Iowa group wants to break the Wobble dance world record. Here's how you can join in
A local group will bring together volunteers from across the Des Moines metro Saturday in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest "Wobble" dance.
I'll Make Me a World in Iowa, the organization that holds Iowa’s African American Festival during Black History Month each year, is hosting the record-breaking attempt. The event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Water Works Park Amphitheater, 2201 George Flagg Parkway in Des Moines.
"The goal in pursuing a Guinness World Record is to build on that sense of community connection and purpose, inviting people from all walks of life to organize and join as a group or come as individuals," the group said in a news release. "It will also put Iowa on the international map in a festive fashion."
The group is hoping for at least 3,000 participants, which would far exceed the previous "Wobble" world record of 2,241 participants dancing in Washington Park in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2014.
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The dance will be performed to a song also named "Wobble", which was released by rapper V.I.C. in 2008. The popular line dance is "danced regularly at African American events, weddings, family reunions and community gatherings", according to the news release.
"The Wobble ... is considered a community dance because you don’t need a partner to join in the fun," the release said. "Though dancers often add their own flair, a magical unified connection happens because everyone moves together."
The world record attempt also fulfills a birthday wish of I'll Make Me a World in Iowa Executive Director Betty Andrews, who believes the event will provide a sense of belonging for its participants.
"Community connections matter to everyone’s sense of well-being," Andrews said in the news release. "I’ve dedicated my life’s work to ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone and this event is symbolic of that philosophy."
To register for the event or become a volunteer, visit www.worldiniowa.org/wobble.
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Grace Altenhofen is a news reporter for the Des Moines Register. She can be reached at galtenhofen@registermedia.com or on Twitter @gracealtenhofen.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa group to attempt Wobble dance world record in Des Moines
