What to Expect When Breaking a Guinness World Record

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Lauren Updyke. This entry was posted in Being Active. Bookmark the permalink.

January 28 is National Have Fun at Work Day, and we’re celebrating it in a big way. Last year over 1,000 UW faculty and staff set a world record for largest kettlebell class. This year we’re doubling that goal. A week from today, over 2,000 members of the UW community will flood Husky Field to perform the World’s Largest Umbrella Dance.

The current record is owned by Tottori, Japan with 1,688 participants. This means that we need everyone who registered to attend and complete the dance. Rain or shine, the dance will go on. If severe weather is expected we will announce the plan of action on Monday, January 26 at 4 p.m. Should it drizzle, don’t be afraid — come on out and show the world that nothing gets in our way.

Regardless of your dancing ability, the routine is so easy that you can learn it the day of event. As you enter the field we will have demonstrators teaching the dance in all sections starting at 11:30 a.m.

However, breaking a Guinness World Record has very specific rules, so please review the schedule of events:

The Largest Umbrella Dance at Husky Stadium

11:15 a.m. – 12: 00 p.m. – Husky Stadium Doors Open

1. Enter the stadium at the West Entry. We encourage everyone to walk but lot E12 is available to anyone with a valid UW day parking permit.
2. Check-In (bring your Husky card if you have one)
3. Pick up your swag
4. Check your gear (Skip this step by leaving bags and other gear at your workplace. Nothing may be on the field because of tripping hazards.)
5. Grab your umbrella
6. Enter the field and join a section nearest the stage
7. Start learning the dance
8. Enjoy Dubs, Harry, UW Cheer Team, and the Husky Marching Band
9. Take photos and post on social media with #wholeushake
10. Be eligible to win some AMAZING prizes

12:05 p.m. – Coach Marti Young Leads The Dance

1. Round 1: Practice the dance (4 minutes)
2. Round 2: Second practice run of the dance (4 minutes)
3. Round 3: Guinness World Record attempt (the dance twice in a row) (8 minutes)
4. Round 4: Second attempt, if necessary (8 minutes)

12:45 p.m. – Celebration begins! Enjoy the music and grab a snack to go.

Guinness Rules for Husky Stadium:

1. You must be with a section of 50. Please enter the field and let volunteers guide you to a spot.
2. Once the program starts, you cannot leave your section.
3. Video and photos will be submitted, so smile!
4. Umbrellas must be in sync. Follow your demonstrator and the person in front of you as best as possible. The dance is so easy, we will get it!
5. Dance must be at least 5 minutes in length.

Guinness Event Sponsors:

After the attempt we will have a few snacks from Full Circle, Whole Foods, and Bay Laurel. There will also be beverages courtesy of Zico Coconut Water and Core Power. Prizes for the event include a free photoshoot with Tara Brown Photography, a gift card from Instacart, a Microsoft Band, Seattle Farmers Market gift cards, and tickets to Cirque du Soleil.

Bothell and Tacoma Schedule:

11:30 a.m. – Doors open

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

1. Check in and pick up your swag and umbrella
2. Find a spot in the room and start practicing the dance.

11:45 a.m. – LIVE webcast with Husky Stadium begins

12:05 p.m. – Coach Marti Young leads the dance

1. Round 1: Practice the dance (4 minutes)
2. Round 2: Second practice run of the dance (4 minutes)
3. Round 3: Guinness World Record Attempt (the dance twice in a row) (8 minutes)
4. Round 4: Second attempt, if necessary (8 minutes)

12:45 p.m. – Celebration begins! Enjoy the music and grab a snack to go.

 

The umbrella dances at Bothell and Tacoma are currently full and there are only a few spots left at Husky Stadium. Secure your spot here. 

So that’s the low down! On Monday, January 26 we will email all registered participants a map of Husky Stadium and some last minute reminders, but this information is all you really need to make history. Any other questions? Let us know below.

See you there!