The first annual FlashYourValentine Flash Mob was held on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2011, at 4:43 P.M. near the Midway Museum in San Diego Harbor. Tourists, drawn by the music and a television camera, helped celebrate a non-commercial Valentine's Day as more than 50 people participated in the dancing flash mob.
Jaimie Jean Shaw, an aspiring actress who staves off starvation by waitressing, wanted to do something special for her boyfriend this Valentine's Day. She spent days looking for unique – but inexpensive and romantic – activities. From the traditional flowers and chocolates to more romantic activities like hot air balloon rides, everything had a price tag. The mass commercialization of a simple holiday she had loved as a child appalled her. She wanted something simple that was fun, funny and magical.
FlashYourValentine Flash Mob: A Tradition is Born
According to the New York Times, the idea for flash mobs came from Bill Wasik, a senior editor at Harper’s Magazine. According to the article, "Mr. Wasik said the mobs started as a kind of playful social experiment meant to encourage spontaneity and big gatherings to temporarily take over commercial and public areas simply to show that they could."
A former supervisor in the Entertainment Department at Disneyland, Shaw knew how to organize events. With the help of her friends, she decided to plan a surprise flash mob that would engulf her sweetie unexpectedly. Caught in the middle of a dancing crowd, he would be given a small podium from which he could be the conductor. As an improv actor, the playful event and unexpected spotlight would delight him.
For a month, Shaw and her friends planned secretly. She shot videos and put them on YouTube. A publicist helped her plan. A web designer created a website. A choreographer created a dance. A dancer was filmed giving instructions and showing how to do the dance; the video was posted on the website. Friends flocked to join the fledgling event. YouTube videos garnered close to 2000 views. Then the boyfriend, still in the dark, broke up with her.
FlashYourValentine Flash Mob: A New Purpose, Breast Cancer Awareness
Caught in the excitement of the snowballing plan and unwilling to quit, Jaimie Jean looked for another reason to give the event a purpose. About the same time, Jaimie’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. As her mom took a leave of absence from her job and moved closer to the hospital for evaluation and treatment, Jaimie Jean saw how the breast cancer diagnosis had disrupted her mother’s life. A new reason to “flash your valentine” was born: breast cancer awareness. Tongue in cheek, Jaimie quipped, “It’s the only way some women can still flash!”
Money was not a part of the plan. Out of pocket expenses associated with organizing the flash mob were borne by Shaw and her friends. A San Diego radio station, Sophie 103.7, publicized the event by talking about it on the air and putting a link on their website. Strangers began to sign up to participate. Cheer leaders from a local high school got involved. A restaurant near the targeted location – in front of the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum on San Diego Bay – offered to provide electricity for the music.
People who wanted to be involved but couldn’t get to the location in time were encouraged to create their own flash mobs using the same dance and music. Satellite groups with new locations began to form. Shaw’s only request was that each event be videoed and posted on the website for others to enjoy.
Like life, what happens on Valentine’s Day isn’t predictable. Finding ways to laugh, show love, have fun, and make magic without spending money is priceless.
Mistie Shaw - Writing for nearly half a century, Shaw's interests and education meander from music to the military, and from faith to fun.
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