It is impossible not to have heard it at a wedding, a town festival or at the Oktoberfest. But what few know is that Dance of the Ducks (Der Ententanz) has a 100% Swiss passport.
Werner Thomas: The Father of the Child
The melody was composed in the late 1950s by Werner Thomas, an accordionist from Davos. He originally called it "Der Ententanz" (The Duck Dance) inspired by the movement of birds while playing in hotels and restaurants in the ski area.
From Davos to the whole world
Interestingly, the song did not become famous immediately. It was in the 70s and 80s when various European groups began to cover it, turning it into a global hit under names like "The Birdie Song" or "La danse des canards".
Did you know...? Werner Thomas composed the song simply to encourage people to dance in a fun and uncomplicated way. Mission accomplished!