You’ve seen it. That specific, slightly chaotic energy of two people pointing at each other, looking absolutely disgusted, yet perfectly in sync. It’s all over your feed. It’s the what is this feeling dance, and honestly, it’s one of those rare moments where Broadway nerd culture and mainstream TikTok trends collided so hard they fused together.
If you grew up in the mid-2000s, you recognize those chords instantly. It’s "What Is This Feeling?" from the musical Wicked. But this isn’t just a theater kid throwback. It has evolved into a specific digital shorthand for "I hate you, but we are stuck together." That’s the magic of it.
The trend basically relies on the "Loathing" duet between Glinda and Elphaba. It’s funny because, in the age of over-polished influencer content, this dance is intentionally sharp, jagged, and aggressive. It’s relatable. We’ve all had that one roommate, coworker, or sibling who just gets under our skin in a way that feels almost... rhythmic.
The Viral Roots of the What Is This Feeling Dance
Trends don't just happen. They're sparked. While Wicked has been a juggernaut since 2003, the what is this feeling dance took on a new life recently thanks to the massive marketing push for the Wicked movie adaptation starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Suddenly, everyone was a fan again. Or a fan for the first time.
But the "dance" isn't exactly what you see on the Gershwin Theatre stage. On social media, users have simplified the choreography into a series of punchy movements. It usually starts with two people standing back-to-back or side-by-side. On the beat of "Loathing! Unadulterated loathing!" they whip around. It’s all about the facial expressions. If you don't look like you just smelled something terrible, you're doing it wrong.
People like Kristin Chenoweth—the original Glinda—have even hopped on these trends, which adds a layer of "official" validation to the whole thing. When the creators of the art participate in the meme, it creates this weird, beautiful feedback loop. It's not just a song anymore; it's a shared language.
Why This Specific Song Works for Social Media
Music theory actually plays a part here. Stephen Schwartz, the composer, wrote "What Is This Feeling?" with a very specific, driving staccato.
💡 You might also like: Anne Hathaway in The Dark Knight Rises: What Most People Get Wrong
The rhythm is $4/4$ time, but it feels faster because of the syncopation.
- The "pulses" in the music are predictable.
- The lyrics are repetitive enough to memorize in ten seconds.
- The emotional arc goes from "confusion" to "pure hatred" in a single verse.
That is the perfect recipe for a short-form video. You have a clear beginning, middle, and end within a 15-second clip. Most "dance" trends fail if they’re too complex. This one works because it's mostly acting. You aren't doing a triple pirouette; you’re just pointing your finger with a lot of attitude.
Honestly, the what is this feeling dance is more of a "performance art" trend than a technical dance. It’s about the chemistry between the two people in the frame. If they actually like each other in real life, the irony makes it better. If they clearly don’t, the tension makes it viral.
Behind the Scenes: The Wicked Movie Factor
We can't talk about this without mentioning the 2024 and 2025 movie releases. Universal Pictures knew what they were doing. By leaning into the "Pink vs. Green" aesthetic, they gave the internet a visual palette to play with.
The dance became a way for people to self-identify. Are you a Glinda? Are you an Elphaba?
The what is this feeling dance allows for that categorization. You see best friends dressing up—one in sparkles, one in black—to perform the routine. It’s a marketing dream. But it’s also a testament to the staying power of the original source material. Wicked is about female friendship, even when that friendship starts with mutual "loathing." In a world that feels increasingly polarized, there’s something oddly cathartic about singing at the top of your lungs about how much you dislike someone, only to realize you're perfectly in tune with them.
Misconceptions About the Trend
A lot of people think this is just a "Gen Z" thing. It’s not.
📖 Related: America's Got Talent Transformation: Why the Show Looks So Different in 2026
Millennials who saw the original cast on Broadway in 2003 are some of the biggest participants. They’re the ones teaching their kids the lyrics. There's a certain "full circle" moment happening here.
Another misconception? That it’s "easy."
Try hitting those sharp arm movements on the "unadulterated loathing" line while keeping a straight face. It takes practice. If you’re off by half a second, the whole video feels mushy. The best creators—the ones who get millions of views—treat it like a real theatrical performance. They use lighting. They use costumes. They use the "zoom" effect on their cameras to emphasize the disgust.
How to Do the What Is This Feeling Dance Right
If you’re going to jump on this, don't just wing it. There’s a specific "Internet Canon" version of the choreography now.
- The Setup: Stand back to back. You should look bored or annoyed.
- The Turn: On the first "Loathing," you have to turn with a snap. Think "neck whiplash" but safe.
- The Point: Pointing at your partner is mandatory. It should feel accusatory.
- The "Pulse": During the chorus, there’s a slight bounce you have to maintain. It keeps the energy up.
- The Face: This is the most important part. If you smile, you lose. You need to look like your partner is the most inconvenient person on the planet.
Some people add their own flair. I’ve seen versions where people use their pets (cats are surprisingly good at looking disgusted). I’ve seen corporate offices do it to highlight the "love-hate" relationship between departments. The flexibility of the what is this feeling dance is why it hasn't died out yet. It adapts to the context of the person filming it.
The Cultural Impact of Theater on TikTok
For a long time, "Theater Kid" was almost a slur in some corners of the internet. It meant you were "too much" or "cringe."
Trends like the what is this feeling dance have flipped that script. Now, being "too much" is the point. Theater energy is high-retention energy. It’s loud, it’s expressive, and it grabs attention.
👉 See also: All I Watch for Christmas: What You’re Missing About the TBS Holiday Tradition
We saw this before with Hamilton and Six, but Wicked feels bigger because it’s a foundational text for modern musicals. When you see a pro athlete or a famous gamer doing the dance, it bridges a gap. It makes the arts feel accessible. It reminds people that musicals aren't just for people in fancy suits in New York; they’re for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider—or anyone who has ever had a really annoying roommate.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Post
If you want to join the trend and actually get some traction, keep these things in mind.
First, audio quality matters. Don't use a muffled version of the song. Use the official "What Is This Feeling?" sound from the Wicked movie or the original Broadway cast recording. The crispness of the "L" sounds in "Loathing" is what drives the rhythm of the dance.
Second, contrast is key. If you and your partner are wearing the same colors, the visual impact is lost. Try to mimic the Glinda/Elphaba contrast. One person in light, one in dark. It makes the movements pop more against each other.
Third, the "reveal" is the hook. The first 3 seconds of your video should show the tension. Don't start with the dancing. Start with the "stink eye." Give the audience a reason to want to see you explode into movement.
Finally, don't over-edit. The charm of the what is this feeling dance is the raw, theatrical energy. If you put too many filters or transitions on it, it feels fake. Keep it simple. Let the "loathing" speak for itself.
Whether you're a die-hard Broadway fan or just someone who enjoys a good syncopated point, this trend is a fun way to blow off some steam. It’s a rare moment where "hating" something actually brings people together.