I would really like to witness an artistic flash mob – a flash mob that involves music and/or dancing.

This desire is mainly inspired by the countless YouTube videos I have watched where audiences in malls, in the middle of a city, in schools, in a restaurant, on the subway, in an airport are surprised by a group of singers or dancers standing up and performing.

A flash mob is usually organized through social media or some online forum where singers/dancers communicate to plan their surprise performance attack. There are many places where this is restricted for health and safety reasons, but a sudden chorus of singing on a subway or in a mall does not usually hurt anyone.

Many of us have seen videos of Handel’s Hallelujah chorus being sung in malls and various other places. Crowds pull out their smartphones and begin filming these surprise performances and people post them online for the world to see. Many flash mobs involve dancing to popular and cultural music. Others come with instruments and assemble a whole orchestra out on the street. Most artistic flash mobs involve singing, as that is the least risky and easiest to do. And often it is the most riveting. Recently I was watching a video of The Lion King’s theatrical cast performing “The Circle of Life” for their fellow passengers on their flight. Wouldn’t that be remarkable to hear?

What enthralls me is the bond of community and joy that enfolds the area. Most of the spectators are enchanted and delighted by the performance (there may be one or two Ebenezer Scrooges who cover their ears or close their eyes). Some even join in with the fun. And the performers themselves are so full of joy and excitement that even by watching the videos, I feel captivated and uplifted by their contagious energy.

To witness a flash mob singing or dancing or playing instruments would be absolutely thrilling. But as a performer myself, I would love to be part of one. Onlookers may think the performers are crazy and may walk away, but most of them walk away smiling. Music itself is a way to lift our moods. If an onlooker is stressed or unhappy, a surprise chorus could warm them and relax their tense shoulders. When it’s over, everyone goes their own way, but those few moments of spontaneous creativity and joy are enough to brighten a person’s day.

If I were to witness a flash mob, it would certainly brighten my day.