Stern students publish NYU version of ‘Harlem Shake’

via YouTube

Around 40 students filled Stern’s Tisch Hall Monday night to film GOULD PLAZA SHAKE (Harlem Shake), or NYU’s version of the Harlem Shake. Called to arms by Stern’s senior class president Jacqueline Serame, 39 students brought props ranging from gold pants, face masks to Santa hats and NYU sweaters as they prepared for filming.

Starring Stern senior Andrew Terry Rosenbaum, the video features a group of motionless students as lone dancer Rosenbaum jerks left and right, performing the Harlem Shake. According to Serame, the whole process was short and organized, requiring only one hour to shoot and three hours to edit before being posted at midnight.

After YouTube user SomeHappenings uploaded the GOULD PLAZA SHAKE (Harlem Shake), the video quickly moved across Stern’s social media sites and between NYU students. At time of publication, the video had over 2,500 views.

For Serame, her campaign to raise awareness of the school’s Facebook page Stern Legacy sparked an interest in the series of Harlem Shake videos taking YouTube by storm. According to Smosh.com, the original Harlem Shake dance originated in Harlem, New York in 1981. A music producer named Baauer released an electronica version of the song in May of 2012. Since then meme dance videos have propagated on YouTube, but the most recent surge flared when a Harlem Shake video was posted one week ago.

Hundreds of disparate versions have followed, including NYU’s with its own surprises. Rosenbaum revealed that at one point, a passing building crew member dropped his broom to join the team.

“It was very much a bonding experience,” said Rosenbaum. “The best thing about the Harlem Shake is that you don’t need to know everyone. A flash mob at its finest. All of these Sternies came together to actually break the stereotype and have some fun.”

When asked whether Stern Legacy would have more videos released soon, Serrame said attempts would be made.

“I think everyone should watch for [Rosenbaum] though,” said Serrame. “There’s definitely going to be more legacy videos there.”

Amy Zhang is managing editor. Additional reporting by Hanqing Chen. Email her at azhang@nyunews.com.