I Can’t Dance, But The Fountain Can

Blog by GHMF Choreographer Jane R.

I can’t dance, I’ve tried. I’ve had dancers try to show me how—nope. I’ve been in choirs that request arm motions (very dangerous with tall singers!) or even worse, “swaying.” But that’s another story...

So I almost skipped the post for “fountain choreographers” simply because of the dance implication...but I was newly retired, and feeling adventurous, and applied anyway...and was approved for training. My husband found out about it when a friend greeted him with “So Jane’s going to be a choreographer!” and his comment (bless his heart!) was “MY WIFE?!”

And so begins my fountain journey...

Let me add that the training process for fountain choreographers (and I do love using that word!) is organized, thoughtful, encouraging and planned to be easy and fun. Somehow this appeals to a wide variety of people of all different ages, professions, and thought processes. From the first meeting, we were a team. There are engineers, computer people, math people, graphic design people, music people, organized types and free spirits. The goal is to find our own particular style, favorite colors, “fountain feature” (and yes, that’s a thing, but more on that later...) and see where the songs can take you.

My thought process for a new song (either chosen or suggested, again, another story) starts with listening to the whole song, considering the lyrics, instrumental parts, and the ending, and deciding “what color(s) this song should be.” Bob Seger is yellow, orange and maybe blue; Elvis is orange and red, John Denver is blue, green and maybe a little magenta.

After the first song or two, a strange thing began to happen...MVFS (Motor Vehicle Fountain Syndrome). This is when, either as a passenger or as a driver, if music is being played in the car, I begin to choreograph it! Small hand motions to start...I begin to direct the water to the beat of the song...I can see the colors...and if the lyrics meet the standards (and I like the song), I’ll write down the name of the song so I’ll remember it! (at the destination, if I’m driving, of course!)

My first official fountain song was “This Land Is Your Land” performed by Sam Hunt. I was staying true to my “70s child” roots...and it was a short song! The colors practically chose themselves...redwood forest, gulfstream waters, sparkling sand, and of course, some red, white and blue. Two verses, two choruses, a nice build toward the end, yet a soft landing...and it was short! With great hopes for approval (and just a slight fear of rejection or revisions), I sent it to Nicki, the Grand Master Of Fountain Song Scheduling.

My song was APPROVED! I jumped around the living room just a couple times.

You could almost say I danced?

Are you ready to learn to “dance” through the fountain? Be sure to check out choreographer opportunities on our volunteer page.