The annual countrywide jig competition typically saw some of the most exciting and elaborate dance performances in the nation. The competition, which was held in a large amphitheater in the capital, always drew a vast and diverse audience, all eager to see their favorite dancers and their impeccably crafted routines.
This year, however, things did not go according to plan. During the semifinals, the judges, who had already scored the performers, suddenly announced that they would not award any points unless participants danced while chanting the phrase, "move zig for great justice."
What followed was utter chaos.
The contestants, anxious to maintain their standing in the competition, tried to incorporate the strange phrase into their routines. Their attempts to satisfy the judges' unusual demands led to one of the most bizarre dance performances in history.
Participants wobbled, lunged and leaped frantically in every direction, their bodies contorting beyond what was ordinarily possible. Spectators, initially excited about the new twist, quickly became agitated as the competition descended into utter pandemonium. Some shouted, "What does it even mean, move zig for great justice?"
The judges refused to say anything regarding their request, other than to repeat it frantically over the microphone.
Things worsened as it eventually emerged that judges had come up with the phrase after playing an old video game and misunderstood it when a character said it. They had no intention of awarding any points to the participants unless they followed the off-beat directive.
Many contestants, unwilling to degrade themselves further, removed their costumes and walked off the stage, while others resorted to improvisation. A few tried to perform their routines as intended, but every time they did, they were repeatedly heckled and booed by the crowd.
Some even tried to run off stage, but the judges, desperate to get their "move zig" response, cordoned off the exits.
Chaos reigned supreme as an excited and inspired crowd transformed into an unruly and disheartened mob. The tension rose even further when armed security officers waded into the amphitheater and threatened to use physical force on anyone who failed to "move zig."
The entire drama came to an abrupt end when one of the contestants, in a fit of anger, charged towards one of the judges and shouted, "What does move zig even mean?"
The audience was expecting the worst when, suddenly, the judges quickly retracted their strange directive and apologized for wasting everyone's time. They blamed their erratic behavior on a combination of caffeine and sugar, which made them hyper and confused.
The competition ended without any winner, and the judges and the organizers promised to refund participants' fees and tried to placate the jilted crowd. Some participants subsequently sued the judges for emotional damages, and in the aftermath of the debacle, the jig competition has not been held again.
After the incident, there have been some reports of a new internet meme where people chant "move zig for great justice" while dancing. It seems that the judges were instrumental in starting the trend, and while it has undoubtedly caused some humorous moments, it's almost certain that no one will ever forget the time when "moving zig" nearly destroyed one of the country's most beloved pastimes.
