Friday, February 4, 2011

seeing double

In my opinion, flash mobs are a stroke of creative genius. Coordinating a large (or small) group to perform a seemingly impromptu activity without breaking character cannot be an easy feat but as it's popularity spreads like wildfire around the world, more and more people are trying their hand at staging a scene. Improv Everywhere, the New York City comedy group, has helped make flash mobs an international activity with their undercover agents and hundreds of missions and their commitment to creating chaos, confusion and of course joy has captivated me.
How awesome is the Human Mirror? Really awesome, right? I think what catches my eye the most, other than the obvious, the amazing acting abilities and perfect placement of all involved, is the reaction from the spectators. It cracks me up to see the dramatic double takes and the wide eyed wonderers. I think I’d probably be one of those awkward eye averting audience members who doesn't want to stare but secretly wishes she could whip out her camera and take lots of photos (because let's face it, as much as it makes me smile, I'm not really one for staring!). I think public displays of artistic endeavors are just what the world needs sometimes. How much would your mood improve if on the subway ride home from a tough day at work you found yourself inside a magically mirrored subway car? I'm pretty sure I'd be forgetting about fretting and focused on the fun in front of me. Or while waiting to catch the train, everyone around you breaks into song and dance? It sure would turn my frown upside down!
{via}
Creativity sparks conversation, it inspires others and it makes people stop and think...and I personally love seeing it in public places. While flash mobs may cause confusion, they are good clean fun that make so many smile.

Have you ever seen a flash mob in person? Have you ever participated in one?

16 comments:

Ashley Hasty said...

I haven't seen a flash mob in person, but I'm dying to! How fun would that be?? Participating in one would be even better!! I'm new to your blog. So happy I stumbled across you today! It was a pleasure *meeting* you!

<3 Ashley
www.ahastylife.com

Melanie's Randomness said...

If I ever saw a Flash Mob in person it'd be SOooo cool!!! I think its a great idea and it looks awesome!! =) The train one is really trippy!! I like it!!

Melanie's Randomness

PoetessWug said...

No, Never seen one in person, but seen lots of them on T.V. and Youtube...Cool! :-]

ali v. said...

I loved this! I wish I could see a flash mob in person though...I love what you said about creativity...it really does inspire others and gets them thinking :) have a great weekend, my dear! and if you have a chance, stop by...I'm hosting a fun giveaway with your name all over it! xoxo {av}

Krista said...

This is so cool! I saw one video of a flash mob in Grand Central Station, I think by the same troupe, and at a certain time, they all just stopped. You could see all the people walking around them, completely mystified.

You're absolutely right: it just instantly puts me in a good mood because I think about how unique and neat it is! Though in person... I've never seen a flash mob. I think Calgary is too stuck up for something like that. =(

Brooke T said...

I LOVE this group! They are so fun to watch and this was awesome!

A Crimson Kiss said...

I would SO LOVE to do/experience this in person. I'm always completely floored by the videos-they're amazing!

Linley said...

i agree! flash mobs are amazing! pure talent and creativity! i love watching flash mobs on youtube - especially christmas ones!

Anna said...

I have never seen one but I would LOVE to!! That would be awesome!

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

A coworker showed me the mirror image video last week! Have you seen the one where they go to Home Depot? Check it out!

kimbirdy said...

i love improv everywhere! in college i tried to get people to do public improv similar to these kinds of things, but no one would join me. i guess i lived in the wrong town. then when i lived in san francisco i participated in the pantsless subway ride, and a zombie flash mob. both were super fun!

k said...

I went to a flash mob in zurich a few months ago!!! I was taking pictures but mark participated...it was so bizarre!!! everyone crowded in to a busy square and then everyone froze for 5 minutes...it was hilarious because it was dead quiet - although awkward for the poor people who didn't know what was going on, haha! it was such a cool experience though!!

k said...

PS I took pics because I was going to blog about it - but the pictures...obviously did not catch the freeze since they were pics :)

SJ said...

i love improv everywhere's ideas. anything that can make people have a laugh, especially on public transport where everyone keeps to themselves, is brilliant in my book!

theappletea said...

cool :)

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Karina Cifuentes said...

The subway mirror is so clever! I would have loved to witness that in person. I think the best part is how unfazed people react. That's so New York. :)