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| Zumba Flash Mob, Market Square, Knoxville, December 2011 |
It was more a feeling, at first. Something just didn’t seem right as Urban Woman and I walked through Market Square, entered Bliss Home and visited with Anne. Anne agreed. It seemed too many people were just hanging around as if they were waiting for something. I spotted a cute dog. A couple of buskers played as if nothing was in the air, but their eyes suggested they sensed it as well.
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| Santa Puppy, Market Square, Knoxville, December 2011 |
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| Buskers, Market Square, Knoxville, December 2011 |
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| People nervously milling about, Market Square, Knoxville, December 2011 |
A rumour passed on our side of the square that maybe a Zumba flash mob was about to erupt. A quick glance at my phone revealed 3:28 PM. I guessed that 3:30 was the magical moment and I scrambled to the top of the Preservation Pub. Music cued and it started.
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| Zumba Flash Mob, Market Square, Knoxville, December 2011 |
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| Zumba Flash Mob, Market Square, Knoxville, December 2011 |
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| Zumba Flash Mob, Market Square, Knoxville, December 2011 |
I’m still not sure what Zumba is – a dance? An exercise program? Meditation through movement? All of the above? But, it doesn’t really matter. People danced, smiled, and laughed out loud. Pictures and movies were taken. It was simple fun. In the midst of all the hustle and hustling of the season. While tragedy and sadness befalls, it seems, a disproportionate number of us this time of year, a large group of people danced.
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| Zumba Flash Mob, Market Square, Knoxville, December 2011 |
I realize some people would suggest these people get a life. The implication, I suppose might be that they must not have anything better to do with their time. Maybe not. I do know that on a cold December afternoon dozens of people got up off their couches, left their warm homes and gathered at Market Square to dance. Their happiness was contagious and a little ripple of joy settled over that part of the city. That can’t be a bad thing.
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| Zumba Flash Mob, Market Square, Knoxville, December 2011 |
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| Zumba Flash Mob, Market Square, Knoxville, December 2011 |
Of course, this was set up by social media of some sort, either texting or Facebook, probably. Now I’ve blogged it and, of course, it’s on Youtube. Watch the video and see if it doesn’t make you smile.