Every year, the Brooklyn Cyclones, Coney Island’s beloved minor-league baseball team, throws a party like no other: their annual Seinfeld Night. This isn’t just another themed game; it’s a phenomenon, deeply rooted in the love for Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David’s iconic 90s sitcom set in New York. Since 2014, Seinfeld Night has become a must-attend event, drawing huge crowds and even grabbing national headlines. A major highlight of this quirky tradition is the Elaine Dance Contest, a spectacle that went viral thanks to social media maestro New York Nico (Nicolas Heller). Inspired by the memorable “Little Kicks” Seinfeld episode where Elaine Benes, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, showcases her notoriously awkward dance moves, the contest invites fans to unleash their inner Elaine.
This year, the coveted title of “funniest Elaine dancer” was snagged by 38-year-old Brooklynite Mary Notari. A Baltimore native who has called Brooklyn home for 15 years and works in manufacturing, Notari is no stranger to the stage. With a background in New York’s independent theater scene and a penchant for themed events, she was perfectly poised to win. Nadira Goffe from Slate interviewed Notari to delve into her winning experience.
From Theater Stage to Baseball Field: Mary Notari’s Journey to Elaine Dance Victory
Mary Notari’s connection with the Brooklyn Cyclones and Seinfeld Night is charmingly organic. Growing up in Baltimore during the Orioles’ golden era, she developed a genuine affection for baseball. “Going to the Cyclones became a thing that me and my friend group do every summer,” Notari explained. She appreciates the Cyclones’ unique, slightly over-the-top charm, especially their themed nights. “Any excuse to be corny in that way, we are there for, and the Cyclones just eat up the corn.” Seinfeld Night, being the most popular of these themed extravaganzas, had been on her radar for years.
Last year, after spotting the Elaine Dance Contest on the Cyclones’ social media, Notari knew she had to participate. A lifelong Seinfeld fan, she had been performing her rendition of the Elaine Seinfeld dance at parties for years, a piece of physical comedy ingrained in her since childhood. Accompanied by her friend Celeste, who dressed as a gender-bent Kramer, Notari arrived at the stadium with a clear mission: to win the Elaine Dance Contest.
The Dance, The Outfit, The Triumph: Becoming the Ultimate Elaine Dancer
When asked about the typical reaction to her Elaine dance Seinfeld impersonation, Notari shared, “People are like, ‘Oh, yeah, that looks like how she does it.'” Her physical comedy skills extend beyond the Elaine dance; she even has a Pennywise the Clown-inspired jig stemming from dance class body isolation exercises. It’s clear that Mary Notari was destined for this contest.
To prepare, Notari revisited “The Little Kicks” episode, not just to refresh her memory of the iconic Elaine Seinfeld dance but also to study Elaine’s outfit. “I wanted to see what she was wearing and see if I could re-create that.” She even attempted to style her hair like Elaine’s and practiced the dance for her friend to ensure accuracy. Despite a moment of pre-performance jitters facing the stadium crowd, the camaraderie among the “Elaines” calmed her nerves.
Image alt text: Mary Notari triumphantly holds her trophy after winning the Elaine Dance Contest at Brooklyn Cyclones Seinfeld Night, showcasing her best Elaine Seinfeld dance moves.
Winning the contest was a shock for Notari. “I almost physically was blown away by the sonic response coming at me from the stadium,” she recounted. The overwhelming cheers and chants of her name created an unforgettable, almost surreal experience. “I don’t know what else in my life could possibly compare to the high of a Brooklyn Cyclones stadium chanting my name.” She jokingly declared it her “peak” moment, a testament to the exhilarating rush of the victory.
Viral Fame and Fan Encounters: Life After the Elaine Dance Victory
Beyond the trophy, Notari jokingly mentioned “the respect of my peers” and “a bunch of marriage proposals in my DMs.” While the marriage proposals were tongue-in-cheek, the viral reach of videos, particularly through New York Nico’s Instagram, brought significant attention. People recognized her Elaine dance Seinfeld moves and reached out, amazed by her performance.
Even after leaving the stadium, Notari’s Elaine persona lingered. Changing into comfortable shoes outside, she was still approached by fans wanting photos. She also had a mini-college reunion with friends who spotted her in the stadium, and received enthusiastic fist bumps from die-hard Cyclones fans. This warm reception and the “light in people’s eyes” left a lasting impression, a feeling she wished she could bottle.
Seinfeld’s Enduring Appeal and the Magic of Theme Nights
The interviewer, Nadira Goffe, confessed to never having watched Seinfeld before attending Seinfeld Night, expecting a typical, quiet minor-league game. Instead, she was met with a packed stadium buzzing with Seinfeld energy, filled with fans enthusiastically participating in Seinfeld-themed activities. This experience led Goffe to ponder: “What is it about Seinfeld that gets the people going?”
Notari attributes the phenomenon to nostalgia. For those in their 30s and older, Seinfeld was a cultural touchstone, especially in New York. Combining this iconic New York sitcom with the Cyclones’ campy, community-focused theme nights is “a stroke of genius.” Seinfeld, being the “New Yorkiest of New York comedies,” perfectly resonates with the Brooklyn setting and the Cyclones’ audience.
Image alt text: Enthusiastic crowd of Brooklyn Cyclones fans filling the stadium during Seinfeld Night, many wearing Seinfeld-themed attire and eagerly anticipating the Elaine Seinfeld dance contest.
Ultimately, Notari believes the success of Seinfeld Night and her viral Elaine dance Seinfeld victory stems from a collective desire for “radical silliness.” The event provides an opportunity for people to dress up, be goofy, and find joy in shared absurdity. For Notari, witnessing people embrace silliness and derive happiness from it is “the most beautiful thing in the world,” making her thankful for the unexpected viral fame and the celebration of uninhibited fun.
