A flash mob is an organized event, in which a group of people work together to both entertain and surprise the general public wittily (without any harm) with a sudden show. Flash mob events can include dancing, singing, or even trying to break a record. Although it is difficult to set up a flash mob, if successful, the results will be satisfying, both for the participants and the audience.
Step
Step 1. Understand the benefits of flash mob events
Flash mobs are usually centered on entertainment shows, to wittily confuse people (without any harm) or to convey satire about something that the audience can immediately understand and respond to. The key to this show is spontaneity and inviting passersby to watch it without asking for anything in return other than the audience's pleasure. The following are not the characteristics of a flash mob:
- Flash mob events are not suitable for use as a means of marketing goods or services (although they have been done), political interests, or publicity stunts. The reason is that these intentions do not contain an element of entertainment or non-binding satire. Events like this are held with the expectation that the audience will end up doing something like buying things, voting for someone, or supporting a particular event.
- Flash mob event no can be used as an excuse to commit violence or damage other people's property. Participating in these activities is equivalent to rioting and not flash mobs. Never have the intention of creating a violent or dangerous event. (Authorities in certain places even label blatant criminal acts as flash mobs, but criminal behavior has nothing to do with flash mobs as a performing art.)
Step 2. Decide what you want to do
The success of a flash mob event depends on the authenticity of the work, the crowd, and the interest of people to see what is going on. Avoid repeating flash mob events that have already been done elsewhere. Always make changes to flash mob events that inspire you so that they have originality and relevance to local situations. In general, flash mob shows require practice or explanation in some way (eg instructions on the internet), so that everyone can understand their roles and interactions with other actors. The most frequently performed flash mobs generally include activities such as:
- Choreographed dances: for example a large group of people all dancing in support of someone who is about to propose to their partner.
- Sing something, like an opera, yodel, or pop song. Any style of singing is allowed, but still must be interesting. An example is suddenly singing about the wonders of fruits and vegetables while in the supermarket.
- Do a certain scenario: for example a group of people pushing an invisible cart.
- Pantomime: eg pretending to find a way out of a wall that doesn't exist.
- Using happy events to spread love: for example a wedding, graduation, or birthday celebration, the event can be extended to the streets or parks or other public places!
- World record: trying to break a Guinness World Record or MURI Record, for example with the most groups of people doing something at the same time.
- Freeze: all members suddenly become living statues and just stand still.
Step 3. Look at the flash mob events ever done on YouTube
There are several event documentations that can be watched and used as inspiration. You'll also know how to properly organize this event and make your show a success. Like any other show, timing and execution are critical to the success of a flash mob.
Step 4. Hold a flash mob event
First of all, you need to have a cast that is willing to participate in your show. For that, you can use the internet. Use social media networks, e-mail, text messages, and websites to get people to join your flash mob event. You can also invite classmates, for example, it could be a dance group or studio that you join, or other groups around you. Invite your friends and family too.
- Use Facebook, Twitter, and other sites where people congregate. People who are indeed looking for flash mob events will use the term flash mob. Include that term in the messages you create to people.
- In New York City, for example, there is a group of performing arts activists called Improv Everywhere. While not all of their shows can be called flash mobs, there are some that are. If you happen to be in New York, you might be able to join them. See their site for more information.
- There are also various local flash mob sites. Use a search engine to search for similar sites, with the keyword flash mob plus your planned location.
Step 5. Give clear instructions to the people you invite
The success of your flash mob event depends on whether the participants know what they need to do. It's best to do some practice first, but if that's not possible, at least give them very clear instructions (whether via the internet, e-mail, etc.) on what to wear, where, when, and what to do, and for how much. long. For example: you can freeze, dance, walk, or open your mouth wide like a fish in the field in front of Fatahillah Museum at 8 am on Sunday. If the participants need to interact with other participants, it is better to do the exercises first so that the timing and accuracy are right.
- If the things you need to do are simple, like reading a newspaper with holes for each eye, you don't need to do the exercises. However, it may be a good idea for these participants to gather in one place first to review the various details, what to do, and what to do when the event is over. Also find out what to do if people are bothered or your event is being moved by the police.
- If the instructions are complex, for example for a scene that needs to be choreographed and orchestrated, consider using a smaller group of people, who are easier to organize to rehearse and have to keep the event secret, rather than a larger group that is more difficult to coordinate. Groups of 50 people can be arranged more easily, but it's a different story if it's more than that.
- It may be easier to invite a dance group that you've already joined. For example, invite your Zumba dance group to dance in the park to demonstrate what they have learned.
