'Flash Mob' hits streets for show

Hundreds of visitors admiring the quilts hanging near Cascade Avenue and Elm Street Saturday morning were welcomed to Sisters' 40th Anniversary Quilt Walk by a good-times, high-spirited "flash-mob" dance to the sound of "Celebration" by Pit Bull.

The music began at 10 a.m. and attracted a crowd. Hunter Blakelock cranked up the volume on the amplifier in front of The Galimaufry and the celebration began spontaneously as a few teenagers led by Lexie Miller danced toward the center of the intersection. More dancers emerged from the crowd and joined them until there were 20-some in the center rocking to the beat.

Nick Manley, who danced alongside his sister Abi and mom, Kim, added some exciting karate moves to the choreography. Cole Blakelock, who lifted his sister Brooke into the air a few times, ended with a side flip. At the end of their exciting, energizing performance that had the crowd clapping and dancing along, the dancers faded back into the crowd and the quilt fans resumed their stroll through the hanging quilts. Watch for the video to go viral as most members of the crowd had their cameras and phones out recording the event.

The entertainment was thanks to Lonnie Liddell, owner of Sisters Dance Academy, who got the group of her students and parents together just the day before to choreograph and rehearse the dance. She expressed appreciation for the support of SOQS Executive Director Jeanette Pilak, who helped coordinate the event with the quilt show.

Stephanie Blakelock, who danced alongside her kids, said Lonnie "is an amazing positive force in Sisters. She does so much for her students and gives back to Sisters in big ways."

"It's the one day a year that the main highway through town is shut down and thousands of people are walking through Sisters - what a great opportunity for a flash mob!" said Liddell. "We're just so happy to add our energy to this great event and as long as we are allowed, would love to continue the tradition every year."

If you want to join in next year, look up Sisters Dance Academy on Facebook two weeks before the event and you will find information needed to participate.

Click this link to see the Flash Mob Dance Video

For more information on Sisters Dance Academy visit www.sistersdanceacademy.com.