Similar
Stories
Friday, February 22, 2013
Video: Allen senior citizens do rowdy “Harlem Shake” featuring Burton Gilliam
It made the day of at least one sweet grandma.
The Allen Senior Center really outdid themselves with the "Harlem Shake."
ALLEN — We thought the "Harlem Shake" had run its course -- at least in Dallas-Fort Worth. We were wrong.
The Allen Senior Recreation Center got in on the fun with a video that begins with a hip-thrusting Burton Gilliam, actor in Blazing Saddles who lives in Allen. As the "Harlem Shake" goes, the seniors appeared not to notice Gilliam's dance moves as they played Skip-Bo and knitted. And then all heck broke loose: beach balls a'flyin', snowman shimmying, a crowned lady blows a noisemaker at the floor, a bearded guy gets stuck inside a sleeping bag...
This is officially our favorite "Harlem Shake."
Scroll below the video to read a heartwarming story about how it brightened the day of an 88-year-old woman with dementia.
Harlem Shake (Allen Senior Recreation Center Edition)
Posted by AllenCityTV on YouTube
PegNews: Whoa. What? Why? [That's a paraphrase.]
Mark Kaufmann, executive producer of Allen City Television: I see the college campuses and the sports teams [doing the "Harlem Shake"]. I never saw anything with seniors, essentially. Our senior center is so active.
Where’d all the costumes come from?
I knew [the senior center] had all kinds of things from their different events. [The supervisor] said they decorate to the excess. ... We wanted to showcase the seniors so they could wear whatever they want.
Did the seniors get into it?
They were totally into it, and when we were done, they wanted to know if we were going to do it again.
The video is more than just a funny Internet blip, however. Denise Fenner, recreation specialist for the city of Allen whose 88-year-old mother visits the senior center, said it was a very special afternoon.
"My little 88 year old mother (with dementia) was at a table and she couldn’t get up. So, I had her swirling a daisy fly swatter -- and she actually was seen," Fenner wrote in an email. "This is a great memory for us. ... She had so much fun and has really been talking about it."
Nearby stories
- Restaurant review: La Duni desserts are the highlight of the meal
- SNL threesome Dana Carvey, Kevin Nealon, and Dennis Miller to joke around in Allen
- Restaurant review: Frogg Coffee Bar & Creperie brings a savory slice of France to North Texas
- Allen breaks ground on Hillside Park, a new outdoor exercise facility
- Allen Community Outreach food pantry will offer healthier options
Faved or commented on by...
Latest Contests
Latest comments...
Vote: Name the best burger in DFW
My new favorite is the green chili cheese burger on a jalapeno bun at Chimy's in Fort Worth. It's th
Freddy's Frozen Custard
The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne gives a nearly naked performance on Jimmy Fallon
He's a sexy, sexy man even at his age... YUUMMMMMYYYEE!!!!!!
RICH GRAHAM, verified:
LIKE
Link to this comment | Suggest removal
Sarah Blaskovich, staff:
In an interview with NeighborsGo, Burton Gilliam said when first approached about the "Harlem Shake," he asked whether it was like a “chocolate shake.”
Fabulous.
http://neighborsgoblog.dallasnews.com...
Link to this comment | Suggest removal
bgillme, anonymous:
WHAT DO I THINK? Well, I think I'll put my Allen Senior Harlem Shakers up against any of those young college/football dancers. And talk about "creative"! Our folks chose their own wardrobes, reacted to the music in their own way and followed direction better than the Radio City Rockettes. Next up... we're taking on Dancing With The Stars!!!!
Link to this comment | Suggest removal
What do you think?