
The Mushroom Dance is a term that has been used to refer to multiple different things. It is the name of a musical track by Tarun Nayar, who recorded it using the bioelectricity of a mushroom. It is also the name of a dance performed by a character in the video game Undertale, and a scene in Disney's Fantasia. Additionally, dancing mushroom is a term used to refer to the Grifola mushroom, also known as hen-of-the-woods in English or maitake in Japanese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Musical track, dance |
| Origin | Created by Tarun Nayar, a Canadian-Indian musician based in Vancouver |
| Creation | Made using modular synthesis, homemade synths, and analogue gear to capture the bioelectricity of a red-belted conk mushroom |
| Dance moves | Swaying side to side with arms bent at a right angle, moving up and down in opposite directions, keeping the head down to hide the eyes, then lifting the head |
| Symbolism | Inner torment, struggle, unbridled happiness |
| References | Disney's Fantasia, Undertale, Temmie Village, Marshal, Ragel |
| Mushroom type | Grifola, maitake ("hen-of-the-woods" in English) |
| Edibility | Edible and tasty, with fibrous petals and delicate bursts of umami flavor |
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What You'll Learn
- The 'Mushroom Dance' is a musical track created by Tarun Nayar using the bioelectricity of a mushroom
- The dance moves of the 'Mushroom Dance Guy' in the video game Undertale
- A scene in Disney's Fantasia featuring dancing mushrooms
- The 'dancing mushroom', a type of edible mushroom with fibrous petals
- A reference to a scene in Undertale where a character performs a mysterious dance

The 'Mushroom Dance' is a musical track created by Tarun Nayar using the bioelectricity of a mushroom
The Mushroom Dance is a musical track created by Vancouver-based artist Tarun Nayar. The track was produced using the bioelectricity of a mushroom, specifically a red-belted conk, a type of stem decay fungus. Nayar, who is formally trained in Indian Classical music and educated as a biologist, founded the Modern Biology project, which explores the intersection of music and nature. Through the use of modular synthesis, homemade synths, and analogue gear, Nayar aims to improvise with the natural vibrations of a particular place and time, including plant bioelectricity and the earth's resonant hum.
In the track "Mushroom Dance," Nayar harnessed the electrical properties of mushroom skin, transposing them into sound. This innovative approach to music creation showcases a unique collaboration between artist and nature, resulting in a musical composition that is both captivating and unconventional.
The idea of creating music from mushroom bioelectricity may seem unusual, but it is not the only instance of mushrooms inspiring creative expression. In popular culture, the mushroom dance has appeared in various forms, often associated with whimsical and lighthearted depictions. For example, in the video game Undertale, a character named Ragel performs a mysterious mushroom dance, swaying side to side with bent arms, creating a unique and entertaining routine.
The mushroom dance in Undertale has gained a dedicated following, with players intrigued by its quirky movements and the character's hidden eyes and pixelated nostrils. Ragel's dance is accompanied by its own music, adding to the overall charm of the scene. This combination of dance and music has left a lasting impression on players, sparking discussions and interpretations of its meaning within the game's narrative.
While the mushroom dance in Undertale is a fictional creation, it showcases the ability of mushrooms to inspire creativity and imagination. Whether it is through their biological properties, as demonstrated by Tarun Nayar, or their whimsical appearances in popular culture, mushrooms continue to captivate and inspire artists, musicians, and audiences alike. The Mushroom Dance track by Tarun Nayar is a testament to the unique and diverse ways in which nature can be interpreted and transformed into art.
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The dance moves of the 'Mushroom Dance Guy' in the video game Undertale
The dance moves of the Mushroom Dance Guy, or Ragel, in the video game Undertale are as follows:
Ragel sways from side to side with their arms bent at a right angle, moving their arms up and down, always with each arm doing the opposite of the other. They keep their head down, so that their nostrils resemble eyes, before lifting their head to reveal their actual eyes.
Ragel's dance is referred to as the "mushroom dance" in the game, and it even has its own music. The dance is first performed when the protagonist of the game speaks to Ragel in Temmie Village. The dance is described as "mysterious" and its meaning is left open to interpretation, with different explanations offered depending on the player's actions during the game.
For example, on a Neutral Route, if the protagonist has not killed any monsters, Ragel expresses worry about how they will reach the surface, even if the barrier is destroyed, as they are rooted to their spot. In contrast, if the protagonist has killed at least one monster, Ragel suggests that the protagonist has sinned.
In a True Pacifist Route, Ragel expresses happiness because they believe someone will help them get to the surface. They question why the protagonist expected a distressed explanation for their dance, instead of their joyful interpretation.
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A scene in Disney's Fantasia featuring dancing mushrooms
In the iconic 1940 film Fantasia, one of Disney's most beloved and experimental animations, there is a segment that has become infamous and endearingly known as the "Mushroom Dance". This whimsical and playful scene stands out for its creativity and unique character design, offering a light-hearted and fanciful interlude in the film.
