Sunday, Aug 8, 6:00 pm - Waltzing On the Water (WOW)

Ever hear of "flash mobs"? -- They're seemingly spontaneous gatherings that bring people together for a brief period of time. Well, this summer a few musicians and dancers are instigating "flash dances" -- opportunities to waltz in public or semi-public places to live tunes or recorded music. For our 5th one we headed back to Forest Park's Grand Basin due to popular demand. During the course of the evening we estimate some 50-60 people danced - our largest crowd to date. This time we added contras to the mix, and our eclectic band of rogue musicians (2 fiddles, mandolin, French horn, double bass and boom box) were joined by our rogue band of eclectic callers for a wonderful time. We didn't realize until afterwards that we should have played - and called - "Gravel Walk."

Click here for a movie of the Flash Dance at the Grand Basin.

Forest Park's Grand Basin (across the lake from the foot of Art Hill)

Click here for printable map and directions

More maps:

• http://www.explorestlouis.com/pdf/maps/forestPark.pdf
• http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark/map2.html

Where to Park: / How to find us

Park on Lagoon Dr near the base of the Grand Basin. (halfway between the Tennis Courts and the new Golf Clubhouse). When you get to the Grand Basin, the Art Museum will be straight in front of you. As you face the Art Museum, there are two very wide walkways that frame the Grand Basin. Take the walkway on the left side of the Basin and walk about 100 yards. You'll pass 3 smaller fountains and then see a larger fountain right before the walkway makes a sharp left turn. We'll be in that area, either on the point itself as it juts into the water, on one of the small bridges that boats pass under, or on one of the landings that lead you right down to the water's edge. We're really not that hard to miss. Just listen for the music and look for the people smiling.

The Grand Basin in 1904

What makes this Space Unique:

The scenery here is elegant and wonderful. The Grand Basin has recently been improved and now has 8 beautiful fountains in the center. Graceful bridges cross over the waterway and other railings take you out to a vista where you're surrounded by water on 3 sides. Other landings take you right down to the water's edge. As you waltz in the evening twilight and enjoy the sweet music, you'll also be able to appreciate the couples or families in paddleboats or rowboats. They'll be sure to love the free entertainment.

Dance Surface: Concrete, Chat (small bits of gravel)

Other Details: You can confirm our location that night by calling Greg Rohde at 618.444.4975.

No partner or experience necessary. If you've never tried waltzing, but always wanted to learn, experienced dancers will gladly offer a quick lesson. Feel free to invite other dancers, musicians, or spectators. If you're a caller, bring your cards. If you're a musician, bring your instrument. Otherwise we'll enjoy CDs with beautiful tunes. If you have a camera, please bring it.

In Case of Rain:

In case of rain, we'll move to the World's Fair Pavilion (aka Spanish Pavilion) at the top of the hill just East of the Boat House and just North of the Zoo's Great Bird Cage. (You can drive there via Concourse Drive, a 1-way street you can get to from McKinley Dr (just up the hill from and West of the Muny). See map. You can also just park along the lake and just walk up the hill.

Want even more fun???

Come early. There might possibly be a chance that others will:

1. come at 5:30 for a picnic dinner at the spot where we'll be meeting.
2. come even earlier (4:00? 4:30?) to rent a boat and see if any other dancers are paddling around. ($15/hour.)
   http://www.boathouseforestpark.com/boat_rental_info.asp
   

Know Dancers in Other Cities?

Send them this link so they can host their own Flash Dances: http://www.childgrove.org/flashdances/flashdance_howto.htm