You can’t predict when it’s coming. But when Testudo steps onto the court in a crazy costume, the music starts pumping and the Xfinity Center’s student section suddenly moves in unison, Terp fans know: It’s time for the annual flash mob.
In the space of one thrilling time-out of a men’s basketball game, students pull off stunning visuals, like a ripple reveal of gold T-shirts under jackets across the arena, and send energy pulsing through the crowd as they dance, clap and throw their hands in the air. The first iteration a decade ago went viral, garnering more than 10 million views on YouTube and receiving national television coverage. Since then, the Maryland Athletics marketing team and a dedicated duo of choreographers have worked every year to make each new version more exciting and memorable than the last.
Former University of Maryland Dance Team member Megan Piluk ’13 has choreographed the flash mob since its inception, and she brought on Jen Miller, her partner in Out of the Blue Dance Productions (which kicked off with the first flash mob and now focuses on viral marketing), starting the second year.
Through The Years: The Maryland Flash Mob ( Playlist)
