Athy to cowboy up with line dancing flashmob next month

ATHY is set to come alive at the start of May, when dancers from across the country gather in Emily Square 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 flashmob initiative that takes place annually on the first Saturday in May.

The international project connects dancers around the world by inviting them to perform selected routines on the same day, sharing videos online and celebrating the joy of dance.

This year, Athy proudly appears on the worldwide flashmob map, with the flashmob set to take place at 3pm on 2 May. Organisers have included that anyone and everyone is invited to join in the flashmob, whether you’re a seasoned line dancer or a complete beginner.

John discovered line dancing many years ago while on holiday in Florida. “I came across it in a bar and loved it,” he recalled.

“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 the class. He later earned his qualification as a Professional Country Line Dance Instructor through the National Association of Teachers of Dance (NATD) in the UK.

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

This flashmob has been in the works for some time. After scouting locations last summer, Athy’s Emily Square quickly emerged as the perfect setting – beautiful, central, and spacious enough to welcome dancers of all ages and abilities.

Support from Kildare County Council and local gardaí helped bring the plan to life.

But this isn’t your typical 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 several clubs across Ireland have been invited, and many have confirmed they’ll be joining the festivities.

While the International Flashmob committee selects three official routines each year, the Athy event will go even bigger. A poll of dancers has been used to choose 15 popular routines, ensuring that everyone, from beginners to seasoned dancers, can take part and enjoy the day.

“We want to show that line dancing is alive and well in Ireland,” he added.

“If anyone is curious about joining the community, my advice is simple: just do it, because you’ll never look back!” 

The Athy flashmob will be recorded and uploaded to the International Line Dance Flashmob website, where dance fans worldwide can watch and celebrate the event.

For local dancers, curious beginners or anyone who simply wants to enjoy an uplifting community spectacle, Emily Square is the place to be on 2 May.