The scene, set to the lively and energetic tune of "The Nutcracker Suite", composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, features a magical forest floor that comes to life with an array of colorful and playful mushrooms. The mushrooms, of various sizes and species, are personified with cute and charming personalities, each with their own unique and expressive faces. As the music swells, the mushrooms begin to move and dance in time to the music, creating a captivating and enchanting spectacle.
The animation is a masterpiece of creativity and attention to detail. Each mushroom seems to have its own character and style of movement, from graceful twirls and spins to comical hops and bouncy strides. The larger mushrooms, with their wide, brimmed caps, seem to take on a more stately and elegant waltz, while the smaller, more delicate mushrooms perform quick and lively jigs and reels. The scene is a delightful interplay of colors, movements, and expressions, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere.
As the music reaches its climax, the mushrooms' dance becomes more exuberant and frenzied, with mushrooms leaping and spinning in joyous abandon. The scene is a celebration of nature, music, and the magic that Disney is renowned for. The "Mushroom Dance" has become an iconic and beloved moment in animation history, a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of Disney's unique brand of fantasy and wonder.
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The 'dancing mushroom', a type of edible mushroom with fibrous petals
The dancing mushroom, also known as maitake in Japan and "hen-of-the-woods" in English-speaking countries, is a type of edible mushroom with fibrous petals. It is said to have a delicate umami flavour and a texture similar to al dente pasta. This mushroom is native to Japan and is believed to have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. The dancing mushroom is a favourite of dance hobbyists and food enthusiasts alike.
The unique name "dancing mushroom" may be derived from a Japanese legend involving nuns dancing around and feeding others delicious mushroom dinners. The mushroom's Japanese name, maitake, translates to "dancing mushroom," reflecting its ability to prompt people to dance or its own graceful, fibrous petals that seem to be dancing in the wind.
This mushroom has made its way into popular culture, with references in video games such as Undertale and Temmie Village, where interacting with a mushroom character triggers a "mushroom dance." During this dance, the mushroom sways side to side with its arms bent at right angles, creating a mysterious and entertaining performance.
Additionally, "Mushroom Dance" is the name of a musical track created by Tarun Nayar, a Canadian-Indian musician based in Vancouver. Nayar recorded the track using the bioelectricity of a red-belted conk, a type of stem decay fungus. The track showcases the electrical properties of mushroom skin transposed into sound, creating a unique and innovative musical experience.
The dancing mushroom, with its fibrous petals and culinary versatility, has captured the imagination of people worldwide, inspiring not only delicious dishes but also artistic expressions through dance and music. It serves as a testament to the fascinating interplay between nature and human creativity.
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A reference to a scene in Undertale where a character performs a mysterious dance
In the video game Undertale, there is a character known as the "mushroom dance guy" or Ragel. This character is first encountered in Temmie Village, and mushrooms that resemble it can be found near Waterfall. The mushroom dance guy wears a blue top with white spots and a white stem, resembling a mushroom. Its face consists of two pixels as nostrils, a few pixels forming a straight line for the mouth, and two eyes hidden under its mushroom top.
When the player interacts with the mushroom dance guy, it performs a mysterious dance. The dance involves swaying side to side with arms bent at right angles, which change from up and down, always in the opposite direction. The mushroom dance guy keeps its head down, so the two dots of its nostrils look like eyes, before lifting its head to reveal its real eyes. The dance is accompanied by its own music.
After the dance, the mushroom dance guy speaks to the protagonist, and its dialogue varies depending on the player's actions during the game. On a Neutral Route, if the protagonist has not killed any monsters, the mushroom dance guy worries about how it will reach the surface, even if the barrier is destroyed, as it is rooted to its spot. If the protagonist has killed at least one monster, the mushroom dance guy suggests that the protagonist has sinned. In a True Pacifist Route, if the protagonist speaks to the mushroom dance guy after the barrier is opened, it expresses happiness that someone is willing to move it to the surface. It then questions why the protagonist was expecting a more distressed explanation of its dance.
The mushroom dance in Undertale may be a reference to a scene in Disney's Fantasia, featuring a character named Marshal performing a mushroom dance.
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Frequently asked questions
The mushroom dance is a reference to a dance from Disney's Fantasia, featuring Marshal. It was conceived by Walt's accountant after he visited the grocery store and was kicked out for playing with a pack of mushrooms.
Yes, there is a musical track called "Mushroom Dance" by Tarun Nayar, who is a Canadian-Indian musician based in Vancouver. The song was recorded with a red-belted conk, a type of stem decay fungus.
In the video game Undertale, there is a character known as the ""mushroom dance guy"" or Ragel, who performs a mysterious mushroom dance when spoken to. The dance involves swaying side to side with arms bent at a right angle, with the head initially down to hide the eyes.
Yes, the Grifola mushroom, also known as "hen-of-the-woods" in English or maitake in Japanese, is sometimes referred to as the ""dancing mushroom"" due to its feathery appearance and edible properties.

























