CORONAVIRUS: STRONGER TOGETHER
DJ Brings The Socially-Distanced Closer Through Dance Parties
Apr 9, 2020, 6:44 AM | Updated: 6:49 am
MILLCREEK, Utah — When COVID-19 shut down almost any kind of party or wedding, Rob Ferre was left with plenty of openings in his schedule.
“Two weeks ago I was supposed to be in the UK at a speaking event, three weeks ago I was supposed to be in Las Vegas, this Saturday I’m supposed to be doing an Easter bunny event down at Thanksgiving Point — none of that is happening,” said Ferre, who works as a DJ, entertainer and host. “Everything went away. I had no opportunity to go out and celebrate and party with people.”
He noticed that other DJs had been attempting to work around the pandemic by streaming music or hosting virtual dance parties.
“I thought maybe the best way for me is to actually go out to communities,” Ferre said. “Do it socially distant, but not distant socially.”
What came from that thought was what unfolded in a neighborhood Wednesday evening, when Ferre pulled his SUV up to a curb, unloaded some speakers, tuned up his sound mixer in the back of his vehicle, and staged a socially-distanced dance party for the entire block.
Families kept to their individual driveways and yards while doing their best to follow Ferre’s lead.
“I try and find streets where people want to be able just to get out, party, dance and feel normal again,” Ferre said.
Now at more than a half dozen socially-distanced shows, Ferre said it’s been impressive to see neighbors buy into the concept.
Julianne Gray said her family set up the event and they were also pleased to see those who live nearby take part.
“We thought it would be a fun way for the family to be able to have an activity together and enjoy each other’s company and yet still be socially-distant and doing what we need to stay healthy,” Gray said.
Neighbor Kim Bouck said she saw people that she hadn’t in a while.
“It’s been really great,” Bouck said. “We’ve all been shut in our houses. I don’t even know that we’ve communicated as neighbors for a while, so it’s awesome to see people from across the street partying, having fun, joining together in a fun family activity and we can share a moment together in all of this madness.”
Across from the cul-de-sac, Kayla Kaleel joined her mom, sister and boyfriend in dancing on their deck.
“At least we have some interaction with some people,” she said as she jumped to the music echoing from down the street. “It feels like aerobics or Zumba or something, but I’m liking it.”
Ferre said he never in his life thought he’d be doing socially-distanced dance parties, but he was happy with the response.
“You are seeing everybody on this street dancing to the same song, doing the same dance moves,” Ferre said. “That’s my goal is just to be able to create unity through dance and music.”