I’m a little late on this internet phenomenon, but I just saw this video today, and it’s fantastic.
Here is the story as I heard it:
Basically, this guy had a goofy dance that people made fun of. Instead of hiding in under a rock for the rest of his life, he took his dance on the road. Matt Harding, originally from Connecticut, has visited a whole slew of countries, taped himself doing the dance in each country, and put together this video:
Think about all of the new experiences that must have come with making this video. Think of traveling to all those places and gathering up all those random people and getting them excited about your silly dance. Imagine standing in completely new surroundings, completely comfortable. I am amazed at this person’s creative response.
Similarly, tonight’s 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremonies are currently blowing my mind. The creativity in choreographing all of this is astounding. Yes, it’s extravagant, and yes, there are political problems under that sparkly (on fire!) surface. But celebration is also important, and as celebrations go, this is pretty over-the-top fantastic.
The sheer number of bodies working together in some of these performances is daunting. The timing on the drum number was stunning, and the use of the entire stadium as a canvas makes an incredible impression. Ooh, Tai-chi.
Well, they’ve done it. I’m invested in the Summer Olympics. I want to watch more than the gymnastic floor routines (my usual level of involvement). Sing, adorable, flag-carrying children! Sing! Grow up to be incredibly coordinated dancers like those people in those boxes over there! And don’t stand near that fire, please, your outfits look flammable.
Read more about Matt Harding at his wikipedia article.
