no one is going to Shake with him, there is a sudden rush of madness!
University of Nebraska
First practice at spring training for the football season is a great opportunity to get penalties out of the system . . . . . . . . and the Harlem Shake.
University of Georgia Tech
Not quite up there with Georgia’s underwater performance but are they walking on water?
University of Southern Miss
I guess we all knew Seymour wouldn’t be alone for long.
University of Tennessee
Another swim team edition featuring a gorilla and some handstands.
University of Georgia
Another video from Georgia but this is the land based version, DAWG style, from the football team.
Northwestern University
I am not too sure if this is the best environment to take your first date or even slow dance in.
South Dakota University
The effort is there but the participants are not.
AFL Harlem Shake Videos
Saint Kilda FC
Great effort by the players and the mascot but i am not too sure if the fans were too impressed judging by their top comment: “Thats cute and all, but i would like to see a flag in my lifetime. Thanks”
NRL Harlem Shake Videos
Gold Coast Titans
I guess you have to be in it to win it they say. Props to the cheerleader for hanging upside down!
Sydney Roosters
Sorry did I interrupt a yoga class?
Cronulla Sharks
An impressive showing of enthusiasm from the Sharks team and where did the motorbike come from?
National Hockey League Harlem Shake Videos
Phoenix Coyotes
With the energy they saved during the lookout the Coyotes players put it to good use on the ice.
Columbus Blue Jackets
A dancing bug, cheerleaders, beach balls and tenpins are standard in a Harlem Shake video now.
Racing Harlem Shake Videos
Jeff Gordon (NASCAR)
The Harlem Shake isn’t just for team sports, team bonding in racing is essential.
Jimmie Johnson (NASCAR)
Jimmie just wanted to keep on celebrating his Daytona 500 win, and his crew were happy to oblige.
Red Bull Racing (V8 Supercars)
Red Bull gives me wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiings. The Harlem Shake has now been shown to reduce stress levels after working long hours, or is that delirium?
Sauber Team (Formula One)
This would make for some interesting viewing if each pit crew had to perform the Harlem Shake prior to refueling and tire changes.
English Premier League Harlem Shake Videos
Fulham FC
Keep calm and do the Harlem Shake! A great version by the Fulham players with some smooth moves by Billy the Badger.
No more Harlem Shake videos….
That’s it! 50 Harlem Shake videos from the world of sports.
Harf Time discuss Harlem Shake
Sean discussed it on Harf Time and declared it over, explaining memes are getting quicker and have a shorter lifespan than ever before.
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