The 2017 MLB season saw the height of the “Dancing Security Guard” phenomena, especially during the Houston Astros’ American League Championship Series (ALCS). It all began with the Astros’ mascot, Orbit, and turned into one of the most talked-about events of the season.
The ALCS Viral Moment of 2017
In the middle of a game, Orbit started dancing to “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5, a ritual that Astros supporters were accustomed to. The plot took an unexpected turn, though, when Orbit confronted a security guard in a black outfit who appeared to be tough and uncompromising. The crowd was expecting a standard mascot-vs-security skirmish when the guard broke into a dynamic dance routine. His movements, which included a full-body worm dance that had the audience in a frenzy, were erratic, exuberant, and totally unexpected.
In addition to being a big hit in the stadium, this performance gained a lot of popularity online and has had over 17 million views on YouTube. The video became an iconic moment of the 2017 ALCS and won over hearts throughout the globe.
How it Started with Willis Harris
It’s interesting to note that Houston had witnessed security guards steal the show with their dancing abilities before. The renowned Willis Clinton Harris, a self-employed security guard who had previously gained notoriety for his wacky and flamboyant dancing routines, is credited with starting this whole fad in 2014. Harris originally became well-known for his “Work It Willis” video, in which he performed a number of amazing breakdancing routines, such as cartwheels and splits, at a sporting event. With almost 100 million views on YouTube, this video became viral and made Harris a household name.
Harris’s antics turned into a frequent spectacle at athletic events, especially Rays games. His mascot dance-offs, particularly with the Houston Astros’ Orbit, added to the impression that these performances were well-rehearsed yet unplanned at the same time.
The Phenomenon’s Effects
These dance routines were certainly performed with the best of intentions, regardless of whether they were completely impromptu, as Harris implied in his interviews. Harris has stated publicly how much he loves the entertainment business and how important it is to make people smile and brighten the mood at events.
Since then, Houston’s “Dancing Security Guard” phenomenon has come to represent happiness and amusement. These unanticipatedly joyful moments serve as a reminder of the value of spontaneity and the global attraction of dancing and laughter. The smiles these events provide are real, and sports fans and internet users alike love the memories they convey, even though the truth behind their planning is still somewhat of a mystery.
