November 19th 2011
LET’S DANCE NOW!
Meet: XeeMob! (Xenia tells it all!)

(Photo) Xenia (Leader)

1. Tell us a Little about yourself

My name is Xenia Douglas, I'm 15 years old and I attend the St. Joseph's Convent. I am currently in the Form 4 Sciences division. I've been dancing ever since I was five, first with the St. Lucia School of Ballet, then the Chrystilights Dance Academy and I am now a seasoned member of the Avad dance Ministry. When I get older I would like to be a dietician or a chef, but my first love is dancing and I would love to do it professionally.
In my past time, I just like going out with my friends, listening to music and baking.

2. What is a Flash Mob?

A Flash Mob is a spontaneous performance in which a group of people begin to sing, dance or act in a random crowd or a crowded area.

3. Why did you want to do this?

I wanted to do this because I wanted to find a way to promote and expose different dance styles to people in St. Lucia. All of us dancers would like to be exposed to styles like hip-hop, gymnastics and many other forms which are not available to us. So after watching a few flash mob video one evening, I thought that the concept would be a great way to promote physical activity in young people, as well as to give a small demonstration of the different styles we would like to be exposed to. So I phoned a few friends and within a few weeks we started practicing.

We also wanted to do this to try different type of performance in St. Lucia, which has not been done before. For most public performances, the public is notified, but I mean how often do you see people begin dancing randomly in a large mall? We just wanted to perform in such a way that we would be able to stun the many passers-by, and that was exactly what we did. We performed the first successful St. Lucian Flash Mob.

4. How did my parents and friends take to the idea?

Well my parents were very supportive of me and sort of challenged me to organize it all by myself. I had to plan the venue, call the necessary sponsors and figure out the music all on my own. My friends were a bit skeptical about the idea, and thought I was going “mad”, but when they realised how serious I was about this, they all supported the idea and gave 100%. I am very grateful to them.

5. How long have you all been rehearsing?

We have been rehearsing once a week for 6 weeks. Rehearsals would last between 4 or 5 hours. It was intense, but lots of fun!

6. Who was responsible for the choreography?

Well I was the one who did all the choreography, but I also got some ideas on formations from my good friends Kameka, Shatoya, Raquel and Zenaida. They were dancing as well.

7. How old are all of the dancers?

All of us are between the ages of 11-16, but if anyone above or below that age wants to participate in the next Flash Mob, we don't mind!

8. What does everyone refer to you as?

Well some of them call me the Flash Mob Director, some call me Mad X, but everyone just calls me Xenia.

9. What is the name of the group?

The name of the group for now is XeeMob. We haven't really thought of a name yet but for now, all of us are 'XeeMobsterz'.

10. Are you all dancers?

Well everyone has some form of dancing experience; some of us are members of the Avad Dance Ministry, some are in Chrystilights Dance Academy and some are from the Silver Shadows Dance Group.

11. How was your first Flash Mob experience?

Well being that it was everyone's first flash mob experience, everyone was extremely nervous in the beginning, but as soon as we started dancing, the nervousness turned into loads of energy and we were all very proud of ourselves in the end. I think everyone had a blast!

12. What message would you like to leave to young, aspiring dancers?

Give 100% all the time, because giving 99% is like giving zero. Try your best in everything you do, because you never know what opportunities might come your way and you never know who's watching.

Where will people be able to see the Flash Mob reruns?

The Flash Mob will soon be seen on YouTube, so you can just go to
www.youtube.com/XeniiDPepsi

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