Line dancing 'flash mob' event taking place in this Kildare town

A flash mob event is taking place in Co Kildare early next month.

Emily Square will come alive with rhythm, energy and community spirit on May 2nd at 3pm, as dancers from across the country gather for Ireland’s first participation in the International Line Dance Flashmob.

Local line dance instructor John Read, of John’s Bootleggers, who teaches in Athy, Newbridge, Edenderry and Portarlington, is leading the event after being inspired by the global initiative, which takes place annually on the first Saturday in May. The international project connects dancers worldwide, inviting them to perform selected routines on the same day, share videos online and celebrate the joy of dance.

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This year, Athy proudly appears on the worldwide flashmob map.

John discovered line dancing while on holiday in Florida. “I came across it in a bar and loved it,” he said. “When I came home, I went looking for classes but couldn’t find any. A few years later, it popped back into my head again, and once I finally found a class, I never stopped!”

In 2021, his own instructor stepped away from teaching and encouraged him to take over. He later earned his qualification as a Professional Country Line Dance Instructor through the National Association of Teachers of Dance.

“The training gave me confidence and a deeper understanding of how to teach effectively,” he said.

Planning for the flashmob began last summer, with Emily Square quickly identified as the ideal location due to its central setting and spacious layout. Support from Kildare County Council and local Gardaí helped bring the event together.

However, organisers say this will not be a traditional surprise flashmob.

“It’s a fully organised event that celebrates inclusivity,” John explained. “There are so many styles – country, new line, modern – and we want to show that line dancing is for everyone. There’s a huge social element to it too. I call it ‘social lubrication’ because it brings people together so easily.”

Instructors from clubs across Ireland have been invited, with many confirming their attendance, turning the event into one of the largest line dancing gatherings in the country this year.

While the International Flashmob committee selects three official routines each year, the Athy event will go further. A poll of dancers has been used to choose 15 popular routines, ensuring participants of all levels can join in.

“We want to show that line dancing is alive and well in Ireland,” John added. “If anyone is curious about joining the community, my advice is simple: Just do it – because you’ll never look back!”