Matt Harding Makes the World his Backdrop

Lindsay Live | Jul 11, 2008 | 0

Matt Harding dancing up a storm in Washington D.C.

Between stalking celebrities for my job at Inside Edition and blogging for Dancer Universe, I practically LIVE on the internet... So why I hadn't stumbled across Matt Harding's famous dance moves until a few moments ago, I can't say. But now I have finally joined the almost 6 million others who have seen the Youtube video and I have to hand it to this guy - he might be a horrendous dancer, but he's probably one of the coolest guys in the entire world.

So apparently Matt Harding was traveling around with the world with some buddies after quitting his job in 2003. They were in Hanoi, Vietnam when he busted a move and his friend recorded it on video. The friend posted it online as a joke, not aware that it would become an internet sensation as viewers passed it around through email.

Well, his fancy footwork also caught the attention of some execs at Stride Gum who offered to send him around the world to do his dance in various locations and record it on video. So in 2006, he spent 6 months traveling to 39 countries and 7 continents. And every stop along the way he did his famous dance.    

Then, in 2007, Matt contacted Stride Gum with an idea for a follow-up video. He wanted to again travel the world doing his silly jig, but this time have fans and local residents join him for a mass dance. The people at Stride Gum agreed and Matt traveled for 14 months and visited a total of 42 countries.  

Check out the video from his most recent trip here:

This internet jokester has become more successful than most of the well-trained professional dancers out there AND he has traveled the world over for free... twice! I can't lie, I'm extremely jealous. But at the same time I think it's great to see someone with such a positive message and outlook on life making headlines instead of the Paris Hiltons of the world.  

We could all use a little bit of Matt Harding's levity in our lives. Although we may not have the resources to dance in front of famous landmarks in exotic locations, we can find the pleasure in dancing anytime, anywhere.

Make the world your backdrop.

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Enthusiast, Matt Harding, Internet (all tags)