UCLA Circle K organizes flash mob to promote Pillow Fight

The usual calm of Bruin Plaza was broken with the sound of booming beats as a student casually jumped into the center of the plaza and began dancing.

About 80 students rushed in behind him and performed a dance routine, clapping to the beats and catching the attention of passerby, who were soon whipping out their smartphones to capture the vibrant scene.

UCLA Circle K hosted the flash mob Thursday to promote their upcoming annual Pillow Fight, a fundraising event for a transitional shelter for women and children.

The Pillow Fight will take place this Saturday in Ackerman Grand Ballroom from 1 to 5 p.m.

Profits from the Pillow Fight will go to the Alexandria House, a transitional residence which offers services and resources to single women and women with children until they find a permanent home.

“It’s (for) a really meaningful purpose and it’s a way for us to reach out to the youth community,” said Sinh Nguyen, publicity director for UCLA Circle K.

For Alex Pham, a fourth-year political science student, the flash mob was a thrilling experience, although he initially felt nervous about starting the dance routine, he said.

“You’re the first to take the leap, the first to do something, but knowing that you have other people behind you makes you feel (like you’re) part of something bigger,” Pham said.

At the Pillow Fight, participants can enjoy music and dance performances by student groups, as well as on-site arts and crafts activities, said Leonna Luc, president of UCLA Circle K and a third-year sociology student.

Student groups, such as Icarus, Awechords and the Association of Chinese Americans will be performing at the event, along with Sonia Rao from The Voice and others, Luc said.

Students can buy tickets for $15 at the door of the event or from the Circle K website before the event.