More flashmob.....

What makes a flashmob a flashmob? Strictly speaking it's a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual act for a brief time, then quickly disperse. Generally it's not for PR, although the idea continues to morph, develop, and be used in different ways. (Wikipedia has an entry describing it's origins in 2003 in Manhattan by Bill Wasik, the editor of Harper's Magazine. Bill Wasik discusses the flashmob phenomenon, social media, and public space here). And it's not restricted to dance- pillow fights, freezing in space, "spontaneous" clapping- a whole range of happenings that have developed around the simple act of having mass, organized fun, in public space.

At least two Made in BC dance outreach coordinators are secretly plotting flashmob-type events for some seemingly-spontaneous public dancing (it's still secret if I don't out you). So: I asked Julie Lebel of Foolish Operations (see a few posts ago) for some planning tips based on her recent dance flashmob experience, and here is what she said:

Lessons learned:

-Get a local choreographer to set the dance. The simpler it is, the faster it will propagate. Friends will teach it to each other.
-Get people to learn it in community practices in community centres or other places.
-Publish the video choreography on the web (youtube or other...)
-Partner with schools, community centres and organizations to get more numbers.
-Think about the music! Where does it comes from? Is it representative of your local culture? Hire a local DJ to build a mix or to compose something.
-Ask your participants to be aware of what they wear. Big brands on t-shirts is free publicity for corporations. Flash Mobs are photographic events and it will be posted on the web!
-Make sure participants are aware that they might appear on the web! It is an extension of the public space.

***
Thanks Julie!

And here are a few more videos to inspire you:

Improv Everywhere's Frozen Grand Central. Check out their website for more missions, including the (self-explanatory) No Pants Subway Ride, and a fun recent one called "Where's Rob", involving hundreds of helpful people at a Knicks game.



Since I am a fan of Michael Jackson's choreography, and the architectural fabulousness of public squares, I wanted to share this one by Bounce in Sweden.




If I've done my homework right then this is the Red Mitten FlashMob organized in Vancouver by Jojo Zolina and Harbour Dance:



And if you've somehow missed it, the T-Mobile dance: