Harlem Shake, Mideast-Style
The inventor of the original "Harlem Shake" once said his inspiration came from ancient Egypt, which means the dance has made it all the way back to its roots. From students in Tunisia to protesters in Egypt to the “harem shake,” watch videos of the craze that has taken over the Middle East and the globe.
The "Harlem Shake," a spastic dance meme that went viral in early February 2013, quickly made its way to the Middle East. Employees at the US Embassy in Algeria put up their video early on, and it spread like wildfire through the region, from the shores of Morocco to Tahrir Square.
The man who said he invented the real Harlem Shake, Al B, said his inspiration came from ancient Egypt in a 2003 interview.
"Pharaohs invented this thing, with spears and hats and gowns," said. He also likened it to a "mummy dance." If that's the case, the free-for-all moves seem to have returned to their Mideast roots. Watch videos of the Harlem Shake from all over the region:
