Surprise Flash Mob Entertains Environment Canada Staff

Group of about 10 people dancing with their hands in the air in front of a larger group of people.

© Environment Canada

Tuesday, March 8, 2011, seemed like just another March day in downtown Vancouver. The gloomy rain had cast a pale shadow on Environment Canada's (EC) 401 Burrard Street office. Even the usual "is this the Canucks' year?" hallway chatter had quieted down.

Normally, a planned fire drill would do little to lift people's spirits, but the Pacific and Yukon Region's 40th Anniversary Committee made sure this was no ordinary fire drill.

Hidden amongst the huddled mass of employees outdoors were volunteer dancers from Vancouver's Harbour Dance Centre.

Once the fire drill was complete, Senior Communications Advisor Tom Wakefield gave the signal, and the square was filled with Ray Charles' "Shake Your Tailfeather." It was a flash mob!

One by one, a series of dancers joined the performance which culminated at the end of the song with a celebratory shout-out: "Happy Anniversary Environment Canada!"

"We challenge all other regions to celebrate our 40th anniversary in an original and visible way," said Anne-Marie Clancy, Chair of the PYR 40th Anniversary Committee.

Watch the performance on EC's YouTube channel.

Note: The use of social media to promote the activity was done in consultation with the social media team. If you are planning activities involving social media, please consult your communications advisor or EC's social media team.