"Flash mob" preps for Harvard 375th anniversary dance

The Harvard 375th “flash mob” danced to James Brown as they rehearsed for the Friday night gala.

Dancers rehearse for performance as part of a "flash mob" in the University's 375th anniversary celebration on October 14.

Dancers rehearse for performance as part of a "flash mob" in the University's 375th anniversary celebration on October 14. | Photograph by Harvard Magazine/LL

Photograph by Harvard Magazine/LL

Photograph by Harvard Magazine/LL

Photograph by Harvard Magazine/LL

Photograph by Harvard Magazine/LL

Photograph by Harvard Magazine/LL

Photograph by Harvard Magazine/LL

Photograph by Harvard Magazine/LL

Photograph by Harvard Magazine/LL

From an undergraduate sporting red hip-hop-style sneakers to an administrator in a white dress shirt and tie, the Harvard 375th anniversary “flash mob” of dancers got down to James Brown’s “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” today at noon outside the Science Center as they rehearsed for their big moment in the spotlight this Friday evening. The “Flash Mob” is sure to be one of the highlights of an evening filled with performances, desserts, and dancing for a crowd of thousands of revelers. 

Led by the quick-footed Henry “Kidspin” Kasdon, a teacher at the Harvard Dance Center, about 30 members of the Harvard community learned roughly two minutes of choreography that they will perform in front of their colleagues and peers in the middle of Harvard Yard at the 375th birthday gala. “I’m in a dance crew and we do some pretty sophisticated choreography,” said Kasdon, who created the flash-mob dance along with dance program director Jill Johnson about a month ago. “Then I teach classes and I try to make [things] a little easier. But with a flash mob that has to prep a dance in a short amount of time, I basically think, ‘I have to come up with something my mom would be able to do.’ " He said the volunteer dancers “all looked so great today, even the little walk they did. It looked so cool.”

Teach yourself the “flash mob” 375 dance with this YouTube instruction video

You might also like

Harvard will rename the building following a $100 million gift from Stuart Zimmer ’91.

Pritzker Hall, designed for collaboration, should be complete in 2027.

With a grade inflation vote and in the courts, the University argued that it’s taking steps to change.

Most popular

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

The Harvard Kennedy School professor has led inquiries into the polarizing conflicts in the Middle East.

Phase A of the Allston project includes a hotel, residences, and a two-acre greenway.

Explore More From Current Issue

Vibrant urban scene at dusk featuring a mural on a building and illuminated structures.

The Goel Center in Allston will open for performances in the fall of 2026.

Massachusetts Hall at Harvard Red brick building with a large clock on top, surrounded by green trees.

With a grade inflation vote and in the courts, the University argued that it’s taking steps to change.

Two colorful octopuses swim among vibrant coral and sea life in a lively underwater scene.

New Harvard research finds octopuses go beyond sight and touch to find mates.