Dubai Airport Flash Mob

By Sumayyah Meehan, TMO

What looked to be an ordinary day in a bustling airport soon took an interesting turn as a crew of airline hostesses began to perform an elaborate dance routine as weary passengers looked on in delight. As they wiggled their and shimmied across an expanse of floor in the center of Dubai Airport, it soon became clear that some of the onlookers were in on it too. A bald man in an airport uniform, janitors and clerks from nearby stores also began performing the exact same dance routine. Of course, it was not by chance. Neither was it a happy accident when a couple of young children began to bust their moves in perfect sync. It was all an elaborate and diligently planned ‘flash mob’ attack. And it was one in a growing number to take place in the Middle East.

By definition a flash mob is, “A group of people who appear from out of nowhere, to perform predetermined actions, designed to amuse and confuse surrounding people. The group performs these actions for a short amount of time before quickly dispersing.” The duo behind the recent flash mob sensation are choreographers Scott and Lisa Marshall from Diverse Choreography, based in Dubai. This was not the first time that the married couple, and flash mob entrepreneurs, have startled and surprised unsuspecting members of the public with seemingly spur of the moment musical numbers. However, the most recent flash mob was one of the best if you believe what viewers are saying on You Tube. The video has gone viral and is racking up tens of thousands of views. One commentator wrote, “Good work Dubai. I never ever thought I’d see that in Dubai. Well done.” While another had this to say, “Dubai is sensationally diverse. People in this video really illustrate the city’s racial plurality.”

The Dubai Airport flash mob event was organized as part of a media blitz by Dubai Airport to announce its new DXB Connect Card, which is a prepaid card made expressly for airport travelers. Diverse Choreography has worked with some of the top companies in the UAE to provide unique marketing solutions. Part of Diverse Choreography’s website mission statement reads, “By utilizing our knowledge and passion for creating tailor made shows, our clients will achieve unique performances for each event.”

Both Scott and Lisa have had illustrious careers working in the entertainment industry, having worked with Hollywood heavyweights and other notable entertainers. However, running their very own performing arts school in the heart of the UAE is their current passion. Students learn a variety of dance genres and have the unique opportunity to work with trained choreographers who have already made a name for themselves in the industry. It won’t be long before their students are capable of delighting the masses with spontaneous entertainment in the most unexpected of places.

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