Step 6. Prepare all the necessary equipment and costumes
You can ask participants to bring their own costume (like pajamas, swimsuit, wig, or whatever), but there are also event concepts that require you to bring some items, such as a newspaper with holes in it.
If supplies and costumes are hard to find or make, you might consider holding a workshop in advance, so that people can make the necessary equipment together. However, make sure the things you need to bring are simple, which people usually already have at home
Step 7. Know your location restrictions
Pay attention to the location of your flash mob first. There may be security, legal, or physical restrictions to be aware of. To avoid legal problems, for example, don't let your event interfere with traffic, cause security problems, or make it difficult for people to pass or go to places that are not public property. Of course you want people to stop and watch your show, but don't let it create an emergency or illegal situation. For example, if your event covers an emergency exit, you might want to rethink.
As said above, tell your attendees what to do if the police or other authorities suddenly request that your event be stopped. The best option is to stop quietly and peacefully. A good flash mob event should be over before the guys even arrive
Step 8. Prepare video documentation
We recommend that your event has complete video documentation so that it can be uploaded to YouTube. Who knows, maybe it will go viral! In fact, your event can serve as inspiration for other future flash mobs.
Step 9. Free yourself
Rest assured that your flash mob event will go according to plan. As the organizer, it is your responsibility to keep the event as planned and not cause problems for those around the event.
Step 10. Finish as if nothing ever happened
After the flash mob is over, don't let the participants sit down or start talking to the crowd. They had to get back into the crowd and just walk away as if nothing had happened.
Method 1 of 1: Flash Mob Dancing
This is probably the most common type of flash mob and usually attracts the most people.
Step 1. Select a song
Do you want upbeat or sad songs? Want a song that many people know or that shows a certain type of music, like dangdut for example?
Step 2. Find someone who can choreograph
Even better if you can do it yourself. If not, find someone who knows how to make an ordinary group dance something great.
Step 3. Choose a place to dance
A good place is a park in a big city, especially at lunchtime or after work, when people are on their way home.
Step 4. Gather a group of dancers
The number of flash mob dancers can be anything, but try to get at least 50-75 people. It may seem like a lot, but the more people there are, the more effective your flash mob dance will be.
Step 5. Teach them to dance in groups, with a group of 4-30 people
That way, you don't get stuck with so many people in one room. They can also entertain the audience from all directions. This is great for people who are in the back and can't see everything.
Step 6. Select the flash mob dancer leader
Usually the best dancer in the group, who sets the rhythm and becomes a point of reference for the other dancers. This leader can start with a solo dance move, followed by 9 to 15 other people who enter the next movement. Then add another number of people who joined. The trick to a good flash mob is to gradually involve all the dancers into the choreography. Make sure everyone joins in at the end of the song until the whole group is involved.
Step 7. Pretend nothing happened
After the song was over, the dancers had to disperse and go back to acting as usual as if nothing special had happened.
Tips
- Keep this as a surprise. Unfortunately, how you gather attendees will tell people about your event. However, you can ask attendees not to share information about the event further, and hope that people watching don't know about your show. Pay attention to the laws that apply where you plan to hold a flash mob.
- Flash mob dances or skits don't have to be precise and accurate. You don't have to ask everyone (except the leader) to do it perfectly. The important thing is that everyone does it simultaneously in a large group.
- Not everyone has to do the same. Two or three people can do one thing and another person can do a different thing!
- If the song you're playing is a relationship theme, include a boy and a girl and make sure they're the same number, so everyone can understand what the song means.
- If you want to make this stunt more difficult, try doing it on the street at a red light. However, be careful not to hurt anyone, and not to interfere with traffic.
Warning
- Maybe there will be people who have no sense of humor and will get angry with flash mobs. This is more likely to happen in places of business, for example if you are holding it at a supermarket or where people do business. The people who run the business may find your event disruptive, potentially damaging to sales figures, buyer impressions, and the work of employees. As discussed above, do everything you can to make sure your event isn't too intrusive, isn't illegal, harms people, makes security difficult, or may end up costing you a lot of money. Be wise in choosing a place.
- Study your local laws regarding large crowds in certain places. Maybe this is illegal. Also know the difference between a public place and a private place, as well as the possibility that others may sue you for entering their territory without permission. If you leave your mark on the internet, it's not hard to find people to complain, so make sure you consider everything in a legal way.
- You may be stopped by the police or other authorities. Prepare for it. Avoid being argumentative or resisting. Follow their directions and disperse on demand.
