Students at last month’s Student Leadership Association (SLA)-hosted Spring Fling event witnessed a surprise dance performance by Sinclair’s new Flash Mob Dance Club.
The idea for the club was introduced last quarter by Sinclair dance instructor and club advisor Jeanette Watts and was made a reality Spring Quarter. The troupe didn’t officially meet as a group until a few weeks before their “sexy tango” performance at the Spring Fling.
“I think it turned out beautifully,” said Justine Deeter, the club’s president. “People who really wanted to learn this dance were very interested in tango and the moves and the suaveness of it.”
Three couples took part in the tango dance exhibition. The choreography and music for the dance were arranged by Watts.
“We needed people who wanted to get in front of people and show them what we have, and some people just took chances,” said Deeter. “They’re like ‘whoa, I’m not good in front of people, but I do want to learn how to dance,’ and we threw them in front of people and they absolutely loved it.”
One of the tango dancers, Lessa Happaporo, said that she got involved through one of Watt’s dance classes.
“I’m not sure how I feel about performing, but I really like the dancing,” said Happaporo. “It’s just a lot of fun.”
Although the number of dancers was limited for that event due to space requirements, the club welcomes new dancers who want to “try it out and see what we’re about.” Eventually, the club may hold auditions or limit membership to dancers who can regularly attend practices.
The club is planning to organize flash mob events at various locations on campus and in the Dayton community, although at many places security concerns require that the club plan with the school or business beforehand.
The point of a flash mob is to surprise people, to “just unexpectedly kind of come in and start dancing,” said Deeter.
Deeter has been dancing for about two years, and started with Watts’ ballroom dance class. That class led into a swing class, which led into the mixed dance class that Watts offers on Friday nights from 8-10 p.m.
“Once you take one of her classes, you’ll probably be addicted to it,” said Deeter. “You get so much diversity with the Friday night dance group because they pick a new dance every time.”
Deeter said that learning each dance leads into others and can get students involved with different cultures.
“Being able to dance with somebody without communicating is beautiful, it’s amazing, it’s like a piece of art that you work on,” said Deeter. “People can’t see you when you’re dancing with another person, because you’re so focused on the dance, the rhythms, the beats, the tones, the attitude of the music.”
Dancers can participate in public showings or can just perform within the group, depending upon their comfort level.
The Flash Mob Dance Club meets for an hour every Thursday at 4 p.m. in the stage area in Building 8 or in the gym lobby.
“If you’re wanting to dance and have fun and be able to perform in front of people and have a little sass and attitude to your flair, then come and see what we’re about,” said Deeter.