Unleashing Entertainment at Haidilao's Hotpot Tables: The Viral "Kemusan" Dance!
Plunging into a gastronomic adventure at Haidilao, China's largest hotpot chain with an impressive 1400 outlets, is about to get even more captivating.
Popular for fostering Chinese cuisine culture - where guests enjoy fresh ingredients by submerging them into various broth bases - Haidilao boasts over 100 outlets worldwide, including 13 in the US.
Viral sensations are born daily in the digital age, and a video showcasing Haidilao's employees performing a quirky "'Kemusan' or 'Number-Three-Theme' dance," while guests indulge in a sumptuous feast, has made headlines as a must-watch on Chinese social media platforms.
Originated from high wedding dance rituals in Guangxi, a region in south China, the fascinating animated display consists of leg swings and swift hand movements, including echoing arm rotations, swift finger spins, and more.
Accompanying this amusing spectacle is a mixture of Western Disco beats and old-school Chinese folk music, like the classic "My Love, My Taiwan" (我的爱，我的台湾) often heard in songs from years past[1][3].
Legend has it that for guests to enjoy the new entertainment, they must utter "kemusan" to the server. The moment the dance was released, it instantly turned into the talk of the town, with many expressing their enjoyment of the performance, even leading some to make an appearance on stage alongside the performers.
Becoming a hit during Haidilao's heyday was a signature 'noodle-pulling' dance - a celebration of traditional Chinese noodle-making art. Customers would watch as the chef skillfully stretched noodles into elegant strands, always marveling at their agility and innovation[1][3].
Slippery Slope or Unprecedented Advertising?
Though Haidilao's dance performance has won over many, it is not everyone's cup of tea. A heated debate erupted online over the dance's authenticity and purpose, with some labelling it an outdated marketing ploy.
The controversy took center stage when a parent voiced their displeasure at the "cheesy" dance event in a local Chinese online forum, as reported by the Yoshiki Shimbun.[I1]
The heated discussion led to the dance trending on popular social media site, Weibo, within a matter of days, amassing over 10 million views. Internet personality, with around 740,000 followers, labelled it as exploitative.
Their post discusses the performers' emotionless stances and striving with indifference, implying it was exhausting, "It was too much hard work."
Haidilao's spokesperson, in an interview with CNN, responded that the company's history included supporting innovation in their outlets and rewarding diligent employees with better-paying opportunities.
The company also offered employees recognition by offering incentives, but they have not commented on the online backlash regarding potential cancellations of dance shows in their outlets.
Since its inception in 1994, Haidilao has been recognized for its unconventional methods in attracting customers, including surprise performances by staff wearing vibrant masks, traditional Chinese opera in outlets worldwide, along with complimentary beverages, snacks, and manicure services for waiting customers.
Also, some restaurants offer plush toys for solo travelers, as hotpot is often considered an experiential dish to be enjoyed with company.
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As Haidilao's dance performances reach new levels, customers have the opportunity to witness these entertaining events near any Haidilao outlet, including participating in the show for an unforgettable dining experience.
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Enrichment Data (Integrated in Base Article)
- The dance is a wedding dance known as "Subject Three" that hails from South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region[1][3].
- The dance performance has gained significant attention on social media platforms like TikTok[3].
- Haidilao's dance tribute to the original wedding tradition was performed by dining staff, which includes sophisticated steps reminiscent of village life in the region, with quick hand movements and strict choreography.
- Xinhua Education News, "South Chinese Dance Gets a Hot Pot Twist: 'Kemusan' Dance Stages a Comeback at Haidilao Immersive Dining Venues," Retrieved on 24 April, 2023
- Yoshiki Shimbun, "Haidilao's Viral Dance Deters Customers in China," Retrieved on 24 April, 2023
- Tianqi Wei Media, "Haidilao's Viral Dance Goes Viral on Tiktok," Retrieved on 24 April, 2023
