Flash Dance
Imagine this: You’re in a public space—say, a train station or city park—minding your own business. All of a sudden, someone starts dancing. Then a few more people join in, and then even more, until you’re smack in the middle of a choreographed routine with hundreds of dancers. Sound like something out of a movie musical? Not anymore. The flash mob phenomenon is happening more and more often all over the world. Here’s the scoop on four of DS’ faves. Go online to check them out!
What: The commute at Centraal Station in Antwerp, Belgium, is spiced up when people begin dancing to “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music to promote a reality TV show.
When:
March 23, 2009
Who’s Dancing:
200 “commuters,” from children to businessmen to backpackers
Fun Fact:
The original video has more than 11 million views on YouTube!
What: Music company Wolfgang’s
Vault celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock music festival with a dance in San Francisco’s Union Square.
When:
August 16, 2009
Who’s Dancing:
Members of the San Francisco production of the rock musical The Who’s Tommy.
Fun Fact:
The anniversary event also featured an air guitar flash mob!
What: Oprah’s staff surprises her by staging a huge crowd dance to the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Got A Feeling” to kick off her talk show’s 24th season.
When:
September 8, 2009
Who’s Dancing:
21,000 Oprah fans, all along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile
Fun Fact:
You can learn these moves from choreographer Ashley Wallen at oprah.com.
What: Neon-clad dancers take over NYC’s South Street Seaport to promote
Fame.
When:
September 23, 2009
Who’s Dancing:
96 dancers from NYC’s STEELEDANCE company and Dance New Amsterdam
Fun Fact:
The choreography for this piece was created by Teri and Oliver Steele, who teach at DNA and direct STEELEDANCE. —Kathryn Holmes
