Dancing in Jerusalem: "Flash Mob" experience

On our 3rd night in Israel I decided to stay in and not venture out with a few others into the Old City. When Leilani came back that night I heard that they had bumped into someone who had asked them if they wanted to learn a dance from a dance professional from Tel Aviv who was directing a flash mob to kick off the Light Festival the following night. So they had ended up working on the dance that night on top of Mamilla Mall right outside Jaffa Gate.

Leilani, Jackie and Lindi tried to teach me a little of the dance before and I got some of it. But I was not confident or prepared to get out there and dance; yet I wanted to participate, just to say I did it. The following night, after dinner, we went out to practice the choreography a few more times before dark. The dance was taking place when it was dark and we were given light sticks to dance with, tying into the light theme that week.  

practicing the dance for the flash mob in Jerusalem

We all jumped in to begin working on the dance. We practiced a few times and then were told that we would be picked out according to our ability to form the first row, second, third and so on. Then I got nervous because I knew I didn't know the dance as well as the others and besides that I am not coordinated when it comes to someone else showing me how to dance. Long story short, after some confusing choreography; who would come in and at what time, we were ready to get the show on the road. 

We were told shortly after the sun began setting that the Prime Minister of Israel would be at the flash mob dance. However we weren't for sure. I got my camera out and prepared Dr. Painter to take a picture of any "important" person who happened to be in attendance lol. After repeatedly being told it was going to start, then that time passing and them telling us that same story again we finally were told to be ready. It was supposed to be like a regular scene at other flash mobs, people were walking around the top of Mamilla Mall in the courtyard area and then the music would start and the rows of dancers would soon form and finish the dance. Because so many people were aware that the dance was taking place because we had practiced there a lot of the people were mulling around in the same area. 

All in all it finally came together and we got the dance done. The Prime Minister ended up being the Mayor of Jerusalem. Apparently his bus had broken down below and him and his security had an interesting time making it to the top safely. 

Mayor of Jerusalem: Nir Barkat; far right