The Australian men’s netball team, known as the Kelpies, recently made waves online with a dance routine that brought a dose of entertainment to the Fast5 Netball World Series in Christchurch, New Zealand. Opening the tournament with a lively performance to NSync’s classic hit “Bye Bye Bye,” the Kelpies not only energized the crowd but also sparked an online debate over the dance’s unique inspiration and unexpected appearance in the sporting arena. The routine quickly went viral, racking up millions of views, dividing opinions among fans, and drawing comparisons to the moves of legendary Australian breakdancer Rachel “Raygun” Gunn.
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At the center of the buzz is goal shooter Dravyn Lee-Tauroa, who revealed that the dance was inspired by a scene from the latest Deadpool movie, starring Ryan Reynolds. The performance captured the attention of both spectators and internet viewers alike, raising questions about the evolving role of “sport-tainment” in professional sports. Here’s how the Kelpies’ viral dance routine came together and why it has stirred up such a strong reaction.
The Inspiration Behind the Viral Dance
In a candid interview with Seven’s Sunrise, Dravyn Lee-Tauroa shared the story behind the dance. Initially, the team had planned to perform the well-known “Cha-Cha Slide,” but Lee-Tauroa had a different idea in mind. “That was on me,” he admitted, explaining his desire to take the routine in a different direction. “I saw this dance come up on TikTok from the new Deadpool movie, and I was inspired by that. The boys got around it, and we decided to go for it.”
The routine itself combined the nostalgic pop charm of NSync’s choreography with modern, energetic dance moves, offering a fresh spin on the Fast5 netball court. Lee-Tauroa, like many others, had been captivated by the viral dance trend inspired by Deadpool and thought it would be the perfect way to infuse some humor and energy into the game. “We always wanted to be in a boy band,” he joked. “Who hasn’t? And we got to perform.”
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Bringing Boy Band Energy to Fast5 Netball
The Kelpies’ decision to incorporate a dance routine into their pre-match warm-up is part of a larger trend in the Fast5 tournament, which embraces a combination of sport and entertainment. Fast5, often compared to cricket’s Big Bash League, is a faster, more dynamic version of traditional netball, with teams of only five players, shorter quarters, and unique scoring rules that include two- and three-point shots. The Fast5 format also features pyrotechnics, colorful uniforms, loud music, and, of course, choreographed dance routines to engage the audience.
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The Kelpies’ performance, which saw the players recreate NSync’s iconic moves, immediately captured the attention of the crowd and set a lively tone for the tournament. Teammate Liam Forcadilla acknowledged the effort it took to bring the performance to life, especially with their busy training schedule. “Yeah, it was pretty hard to squeeze in learning the dance in between our training matches, but we kind of got there in the end,” he said. The team’s hard work paid off as they delivered a performance that was both entertaining and synchronized, showcasing a lighthearted side to the sport.
The Social Media Response: Divided Opinions and Viral Fame
Since its debut, the dance video has garnered millions of views across various platforms, quickly going viral as fans and critics alike shared their reactions. While many viewers enjoyed the playful routine, some felt it was out of place on the netball court. Detractors compared the Kelpies’ moves to those of Australian breakdancer Rachel “Raygun” Gunn, suggesting that the performance was better suited for a dance stage than a sports arena. The comparison to Raygun sparked its own debate, with some praising the team’s creativity and others questioning whether entertainment should have such a prominent role in competitive sports.
Despite the mixed reactions, the Kelpies have embraced their newfound fame. Lee-Tauroa expressed his enthusiasm for the positive response they received from the live audience, stating, “We loved it, and the crowd loved it too. It was so loud in there.” The energy in the arena underscored the effectiveness of the dance as a pre-match ritual, drawing in fans and enhancing the atmosphere.
A Win for “Sport-tainment”
The Kelpies’ dance routine is part of a broader effort by World Netball to popularize the Fast5 format and showcase netball’s fun, energetic side. As Lee-Tauroa noted, Fast5 embraces “sport-tainment,” blending competitive play with entertainment elements to attract new fans and keep audiences engaged. “I think World Netball does an exceptional job of marketing the Fast5 World Series,” he said. “They label it sport-tainment, bringing that entertainment factor to the sport. All the athletes get around it, and I think it shows just how much fun netball can be.”
The success of Fast5’s entertainment approach has led to an increase in fan engagement, with dance routines becoming an annual highlight. The Kelpies, who have gone viral for their dance performances at previous tournaments, are enthusiastic supporters of the trend, and their Deadpool-inspired routine has reinforced the appeal of pre-match dances as a way to connect with fans and create memorable experiences.
Lee-Tauroa went further to say that he would love to see similar routines adopted by other sports. “It would be great to see more things like that rolled out across all different types of sport,” he said. His comments suggest that the Kelpies’ viral performance could pave the way for more sports to incorporate entertainment elements into their events, potentially setting a new standard for fan interaction in the sports world.
A Triumphant Finish for the Kelpies
While the dance routine may have sparked debate, the Kelpies proved their skills on the court as well. They went on to win the Fast5 tournament, beating New Zealand 32-30 in a thrilling final match. This victory marked a significant achievement for the Australian team and validated their choice to balance entertainment with athleticism. By capturing the tournament title, the Kelpies showed that they could not only entertain fans but also compete at the highest level.
The combination of their pre-match dance routine and impressive performance on the court demonstrated that entertainment and athleticism can go hand in hand. The Kelpies’ success in Christchurch has set a high standard for future Fast5 tournaments, and their viral dance routine has added a new layer of excitement to the sport.
The Broader Impact of the Kelpies’ Dance Routine
The Kelpies’ viral routine reflects a growing trend in sports to incorporate entertainment elements, especially as younger audiences seek experiences that go beyond the traditional boundaries of competition. With the rise of social media and the popularity of platforms like TikTok, sports organizations are increasingly exploring ways to connect with fans through creative and unconventional approaches.
The popularity of the Kelpies’ Deadpool-inspired dance routine suggests that audiences are open to seeing more than just gameplay during sports events. For Fast5 and other sports leagues, embracing “sport-tainment” can help draw new fans and create a more engaging experience for viewers.
The success of this viral moment also highlights the impact of cross-genre influences. By bringing elements of popular culture into the sporting world, the Kelpies showed how sports and entertainment can intersect to create moments that resonate with fans worldwide.
Will “Sport-tainment” Shape the Future of Netball?
As the popularity of Fast5 continues to grow, the concept of “sport-tainment” is likely to become an even more integral part of the netball experience. The Kelpies’ dance routine has shown how creativity and playfulness can enhance a sporting event, turning it into an immersive, interactive spectacle.
Moving forward, World Netball may look to expand on this approach, incorporating more choreographed routines, music, and visual effects to keep fans engaged and entertained. If the Kelpies’ success is any indication, the future of netball—and sports in general—may be one where entertainment and athleticism are seamlessly integrated, creating a dynamic new form of engagement for fans worldwide.
The Kelpies’ viral dance routine, inspired by Deadpool and powered by the team’s dedication to entertaining their fans, will likely be remembered as a defining moment in the evolution of sport-tainment. By bringing fun, humor, and a little Hollywood inspiration to the netball court, the Kelpies have raised the bar for how sports can entertain and captivate audiences in a rapidly changing world.
