Flash Mob America (So Cal)–a group that strives to bring people together through dance and the element of surprise–organized a flash mob at Universal Studios City Walk Saturday and the turnout was amazing. Hundreds of people came out to be a part of the excitement, and even those who chose not to dance, at least wanted to get a good view of the performance.
The balconies and the perimeter of the quad (in front of the Hard Rock Cafe) were filled with people holding cameras and recorders trying to capture a piece of the magic, and there were nothing but smiles visible in the sea of happy faces.
As I waited for the cue, a few butterflies arose immediately before the big moment, but they went away as soon as the music began.
The experience captured something more than dancing; it captured love. For a few minutes nobody cared what clothes you were wearing; the color of your skin; or even your dance background. Everyone seemed to enjoy being a part of something bigger than themselves; coming together as strangers to create joy, and maybe … leaving as friends.
Needless to say, the goal of the day was definitely accomplished. I was so happy that I participated, and hated that it had to end so quickly. I think my sentiments were shared with many of the other flash mobbers.
“This was my first flash mob, and I’m so glad that I chose to participate on National Dance Day.
(Saturday) was a special day; it was amazing. The leaders of the flash mob were fantastic. They were very helpful and organized,” said Helen Uguryan.
“My experience was fabulous. Amazing people, great dancing, truly joyful. I can’t get the grin off my face,” beamed Brooke Maile.
“It was an exciting experience. My grandkids wanted to do it again and again. And we were all done, when we were supposed to,” commented Mona Nava, who danced with her two young grandchildren.
Nava’s words reminded me of an even more delightful aspect of the flash mob–the fact that it was a really fun routine, but was also easy enough for anyone to learn and join in. There were kids younger than 10 and adults older than 60 in the crowd, and yet everyone was still able learn, get some great exercise, and come together to create happiness.
“I loved the concept, because it was about encouraging exercise which promotes health and wellness, but (it) also succeeded (in) bringing together so many diverse people and encouraged a connection between us,” said Natalie Cole, CEO and publisher of Our Weekly Los Angeles newspaper.
That’s right. Natalie was there (make sure to see if you can spot her dancing in the crowd at www.ourweekly.com).
The flash mob was truly an invaluable experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Not only did the flash mob at Universal celebrate the day, but exciting dance-related events broke out all over the country. There were themed parties, movie premieres, and flash mobs happening just about everywhere proving that Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer of “So You Think You Can Dance” was right when he said, “the power of dance could move an entire country.”
According to Lythgoe, he introduced the idea of a National Dance Day to continue to generate national awareness for dance, which he described as a medium of expression and storytelling, that has proven its value in bringing individuals from all walks of life together through a positive platform. It has no boundaries and cultivates imagination and passion. Most importantly, Lythgoe added that the day was intended to promote health and wellness nationwide.
This is just another of the many efforts that have been initiated to help deal with the serious problem of obesity we face in this country. The day proved to be a success with the help of Lythgoe; First Lady Michelle Obama and her diligent fight against childhood obesity; The Dizzy Feet Organization, a non-profit which provides scholarships for dance; and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who introduced the bill into Congress declaring July 31 National Dance Day.
