Approximately 6,000 dancers in more than 260 cities and 39 countries participated in the International Flashmob West Coast Swing last year. This year, Jefferson City area dancers are joining the movement.
At 4 p.m. Saturday on the steps of the Capitol, six to eight couples will participate in the International Flashmob West Coast Swing 2017, dancing the same routine as thousands of other couples from across the globe on the same date.
With roots in popular '40s Lindy Hop, West Coast swing has a distinctive elastic look with movements that have definitive extensive-compression partner connection techniques. The local dancers, who hail from places like the Steppin' Out Dance Studio, Jefferson City Swing Dance Club, and Capital Ritz Dance Studio and Banquet Center, will perform a roughly three-minute routine.
Becky Fredrickson is excited to bring this international promotion of West Coast swing to Jefferson City. Fredrickson, who will perform in the event with her Steppin' Out Dance Studio business partner Don Walker, said it was only a few months ago they "stumbled" across the flash mob movement, which started within the last decade. They will dance the same routine to the same song, Jason Derulo's "Kiss the Sky," that all International Flashmob West Coast Swing 2017 participants will use Saturday across the globe.
"We have been rehearsing for about two months (practicing two nights a week). You have to know the routine and stick to the routine, with the music selected," she said, noting there is a demo video released in advance so participants internationally can learn and do the same routine. "It's not the easiest to learn and can be a bit challenging. But it's doable, and we hope it comes off without a hitch."
Fredrickson said they will perform the flash mob routine three times, starting at the Capitol steps then again at the Capitol lawn and lastly at a riverside area of the Capitol. They will film their routine, posting it separately on YouTube. They will also select the best parts of the routine and submit that footage for consideration in the international video of the flash mob, which will also be shared on YouTube.
"They compile parts of routines from all over the world, like Amsterdam, Korea, San Francisco. That is why we chose to perform at the state Capitol. We want to make sure Jefferson City is highlighted and recognizable," she said.
Fredrickson said she and her fellow dancers encourage the community to watch and support their participation in the flash mob Saturday.
"We have had a ball doing this, and we want to do this every year," she said. "Next year, we hope it will generate even more interest and participation."