Going with the flow: Self-expression moves Saturday's Flo on the Rio dance party

The collective energy was contagious.

Flowing in self-expression, people of all ages shared movements and smiles during the Flo on the Rio Headphone Dance Party on Saturday afternoon.

The moving waters of the Rio Grande created the perfect backdrop for a warm afternoon of joy and creativity. Unlike traditional dance parties, attendees immersed themselves in their own musical experience with a three-channel system, giving them the wonderment of what channel the person next to them was vibing on. Passersby joined in as strangers became friends. People grooved together while others ventured into solo dancing within the trees.

A pediatric nurse of 18 years and volunteer DJ at KUNM, Brandon Kennedy created the dance parties during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a world where connection can often feel fleeting, he saw an opportunity to build a space for togetherness and spread happiness by bringing strangers in unison with music and dance in public spaces.

Since starting four years ago, Kennedy has raised around $27,000 for local charities and nonprofits through the donations of dancegoers. Proceeds from Saturday’s gathering benefit Indigenous Women Rising.