Flash mobs are sudden gatherings of people who congregate briefly to perform a specific act and then disperse. People who participate in flash mobs typically dress like ordinary people who are going about their day, and thus the level of surprise is heightened when these participants spontaneously burst out in dance and/or song. The social phenomenon has swept across the world and has garnered much attention from the media. Popular flash mobs include the Michael Jackson tribute in Stockholm, Sweden and the choreographed dance to The Sound of Music's "Do Re Mi" performed at a train station in Antwerp, Belgium.
Organize a flash mob for your community. Muster participants by posting an advertisement on select websites, providing details about the flash mob without disclosing the time and venue; these details will be disclosed to the participants through more personal communication such as email. When considering potential venues, places that experience high foot traffic work best. Aim for public establishments.
Host monthly dance events at community centers such as retirement homes and churches. These dance events can target and bring together specific, similar-minded individuals who typically do not have a means to celebrate. A retired man who enjoys dancing would likely not go nightclubbing, but may dance at an event held at his own retirement complex.
Hold a dance event at a charity center, and donate all proceeds raised from the event. Advertise these gatherings in the newspaper and through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Find a group of volunteers in the community and take turns teaching a free dance class once or twice a week. Not only is this project an opportunity to bond with your fellow instructors, but it can act as a vehicle for social chance and equality.
For example, many students who have disabilities do not believe they can dance. Offer them a chance by creating a specialized curriculum. Few of these classes exist, so the dance experiences will definitely touch and uplift many hearts. You can tailor your classes to specific populations.
Performance art installations use the body as material for performance and can be performed anywhere. They can incorporate movement, speech, acting and props, and are generally designed to provoke, question and open dialogue about a particular subject or idea. Gather interest in the community and hold meetings where the participants brainstorm ideas for the performance art installation piece. If they are willing, the participants can integrate snippets of their own personal narrative into the performance along with dance. The participants will feel a therapeutic sense of release and experience the thrill of performing in front of an audience.