Do you know what is popular these days? Cat videos. But also flash mobs. Let’s focus on the latter for the purposes of this article. Hopefully, we can get back to the cat videos sometime soon.

So, what is this flash mob thing?

I suspect you all have at least a general idea, but just in case let me clarify. Flash mobs are a gathering of a group of people to perform together a seemingly random act in a public setting as a way to surprise, confuse or charm everyone else who is not in on the loop. It is a new form of performance that has come about with the rise of communication tools in the digital age – emails, social media, text messages, etc. that make it easier for a large group of people to get in touch to set the whole thing up.

Flash mobs are a recent creation. They originated back in 2003 at the hands of cultural critic Bill Wasik, who sent out emails asking people to join others in doing a random act in public. Those acts included a 100 people entering a store in search of a love rug, as well as a synchronized clapping of 200 people in a hotel lobby. These performances caught the attention of the media and public, which named them “flash mobs”.

Flash mobs have gotten really popular since their creation and the stakes to surprise and amaze have gone up, as nowadays people are likely to be less impressed with a group of “frozen” individuals, as they were back in 2008. These people are truly amazing at freezing:

Flash mobs started as a creative performance, perhaps a think piece, but have come to be also used as promotional tools for various companies, organizations and productions, as well as proposal instruments for people in love. We are happy that some creative minds have come together to bring us fascinating, intriguing and fun music flash mobs. To which we would like to say a big “Thank you”, followed by an even bigger “Enjoy”.

Classical Music Shenanigans

Som Sabadell flash mob

In honor of their 130 year anniversary, Banco Sabadell got 100 musicians to take part in the orchestral flash mob, entitled “Som Sabadell”, or “I am Sabadell”. The orchestra performed the “Ode to Joy” in front of the gathered crowd. This flash mob is considered to be one of the most beautiful ones out there on the web. Do you agree?

Sofia Opera and Ballet Flash Mob – Die Walkure

Shoppers were in for a surprise while waiting in line at the store. Opera singers unexpectedly pop-up at the check-out line and perform “Ride of the Valkyries” from “Die Walkure” while using detergents as dramatic props. The Sofia Opera and Ballet organized this unexpected performance in honor of Richard Wagner’s 200th anniversary.

Flash mob in the Copenhagen metro

What a fabulous way to start your morning! Back in 2012, the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra gave commuters a great story to tell their co-workers as they performed Edvard Grieg’s “Peer Gynt”. The piece was not only played, but also recorded in the metro.

Let’s dance

T-Mobile Dance

If you haven’t seen this, then I suspect you are not using the internet right. T-Mobile’s flash mob ad, which mesmerized passengers at London’s Liverpool Street Station, even won the award for TV Advertisement of the Year at the British Television Advertising awards in 2010.

Michael Jackson Dance Tribute

This truly is a spectacular event – 300 dancers in choreography to Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”, causing traffic jams and mass groove in Stockholm. The organizers of this dance gathering are Swedish dance cooperative BouncE, who have been responsible for various interesting performances. For the Michael Jackson tribute, the dancers gathered an hour before ‘show time’ to learn the choreography in just 30 minutes. Well, I guess everything is better when professionals do it.

All that Musical

Lion King Australia Cast – Circle of Life

I can only assume that those with a fear of flying on the plane, felt a lot better once they knew Simba was on board. You’d think the Lion King’s cast would get tired of singing the musical’s songs every night for years on end, let alone perform them everywhere else they go. I guess that’s what it means to really love your job.

Sound of Music – Flash Mob in Belgium

Stations are like magnets for flash mobs! Check out how 200 dancers brought to life the Sound of Music’s “Do Re Mi” in Antwerp, Belgium. Magic everywhere and just after two rehearsals. This stunt was part of a promotion for a Belgian TV show which was looking to find the best performer to fill in the leading role in the famous musical.

Music emotions

T-Mobile Welcome Back

The way I see it, Т-Mobile are trying to rebrand themselves as the masters of the flash mobs. If you liked their dance routine ad, then get ready to fall in love, quit your job, buy a yacht and travel the world with this flash mob ad of theirs. It is touching, heart-warming and spectacular. Everything a flash mob should be.

At Drooble we love to celebrate the magic of music and creativity. Join our ever-growing community of musicians and get inspired together. Perhaps you can even team up and wow us with a flash mob someday soon.