Massively viral dance challenge to Dua Lipa’s disco-pop hit “Levitating,” which became one of TikTok’s most enduring dance trends and helped the song achieve historic chart longevity.
Song Background
“Levitating” from Dua Lipa’s album Future Nostalgia (2020) featured funky bass, disco production, and an irresistibly catchy hook. Multiple versions existed, including a DaBaby remix that gained traction on radio.
The song embodied the disco revival trend in pop music during 2020-2021.
Dance Challenge Evolution
The “Levitating” challenge emerged October 2020, featuring choreography created by TikTok users emphasizing:
- The “I got you, moonlight, you’re my starlight” hand gestures
- Bouncy, upbeat movements matching the disco rhythm
- Partner/group dance variations
- Roller skating videos (matching the disco aesthetic)
- Dance crew collaborations
The accessible choreography made it one of TikTok’s most-replicated dances.
Chart Longevity
The TikTok trend contributed to “Levitating” spending 68 weeks in Billboard Hot 100’s top 10 — the longest run by a female artist. It peaked at #2 (blocked from #1 by “drivers license”) and became 2021’s biggest song overall.
The song’s sustained success demonstrated TikTok’s power to drive long-term chart performance, not just brief viral spikes.
Roller Skating Renaissance
The disco vibes inspired a roller skating trend resurgence on TikTok, with users creating “Levitating” videos at roller rinks. The aesthetic connection between disco music and roller culture created a perfect visual-audio pairing.
Legal Controversy
The song faced copyright lawsuits over alleged similarities to earlier tracks, but the legal issues didn’t dampen its commercial success or TikTok popularity.
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