What is the Fortnite Carlton dance
The Fortnite Carlton dance is an emote in Fortnite named after and inspired by the choreography of rapper Drake’s 2016 song ‘Hotline Bling.’ In the game, it is a player animation performed by the default character outfit and is one of the earliest dance emotes introduced to the game. The emote replicates select moves from Drake’s music video and live performances, turning a popular music moment into an interactive cosmetic animation for players. It has become a widely recognized reference in both gaming and broader pop culture, frequently used in clips, memes, and streams.
The origin of the Carlton dance
The Carlton dance originates from the music video for Drake’s 2016 single ‘Hotline Bling,’ where choreographer Tanisha Scott created the original routine. Within Fortnite, the emote adapts key moments from that choreography into a shorter in-game sequence. The move entered Fortnite culture through player popularity and partnership-style implementations, becoming one of the signature dance emotes associated with the game’s social experience. It reflects how Fortnite integrates music and internet choreography into player expression.
Creator and copyright background
The emote is based on a routine created by choreographer Tanisha Scott, with musical performance and rights held by Drake and his label. Epic Games licensed the use of the choreography for the in-game emote, crediting the original creator and artist where required. While the specific in-game animation is a stylized interpretation, it draws directly from the ‘Hotline Bling’ choreography. Understanding this distinction helps clarify what is an original emote implementation and what remains protected choreography.
In-game usage and availability
Players can perform the Carlton dance in Fortnite through emote slots purchased from the Item Shop or earned through Battle Pass challenges. The animation plays from a standing pose and executes a sequence of steps, spins, and arm motions. Availability can vary if Epic rotates emotes in and out of the catalog or if licensing terms change. The emote is typically accessible on all platforms where Fortnite supports user emotes, including PC, console, and mobile.
Cultural impact and community adoption
Since its introduction, the Carlton dance has become a staple reference in gaming culture. It is frequently used in victory clips, popular memes, and social media recreations, extending beyond Fortnite into broader internet culture. The emote helped pioneer the expectation that dance emotes would be a core part of player expression in live-service games. Its longevity demonstrates how a single animation can remain culturally relevant when tied to recognizable music and choreography.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Associated song | Drake — ‘Hotline Bling’ (2016) | Music release / artist credits |
| Choreographer | Tanisha Scott | Interviews and official credits |
| In-game debut | 2017 (Tested in earlier updates, widely released 2017–2018) | Patch notes and historical content archives |
| Creator of emote | Epic Games (licensed choreography) | Epic Games credits and licensing disclosures |
| Platform availability | PC, console, mobile when emote catalog is active | Platform storefront and support documentation |
Common questions
- Is the Carlton dance still available in Fortnite — Availability depends on the current emote rotation and licensing; players can check the in-game emote catalog.
- Who created the original choreography — Tanisha Scott choreographed the original ‘Hotline Bling’ routine for Drake.
- Can the emote be used outside Fortnite — The in-game animation is specific to Fortnite; real-world use of the moves may require separate rights from the artist and choreographer.
- Does using the emote require payment — When available, the emote is obtained through a purchased emote or Battle Pass reward within Fortnite.