The Viral ‘Aura Farming’ Boat Dance Started Here – 11-Year-Old Boy Shares How It All Began

An 11-year-old boy’s spontaneous dance on a speeding boat has taken the internet by storm, sparking a global craze dubbed “aura farming.” Rayyan Arkan Dikha, a fifth-grader from Kuantan Singingi Regency in Riau, Indonesia, became an overnight sensation after his captivating performance during the traditional Pacu Jalur boat race. In a recent interview, Rayyan shared,

“I came up with the dance myself. It was just spontaneous.”

His rhythmic moves, paired with a cool demeanor and stylish sunglasses, have inspired millions, from TikTok creators to global celebrities, to join the viral trend.

The Pacu Jalur, a centuries-old Indonesian boat race recognized as part of the nation’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, features long, ornate boats powered by teams of rowers.

Rayyan, serving as the Togak Luan, danced at the bow to motivate the crew, balancing precariously while performing repetitive arm movements and blowing kisses to the crowd. Set to the song “Young Black and Rich” by Melly Mike, his performance was captured on video and exploded online, amassing billions of views across platforms like TikTok under hashtags like #AuraFarmingKidOnBoat.

What makes Rayyan’s dance so special? It’s the perfect blend of skill, charisma, and cultural pride. Dancing on a moving boat requires incredible balance, a feat praised by Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, who noted,

“Maintaining balance as a dancer who motivates the rowing team is truly not simple.”

Rayyan’s effortless coolness, accentuated by his traditional Teluk Belanga outfit and headcloth, embodies the internet’s latest obsession: “aura farming,” a term describing confident, stylish actions that boost one’s social presence.

The dance’s simplicity made it easy to replicate, fueling its viral spread. Athletes and celebrities worldwide have joined in, with NFL star Travis Kelce posting a version that garnered 14 million views, Formula One driver Alex Albon mimicking the moves, and Paris Saint-Germain’s football team sharing a TikTok captioned,

“His aura made it all the way to Paris.”

Even soccer player Diego Luna and MotoGP champion Marc Márquez have celebrated with Rayyan’s dance, cementing its place in global pop culture.

Rayyan’s fame has brought pride to his community. The governor of Riau named him a tourism ambassador and awarded him a 20 million rupiah scholarship for his education. Despite his global recognition, Rayyan remains humble, dreaming of becoming a police officer and advising others,

“Stay healthy, friends, so you can become like me.”

His mother, Rani Ridawati, expressed pride but also concern for his safety, noting the risks of dancing on a speeding boat.

The viral dance has also shone a spotlight on the Pacu Jalur festival, introducing Indonesia’s rich cultural traditions to a global audience. Rayyan’s spontaneous performance has bridged local heritage with modern internet culture, proving that a moment of creativity can spark a worldwide movement. As he told reporters,

“Every time my friends see me, they say, ‘You’re viral.’”

For Rayyan, it’s just the beginning of his journey as an unexpected global star.