Flaming Feathers endeavored to discreetly immerse themselves in the funeral ambiance, masquerading as grief-stricken relatives of the departed. However, when the familiar beat resonated, four dancers gracefully rose from their pew, shed their coats, and swayed to the music.
Claire Phipps, the principal dancer of the flash mob, noted that initially, some mourners hesitated to engage with the unexpected performance, with a few initially “refusing to look” at the dancers. It became apparent, however, that this was likely a calculated part of Wood’s plan. Eventually, the atmosphere warmed up, and the crowd not only accepted but enthusiastically clapped to the infectious beat.
“They were all really thankful and enjoyed it after,” Phipps remarked.
Phipps acknowledged the peculiar nature of the request to simulate grief during the funeral and then transition into dancing to a Queen song. She discovered from Ryalls that several other dance groups declined their request for a funeral flash mob, deeming the idea disrespectful. Ryalls resorted to seeking a group on Facebook, where Phipps responded to her request.
Wood’s husband, Mark, was oblivious to the surprise flash mob, but he expressed gratitude for his wife’s imaginative planning.
“There was a big smile on my face because that was her. She didn’t want me to know that because she wanted to surprise me. And boy, didn’t she do it?”
In her final wish, the departed also desired attendees to exit the church in a conga line, a request met with enthusiasm. Wood envisioned her funeral making headlines, and true to her vision, it became a noteworthy and celebrated event
