This past Wednesday, June 15th, marked the kick-off for National Dance Week-New York City (NDW-NYC). Amongst the bustling New Yorkers in the heat of early evening, a dozen people started dancing...so the flash mob began!
The idea of a flash mob is for a group of people to perform a choreographed dance suddenly - and often unexpectedly - in the midst of a public place. Wednesday's performance, lasting about ten minutes, highlighted moves from the '20s and '50s -lots of hopping, bopping and hip shaking- to current hip hop moves. Choreographed by Michelle Robinson, the energetic dancing caught people's eye and engaged a crowd on the south side of Union Square.
Intermittently, the dancers would burst from their formation, inviting audience members to come join them. It was fascinating to see the dancers and curious audience members partner dancing, really giving a sense of community and inclusion - certainly speaking to a part of what National Dance Week promotes: exposure and celebration of dance with the masses.
The flash mob was followed by a kick-off party, including more dancing as well as happy hour at Union Bar.
The NDW-NYC ten day festival will continue through Sunday June 26th, ending with a performance event at the Salvatore Capezio Theater at Peridance. For more information on the NDW-NYC events, classes and performances please visit http://www.ndw-nyc.org.
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