First thing’s first: I want to congratulate Silke for nailing last week’s mystery snapshot! The photo was taken in Salzburg, Austria — the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Sarah Z. and Missy, you two get honorable mentions. Of all the edible legacies Mozart could have left behind, the most prevalent in this part of town is the marzipan-filled chocolate ball. They are quite delicious and an excellent snack for the train ride back to Vienna….
Now, there is something I’d like to discuss.
Several people have asked me, over the past couple of months and even years, if I know about the guy who dances all around the world, named Matt. The answer is YES. And I think he’s awesome. Not only have I been checking in on him over the years, but I know a few people who have danced with him!
The concept is very simple. Matt, a regular guy, films himself dancing with a large group of strangers in front of different landmarks or scenes that represent the culture or country he is in. His dance moves are so goofy and unpretentious, and through his little dance he connects with people all around the world. There are variables — the people, the places, the settings, the atmosphere — and then there are constants — Matt, his dance moves, and the fact that people are always dancing with him. While no words are used, this video communicates many things and seems to have a powerful effect on those who watch it.
This is Matt’s website: “Where the Hell is Matt?” Please watch the video and share your reaction as a comment. How does it make you feel? What is the point? Why do people seem to love this idea? What is Matt’s message? I just want to hear what you think. Watch it… and REACT!
Thanks!!
Travels with Tavel 
First of all, yes, the Salzburg picture was too easy!
Second, the guy that dances around the world is the cutest thing.
I have to say the first feeling I had was jealously! Why can’t I do that? I think people are drawn to it because here is a guy that looks like he is having the time of his life. It’s easy to live vicariously through him. I’m not sure there was an intended message here. My guess is that it started as a goof while traveling and then took on a mind of its own. That’s not to say there couldn’t be a message now. Maybe it’s how similar we really are? Or is it most people in this world cannot dance?
Thanks for sharing. In the midst of my medical-school-exam-crazy state, this possibly was the best use of 4.5minutes of my life.
I can think of so many things that his project symbolizes, but I’ll just leave it at: HAPPINESS!
Tavel,
As a person who danced his little heart out in the Washington DC section, I can say the following:
1) Matt is completely sincere. He’s just as sweet and gung-ho as you would hope he would be.
2) Fans of his are really, really hardcore. But, just as upbeat as he is. A lot of performance art types.
3) He got me hooked on Stride gum, which they handed out with aplomb at the shoot.
4) I have absolutely NO idea how or why someone sponsors his shenanigans. Sending a crew of three people around the world with a video camera for a Youtube video is outrageous.
The basic theme, to me, is that you can travel far and wide and go to all these amazing places, but people are essentially the same. His first video was almost always him alone dancing. The second one seemed, to me, to be more of a commentary on xenophobia. I don’t know why he would go to the DMZ if he didn’t want to make some kind of larger point about silly barriers we put up around us.
Happy belated birthday, btw!
All I can say is, I wish that I’d thought of that first.