A group of 10 Gannon University student actors choreographed by Paula Barrett, an instructor of communication arts at Gannon, surprised a swarm of in the Waldron Campus Center on Friday at 12:45 p.m.
Upon heard speculation of a flash mob that was due to take place, students quickly gathered to see the saucy tango unfold.
The accompaniment consisted of members of the Erie Chamber Orchestra – a group of exquisitely skilled players whose presence served as the purpose of the event.
Just as any curiosity stricken spectator observed, the crowds tripled in size after only bars of piano music.
Those students who were filming the event had no other option but to push and shove their way through the masses in order to capture the grace of the violinist and the swanky swing of the coupled tango line.
There was a personal thrill in witnessing the flash mob at the head of the crowd, camera in hand, surrounded by hundreds of wide-eyed whispering faces.
The Erie Chamber Orchestra played at ease what seemed the most beautiful, transcending, romantic piece that would have been enough to quiet the crowd.
That is, if it weren’t for the posse of black wearing, red rose-biting dancers and the overall shock value of the lunch time event.
This will not be the last surprise you will see this year from the Schuster Theatre’s most loyal students. Alpha Psi Omega, Gannon’s honorary theatre fraternity, is accustomed to hosting many other exciting public events throughout the year.
As for the Erie Chamber Orchestra, the group’s brief appearance on Friday was only an introduction.
With a new music director, Michael Kraemer, and a group drawn up of amazing new and old talent, the season ahead is more powerful than ever before.
Friday’s Flash Mob Tango is no longer a secret, and it is safe to say that the dancers succeeded in what they set out to accomplish: to magnify the beauty of the orchestra’s music to the audience.
The Tango speaks on a deep level. The personal aftermath of seeing a group of daring people with the ability to dance and play music unannounced in a crowded public setting teaches that allowing yourself to be vulnerable while doing something youove cannot possibly be as scary as it seems.
The Erie Chamber Orchestra will be having several performances throughout their season.
In order to stay true to the mission fostered by Bruce Morton Wright, former director and general manager of the ECO, concerts are always free and open to the public.
The next performance will be on October 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel.
To stay updated about what’s going on with the Erie Chamber Orchestra, like the page on Facebook.
