fabulous! I'd like to run across one of those. Seems like a spring/summer/fall activity though...

Boris did a site specific flash mob in November, which you can see here. The mob was unfortunately rather small, but it was site specific!

Thanks, Maria!

How could I not include Boris!

Anna,

Definitely for the warmer weather. It would be nice to see this type of fusion participatory program come spring.

Hey Doug,

I think in most cases a site-specific work and flash mobs have two very different agendas and approaches. Site works often requires a lot of logistical negotiation, permissions, city permits, etc as well as a scheduled date/time in order to promote the event... like any other performance, only site-specific. Flash mobs generally operate outside of permission-based systems and largely rely of the element of surprise: a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual action for a brief period of time, and then quickly disperse.

While I don't think it would be impossible or undiserable to have a hybrid event, I think that in many cases, it could diffuse the effects of both.

Esse Aficionado has been doing flash mob site-specific dances for several years, where they solicit participation online and, for example, all meet on 5th Avenue dressed as Jackie-O. There is not a lot on their website about these events, but you can get a feel for their work at: http://www.esseaficionado.org/

For flsh mobs, SantaCon is one of my favorites: http://www.santacon.com/

And in recent years, the now defunct Mob Project in NYC is probably one of the best known groups for this type of work. You can google them for write-ups ont heir various escapades.

post-script:

Forgot to mention, I do think flash mobs are site-specific performances. Both scheduled, permission-based site work (in the public sphere) and flash mobs both succeed in interrupting the city's daily travel grid and asking spectators to look at their world in a different way. I think at their core they all have something to say about the way we systematically experience our world. I just think that an artist or organizer has to chose which to go with for maximum impact, whether impact is intended to be a sustained interaction or a brief tearing of the fabric of normality.

Tom,

Thanks for comment. Why can't both types of site-specific performance (flash mobs and performances) be fused together for maximum impact? I guess I'm asking why a specific choice has to be made to go in one or the other direction when it is possible to meld both types of events?

hi doug

i generally agree with tom

they don't conceptually meld. flash mobs are like performance art 'interventions', the 'audience' chances on the performance. with the site specific the audience is is there for a performance. site specific work can be an 'intervention' as long as the performance is not announced.

from a dance perspective most choreographers would want something 'longer' than a flash mob. you would also have to think about paying the 'mob' who are part of your performance. health and safety might also be a concern.

choreographing a longer flash mob would be similar to judson era 'pedestrian - non dancer' works. many choreographers would want to avoid that (although it would be interesting). i can imagine headlong dance theater being able to create a choreographed flash mob, are you aware of their work 'cell' (2006)?

Matt and Tom,

Thanks for elaborating on your thoughts on differences between site-specific performances and flash mobs.

Matt, I found info about Headlong's Cell here:
http://www.headlong.org/dances.html

Tom, it is too bad that Esse Aficionado doesn't have more info on their website about their flash mob site-specific dances - I'm going to follow-up with them.

With differences between 2 formats that you both point out, I'm still curious how the Internet might be used to engage an audience in what would become at least a somewhat choreographed flash mob.

I may be completely off the mark here, because I've never heard of these terms before. However when I read this entry, it reminded me of an improv group based in NY, Improv Everywhere. They did a performance in the DSW/Filene's Basement/Forever 21 windows overlooking Union Square Park, where one person is stationed in each window. I'm not sure if this would qualify as a flash mob or a site specific performance, but just thought it might be particularly relevant. I found it hilarious, especially the solos. There is video footage as well, and an extensive background.

http://www.improveverywhere.com/2005/03/19/look-up-more/