Flash
Dance at Forest Park's Grand Basin
Sunday, July 31, 6:00 pm
Ever hear of "flash mobs"? They're spontaneous gatherings that bring people together on short notice for a brief period of time. Well, here's your chance to join dancers and musicians for a "flash dance" -an opportunity to waltz or contra in a public place. For more on "Flash Dances" see: http://www.childgrove.org/flashdances/flashdance_howto.htm
 The Grand Basin in 1904 |
Place:
Forest Park's Grand Basin (across the lake from the foot of Art Hill)
See map:
How to Find Us:
Park on Lagoon Dr near the base of the Grand Basin. (halfway between the Tennis Courts and the 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, take the walkway on the left and walk about 100 yards. You'll pass 3 smaller fountains and then 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.
What makes this Place Special?
The scenery here is wonderful. The Grand Basin has 8 beautiful fountains in the center. Elegant 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 people in paddleboats or rowboats. They'll be sure to love the free entertainment.
Suggested Color:
Yellow or White or Blue
Dance Surface:
Concrete, Chat (small bits of gravel), Grass
In Case of Rain:
We'll hope no one has reserved the World's Fair Pavilion.
See #18 on this map: http://www.explorestlouis.com/pdf/maps/forestPark.pdf
The World's Fair Pavilion is the large Spanish, looking building on top of the hill immediately across the road from the Boat House and the Post-Dispatch Lake. Closest parking is on Concourse Dr, a little-known one-way street you can find between the Jewel Box and the Muny. Easiest Parking is next to the lake, then walk up the big hill. If the pavilion is unavailable, Plan C is Washington University's Brookings Hall. Call 618.444.4975 to confirm our location.
Want even more fun???
Come earlier to have a picnic or rent a boat. Talk to others if you want to organize a group.
Boat rentals: http://www.boathouseforestpark.com/boat_rental_info.asp
Other Details:
- Feel free to invite other dancers, musicians, or spectators.
- No partner or experience necessary. If you've never tried waltzing, but always wanted to learn, we'll gladly offer you a lesson.
- If you're a musician and want to play, bring your instrument. Otherwise we'll enjoy CDs.
- If we have a caller, we hope to dance some contras as well.
- If you have a camera, please bring it.
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
here's 2006!
Ever hear of “flash mobs”? They’re spontaneous gatherings that bring people together on short notice for a brief period of time. Well, here’s your chance to join dancers and musicians for a “flash dance” – an opportunity to waltz or polka in a public place. For more on “Flash Dances” see: http://www.childgrove.org/flashdances/flashdance_howto.htm
Here’s a kicker. Remember the Flash Dances we’ve hosted the past two summers? Well, other people are hearing about them and are asking us to host a Flash Dance at their place.
Join us on Monday, June 19 as we Flash Dance at the MUNY Opera on Opening Night of the 2006 Season. The MUNY opens its 2006 Season with “King and I” and asked us to offer waltzes and polkas before the show to entertain and engage the patrons who are gathered outside the gates. If you respond quickly, you can also nab a free ticket for the show.
Unlike our other Flash Dances, this will be very short, just 45 minutes. Dancers can check-in and pick up their tickets between 6:30 and 6:45. (Coming early will also get you ahead of the traffic and help you get a better parking spot.) To make the most of the experience, come early and picnic.
Date & Times:
Monday June 19
5:30 – 6:30 Optional Picnic for dancers (BYOE)
6:30 – 6:45 Dancers check in and pick up tickets. (Sound Check)
7:00 – 7:45 Waltz & Polka to live music
8:15 – 11:00ish See “King & I
Place:
The Lichtenstein Plaza is behind the MUNY, outside of the theater in a concrete area where the lines form for the Free Seats. We’ll be there to waltz and polka to the tunes of the “King and I” soundtrack and some other lovely tunes. We’ll engage the audience and encourage some of them to join us by offering brief lessons to those who have never tried waltzing before.
Where to Park
The best place to park is the Upper MUNY parking lot.
Since Forest Park has some detours for construction, you may want to consult this map:
A Map of Forest Park is here: http://www.explorestlouis.com/pdf/maps/forestPark.pdf
MUNY is #10
The Upper Parking Lot is on the lot between Union & Summit on the Map
General Driving Directions to the MUNY: http://www.muny.org/directions.html
What to Wear?
(Martha, can you post this picture here?
No, the men don’t have to wear Yul Brynenr pajamas and dance barefoot – and the women don’t need to wear dresses that are 8 feet wide. Dress comfortably. The MUNY has asked that we have a “color scheme” for our dancers, so please wear something Red.
What makes this place Special?
The MUNY is the country’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater. We’re fortunate to have it right in our own backyard. History of the MUNY http://www.muny.org/history.html
In Case of Rain
In case of rain, we’ll still dance.
What type of music will we have?
We’ll enjoy live music provided by Martha Edwards, Mike Holdinghaus, and company. Because of the nature of this event, it won’t be an “Open Band” night for others to join in. Our band will treat us to lovely waltzes and polkas.
Can I see the Show?
A limited number of tickets have been set aside for our group. If you’d like a free ticket to see the show, email Greg Rohde (grjmj at swbell.net). Please don’t reserve a ticket unless you know you’ll be able to stay. Deadline is Wednesday, June 14 or while tickets last.
(Martha, please leave my email in the format above so people have to manually type in my email address if they don’t already have it.) I’d prefer we not have a working link there. Thanks.
Happy Dancing!