Des Moines…Attention Families, students, churches, sororities, fraternities, schools, organizations, dance classes and individuals: Join I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa as we attempt to break a Guinness world record for the most people doing the Wobble dance at once. The event takes place on May 21 from 12 – 2 PM at the Water Works Park Amphitheater, 2201 George Flagg Parkway in Des Moines and is presented by I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa. We need 3000 Wobble dancers to participate. Join us to become an official Guinness World Record Holder.
Gates will open at 12 noon for the Wobble Dance World Record Attempt. The official attempt which begins at 1 PM will include a line up and count, the Wobble World Record Attempt led by the Isiserettes Drum & Drill Corps, Capital City Steppers and Line Dance Instructor Mary Noel. There also be food trucks and community vendors available on site.
I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa, the organization that presents Iowa’s African American Festival during Black History Month is hosting the event. This activity is an initiative of the festival’s Kente Connections. Kente Connections provides opportunities for health and well-being in the community affirming the importance of connectedness, purpose, and belonging through family, friends and community. The Wobble Dance World Record Attempt is made possible through support from United Way of Central Iowa and Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation.
Danced to the song also named the Wobble which was released by performing artist Vic in 2008; the Wobble is a very popular line dance that has its origins in being danced regularly at African American events, weddings, family reunions and community gatherings. The Wobble, which has also made its way to country music dance halls, bar mitzvahs, and salsa dance clubs across the nation, is considered a community dance because you don’t need a partner to join in the fun. Though dancers often add their own flair, a magical unified connection happens because everyone moves together. 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. It will also put Iowa on the international map in a festive fashion.
The Wobble World Record Attempt will also serve as fulfillment of a birthday wish for the festival’s Executive Director, Betty Andrews who was born in May. Andrews is a leader in a number of community initiatives including the Iowa Nebraska NAACP, and the Iowa Summit on Justice & Disparities. Betty said she’s been wanting to make this attempt for a while because this event is important to the sense of belonging that all Iowa residents should feel in their city and state. “She said. “Community connections matter to everyone’s sense of well-being. I’ve dedicated my life’s work to ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone and this event is symbolic of that philosophy.”
I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa is also in need of Wobble Ambassadors to help organize their schools and organizations for participation with the event. Additional volunteers are needed as well. To register for the event, become a vendor or volunteer, visit www.worldiniowa.org/wobble. #IowaWobbles
Learn the dance: If you or your group would like to participate but don’t know the dance, we will be providing tutorials throughout the community. Look for us at the Des Moines Farmers Market each week leading up to the World Record Attempt. You can also the links below for instructional videos. We will also be announcing Zoom tutorials shortly.
Wobble Instructional Videos:
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