Everybody dance, now!

Visitors may have set out to the Ocean State Tall Ships Festival to see historic ships, but were treated to some surprise dancing as well. 

A flash mob broke out at the State Pier in Newport on Friday when two dancers started busting some moves to Justin Bieber’s recent hit, “Boyfriend.” They were quickly joined by dozens of others who gathered to perform the spontaneous number. 

The video was uploaded to Youtube on Monday, July 9. (Don't be scared of the 11 minute time stamp. The dancing stops around the 5:30 mark.)

According to the video, Tall Ships commissioned Jackie Henderson Dance to coordinate a flash mob during the festival. She encouraged anyone to join the dance via Facebook, and put tutorials online so participants could learn the choreography.  

Onlookers were treated to a routine featuring several songs, including "Everybody Dance Now" by C&C Music Factory, "Billy Jean" by Michael Jackson, and ended with “Zoot Suit Riot” by the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, before the dancers quickly dissolved back into the crowd as quickly as they appeared.

Did you catch the flash mob last Friday? Tell us how it was in the comments!