Sun Devils in the Memorial Union were given a show Thursday as a coordinated freeze-flash mob filled the building’s long narrow hallways in attempt to re-energize and lift spirits during the time of year when the stress of tests and homework creeps its heavy weight on to students' shoulders.
1:15 p.m. — Dressed in a maroon cap and gown and equipped with a few balloons and a mega-phone, Ben Wood-Isenburg begins to round up students and flash-mob enthusiasts around the fountain outside the MU. He passes around noisemakers while blasting a megaphone, spreading his contagious energy throughout the 100-yard radius.
1:27 p.m — The mob is led into the hallways of the MU as students taking a break from classes lean over the raised walls alongside the hallways, cell phones pointing toward the marching group, anticipating and videotaping the event.
1:30 p.m. — Participating students creatively hold their poses for two minutes as students unaware of the event walk through, slightly confused and very amused.
Once Wood-Isenburg lets off the megaphone siren, the mobbers break their frozen gestures and line the hallway, cheering and clapping for others students walking by. Some students walk through awkwardly, unsure if acknowledging the antics is appropriate, while others join in the chaos, running through the halls, arms wide, high-fiving the students like football players running through a hallway of screaming cheerleaders before the big game.
With 354 confirmed guests on the event’s Facebook page, the turnout remained uncertain until it began. Afterward, Wood-Isenburg estimated about 150 people participated in the flash mob.
"Typically it’s expected that only about 20 to 30 percent of people actually show up, but we went above the expectations — I contribute that to awesome community at ASU and the supporters we had,” says Wood-Isenburg, who graduated from ASU in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in global studies.
A diverse range of people took part in the event, from students wearing sweaters and showcasing tote bags with Greek lettering, to students strutting hipster shades, to the cameras shooting from ADP social media group, Channel 5 and flash-mob enthusiasts from around the valley.
Students Mike Cogan and Christine Muir heard about the event through friends from Facebook.
“It’s something different and fun that you don’t get to do every day,” says Cogan. “I saw the one in Grand Central Station online,” agrees Muir.
“There are two reasons why I wanted to do this; the first is kind of personal. I took on a New Year’s resolution to do something crazy and adventurous each month," Wood-Isenburg says. "Second is that I wanted to bring out spontaneity and energy in students. During this time of year, students are so focused on school that the energy just ends.”
Wood-Isenburg works in community organizing and holds workshops at ASU on “finding your passion."
“I like to help people unfold their most creative self,” he says.
With the help of ImprovAZ, ADP and the brains behind the ASU Undie Run, the event was a success. With such a positive reaction from flash mobbers and onlookers, is this something that could continue on campus?
“I haven’t really considered doing it again, but with the amount of excitement, I think I will," Wood-Isenburg says. "The only other thing I can think of that brings this much energy to students is the rallying before a football game,” Wood-Isenburg says.
Reach the reporter at alsavage@asu.edu
