74
A number of stories about the Harlem Shake dance craze are in the news recently, mostly because authorities appear to be cracking down on those who may be getting down in the wrong place at the wrong time. Here’s what’s on the wires:
Shake on a plane? Dance craze brings FAA inquiry
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. » The latest craze to sweep the Internet is bringing college students the wrong kind of attention — from the Federal Aviation Administration.
During a flight from Colorado Springs to San Diego, a group of students started the Harlem Shake, a dance to a song of the same name.
In the suddenly popular YouTube videos, one person starts dancing, then the video cuts to a large group of people dancing, many in costume.
Matt Zelin, a sophomore, told the Colorado College newspaper, The Catalyst, he asked a flight attendant for permission beforehand.
FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer said Thursday they’re looking at what phase the flight was in during the dance in the aisles.
Frontier Airlines says the seatbelt sign was off and safety measures were followed.
‘Harlem Shake’ prompts suspensions, citations
MINNEAPOLIS » The latest flash mob dance craze has prompted suspensions and even police citations at Twin Cities area high schools.
The "Harlem Shake" is an Internet phenomenon with thousands of You Tube postings by those who break out in the dance. School administrators dealing with the increasing impact of social media are cracking down on impromptu dancers.
Sixteen high school students were suspended in Eden Prairie when the dance broke out in the cafeteria and students jumped on tables. In Wayzata, 15 students were banned from the school weight room after recording a dance there.
The Star Tribune says school leaders at Mound Westonka High School are dealing with the backlash from suspensions and citations to six varsity hockey players who staged a similar dance.
Florida baseball players punished for Harlem Shake
TITUSVILLE, Fla. » Eight members of the Titusville High School baseball team must perform community service before they can play again after making an after-hours version of the "Harlem Shake" dance on campus.
Florida Today reported Thursday a video of the baseball players’ version of the dance sensation got nearly 700 views on YouTube before it was taken down.
Brevard Public Schools spokeswoman Michelle Irwin says the students were engaged in inappropriate gestures while wearing portions of their baseball uniforms.
Some students who learned of the suspensions took to Twitter and other social media, demanding the players be allowed to return to the team.
The coach later told parents the players could return after completing a round of community service. They’ll also have cleanup duty after games and additional physical training.
