A new video has popped up on YouTube that takes the idea of a flash dance mob to a whole new level. Deborah Cohen, a patient about to undergo a double mastectomy, turns the moment of anxiety of waiting for the procedure to begin into one of energy and happiness through a six minute dance with her operating staff. The upbeat music is Beyoncé's "Get Me Bodied," and this is what Cohen, who posted her plans on a site called CaringBridge, tells her audience:
"My fantasy is for you to play the song...and dance wherever you happen to be (in the kitchen, the carwash, subway platform [Dan!], classroom, Labor and Delivery unit, wherever!)...Nothing brings me greater joy than catalyzing others to dance, move, be in their bodies. Are you with me people?"
I find this to be remarkable in two ways. The first is that Cohen, instead of allowing the double mastectomy to control her, takes command of her situation through the power of dance. She may not be able to control the surgery or the reasons for the surgery, but she can (and does) control her attitude going in to the operating room through something that gives her happiness and relief: dance. The second impressive aspect of Cohen's video is that she uses dance to unite everyone around her, including those who may support her from afar. Her dance animates and relaxes her operating team and also gives others (i.e. the YouTube community) a way to connect with her story.
Beyoncé herself replied to the video, exclaiming, "Deborah, you are awesome!" I couldn't agree more.
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