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4,000 flash mob dancers startle commuters at Victoria
By Tim Stewart, Evening Standard Last updated at 10:37am on 05.04.07
Party time: the dancing starts at Victoria Station at 6.53pm
More than 4,000 clubbers danced through the rush hour at Victoria station in Britain's biggest flash mob stunt.
Revellers responded to e-bulletins urging them to "dance like you've never danced before" at 6.53pm.
There were knowing looks and giggles among the casually dressed crowd that gathered from 6.30pm, wearing earphones.
A deafening 10-second countdown startled station staff and commuters before the concourse erupted in whoops and cheers. MP3 players and iPods emerged and the crowd danced wildly to their soundtracks in silence - for two hours.
University of London student Lucy Dent, 20, was among the flash mobbers. She said: "It was my first flash mob and I'm hooked. I've been dancing non-stop since we began.
"I didn't even notice the commuters. When you get into the dancing you're oblivious to them and forget you're at a railway station."
Chris Gale, 39, brought his daughter Sophia, three, and son Jacob, six. Mr Gale, a property entrepreneur from Bromley, said: "The children were a bit bewildered at first but then had fantastic fun. Some of the commuters are only interested in their trains and had to weave round us to the platforms. But most of them stood and stared, finding it hugely entertaining - and some even joined in.
"I saw the straightestlooking guy in a suit with his briefcase doing the freakiest dance moves."
Last night's flash mob ended when four vanloads of police dispersed the dancers. The event was staged by clubbing website mobileclubbing.com. Invitation emails and texts went out a week in advance.
One commuter failed to see the funny side: "I was trying to get my train home but the whole concourse was filled with students dancing and I couldn't get through. The last thing I wanted after a hard day at work was to miss my train because of the idiots."
Flash mobs, groups of people brought together via the internet who perform a bizarre act together before disappearing, took off in America in 2003.
Reader views (9)
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- Mash Flob, London, UK
I think that these events are fun and amazing but agree that to clog up a railway station for 2 hours is a bit too much. I can see why the police took action.
- Jack, New Yor, NY, USA
I love the whole concept of flash mobs. The anonymous nature, the spontaneity of hundreds of people suddenly coming together, becoming united for a brief moment where otherwise people pass each other by in silence. It offers everyone a unique story to tell loved ones about a break in humdrum routine. That said, I think this one carried on long for a flash mob...Two hours? I think a half hour would have been plenty for this event, without disrupting too many people's schedules terribly.
- Thomas Kerridan, London
For those of you above who feel outraged, 'please get with the programme'. I mean in a world were people are constantly killing people, isn't this something to be proud of? It shows that we're capable of becoming united and in my opinion the governments around the world should maybe learn something from this! Let's all chill out and enjoy life because it's too short to moan and groan. Peace out.
- Ikky Malji, London
I agree - couldn't the police find something more useful to do than pile in like that - 'here come the fun police!' How utterly ridiculous.
- Emma Hamilton, Brighton UK
I unfortunately got caught up in the last flash mob and I for one think they should be banned. To have a large number of people all turn up to the same place is very dangerous, people were pushing and someone could of got hurt. A bit of fun to some but a pain in the backside for most.
- Tony, Croydon
These flash mobs just cause disruption to people trying to go about their every day business. I don't want to be held up and miss my train because someone in front of me feels like having a dance for fun. If you want to dance do it at home or in a club, just don't get in my way!
- Ben, Maidenhead
Flash mobs are just a bit of fun and give people a chance to escape from every day stresses by doing somehting a bit spontanious. People who moan about should give it a go first and they'll see its just a bit of harmless fun.
- Mike, Shoreditch
What a shame, the comment from "one commuter" at the end. At least half of the people enjoying the impromptu gathering WERE themselves commuters having a bit of fun after a hard day's work.
Similarly, these events usually disperse when people have had their fill, and it was a shame to see what had been a good-natured atmosphere spoiled by the over-the-top reaction from the police force.
- Dave, London, UK
