My most lovely friend threw herself a fabulous fete for her 40th birthday. A couple of weeks prior, another friend of hers emailed me with the best idea anyone has ever had:
We should have a flash mob.
Of course. Of course we should. It is a testament to how tremendously well liked is my friend that so many people were game. From three different factions of her life! There was a college group, a work contingent, and her Seattle crowd as well.
After a not-even-that-extensive youtube search, I was able to find the perfect video of a group of educators doing a flash mob at a conference. It was ideal because it had dance moves performed by Actual People, there was a TUTORIAL video as well, and the song was fun and had a good message. We emailed links and instructions and whatnot far and wide and hoped for the best. I think we were all imagining the disaster this could be.
I have to admit that even though I was one of planners of the whole deal, as the event drew closer, I kept feeling all, gah! I have to go learn that dance. I had my own party to prepare for, fun houseguests, and there was always something better to do. BUT THEN. We all put the babies to bed, cracked some beers, hooked the laptop up to the TV, and got our groove on. You guys, it was SO FUN to learn a dance routine. As soon as we started, all I wanted to DO was practice.
This was the most fun I have had in a long long time. There are a couple of videos, which I’ll link, but none of them really get the Birthday Girl’s face. It was truly one of life’s greatest moments to watch her realize what was going on, how utterly delighted and surprised she was.
Maybe watch a few seconds of each of these, if you feel like it. I’m in the front in a blue dress.
This one has the best sound I think, but you have to forward it to about 1:40.
This one has the most reaction shots in it:
Late night drunken dance floor version:
People, if you get a chance to be in a flash mob, DO IT.
When I was in Buenos Aires, a full-on flash parade coalesced around me, proceeded to march me down several blocks, and then disbanded just as quickly as it came together. I wonder if I set it off or if I was just in the right place at the right time. Best part of the whole trip.
I felt exactly the same way–hanging over my head until I actually got down to business and learned it, and then SO MUCH FUN! Especially practicing in the hotel with Jill and Brian before heading to the party (since I wasn’t able to make it for mass rehearsal). And I have a video too, but I’ve been having issues getting it edited/posted on youtube. I’ll let you know when I’ve got it!
whatta great time! thanks for sharing. happy 40th to rona!
oh, that really made me smile, what a great idea for a birthday. inspiring.
It was the BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER! I have the most spectacular friends. xoxo