The dance mob in action.

If you happened to be walking by the Woodruff Library or Cox Hall on April 22, you might have caught a glimpse of art…in motion.

Emory’s Contemporary Modern Dance III class staged a “dance mob” for passersby in which the class literally danced its way from the Goizueta Business School to the Quad. The dancers varied between free form dancing and actual routines as a group.

George Staib, who teaches modern dance, ballet, and a freshman seminar, organized the performance. The concept is based on an Atlanta dance company called Staib Dance, where dancers move through the crowd with intermittent performances.

“It is all about bringing dance, or something more creative, to the mundane existence of daily life, ” said Staib. “In the Atlanta professional dance community, this sort of thing is happening more often. It is an age-old tradition.”

The 22 performers danced without music. “This type of dance is empowing to the dancers,” said Staib. “They felt stronger and less afraid the longer they did it.”

Pedestrians, confused at first, seemed to enjoy the performance, many of whom clapped and yelled encouragements to the dancers. Some people stood back while others walked with the troupe.

Staib added, “It was refreshing to see such enthusiastic support. It gave people something potent in a small dose.”

You can enjoy a photo montage of the event below: