China's hotpot chain restaurant Haidilao has found itself at the center of a viral sensation not because of its food but for a viral video of its staff energetically performing the "Subject Three" dance.
Combining the delights of hotpot with rhythmic dance moves, the video circulated on Chinese social media and has sparked heated debates among Chinese netizens.
The "Subject Three" dance originated from a lively wedding celebration in southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region where locals danced joyously together. The tradition evolved into a cultural phenomenon, suggesting that in a Guangxi native's life, there are three essential experiences: singing folk songs as Subject One, slurping rice noodles as Subject Two, and dancing as Subject Three.
At Haidilao, customers can request the "Subject Three" dance by simply asking servers. In one of the viral video clips, a waiter identified as Xiao Pang stumbled into the spotlight after performing the dance to enhance the atmosphere of a birthday party for one of the customers in the restaurant.
Public reception of the viral dance has been mixed. While some appreciate the lively atmosphere it creates at restaurants, others find it awkward and distasteful.
