Step into the magical world of Santa's Surprise Squad, a flash mob dance group on a mission to raise awareness and support for foster children during the Christmas season!
discover the magic of surprise
discover the magic of surprise
Santa’s Surprise Squad, founded in 2023 and based in Tracy, California, creates unforgettable holiday moments across the Central Valley-Bay Area Corridor, also known as the NorCal Megaregion. Our surprise flash mobs turn everyday spaces—like shopping centers and events—into stages for festive, high-energy performances that spark joy and bring people together. But it’s more than just dancing; it’s about spreading holiday cheer while raising awareness and support for foster children. At SSS, we’re making Christmas magical in ways no one sees coming.
WHAT IS SANTA’S SURPRISE SQUAD?
A flash mob is a surprise performance where a group of people suddenly come together in a public space to perform a choreographed dance or act, leaving bystanders stunned and delighted. It starts subtly — people going about their day — and then, like magic, music plays, and the performers burst into action. It’s exciting, spontaneous, and over just as quickly as it began, leaving everyone wondering, Did that really just happen? It’s all about creating unforgettable moments of joy and surprise for everyone lucky enough to witness it.
WHAT ARE FLASH MOBS?
Our mission is to bring joy and support to foster kids during the Christmas season. As we dance through the streets, we aim to raise awareness and support for the needs of foster children, ensuring they experience the same magical Christmas as every other child.
But that's not all – we're on a mission to reignite the enchanting magic of the holiday season. Creating moments that evoke the warmth and wonder of Christmas for both our performers and the community. Join us in celebrating the spirit of giving and rediscovering the magic of the season!
WHY DO WE DO IT?
"The squad turned my holiday season into something I look forward to every year."
Grace B, 2024 Performer
"The flash mobs are such a rush! I love how every performance brings something new and exciting."
Jillian P, 2023 & 2024 Performer
“From setting up to watching it all come together, it felt so good to be part of something that made people smile.”
Jenna R, 2024 Volunteer
CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR INSTA POSTS!
PERFORMER INFORMATION
-
Are you ready to make the world stop and stare?
Performer registration opens several months before the season's first rehearsal. We welcome performers of all genders, aged 10 and above, regardless of dance skill level. For individuals under 18, a parent or guardian must complete the registration. Registration will close either on the cutoff date or once we've reached our maximum number of performers. -
It’s true, we promise—performing with Santa’s Surprise Squad is completely free! While purchasing season merchandise is optional, we do encourage donations to our partner foster agency during the season. If you can't donate, no worries.
-
Our flash mobs are meticulously choreographed events that unexpectedly unfold in public places. Performers gather to dance in unison, creating a thrilling spectacle that leaves bystanders in awe and spreads joy. Performers are responsible for their own travel to performance locations. For certain performances, 'blend-in' outfits will be provided to help performers blend into the audience before the flash mob begins.
-
In Santa's Surprise Squad, performers are grouped into Participation Tiers based on their availability and commitment, as indicated on their performer registration forms. These tiers determine how long each performer is actively involved in each flash mob, ensuring a seamless and dynamic performance.
Participation Tiers:
Group A
Performers in this tier will learn the entire flash mob routine and will be involved from the very beginning to the end of each performance. They are the backbone of the flash mob, requiring the highest level of commitment and participation.
Group B
This group of performers will join the flash mob around the halfway point and continue dancing until the end. They have a substantial role but with a slightly reduced time commitment compared to Group A.
Group C
Performers in this tier will enter the flash mob closer to the end of the routine. They provide the final burst of energy and excitement, with the least time commitment required.
All Participation Tiers are integral to each flash mob performance, ensuring a layered and engaging experience for the audience. The higher the group, the more time is needed from the performers, contributing to the unique and festive atmosphere of Santa's Surprise Squad.
-
The frequency of rehearsals for our program is based on each performer’s participation tier. On average, performers in each tier will attend approximately 2-3 extended rehearsals per month leading up to the December performances. Rehearsals move around town to parks, dance studios, and more!
-
Santa's Surprise Squad performers can count their time in our program as community service hours! Since our work is dedicated to a great cause, most organizations accept participation in Santa's Surprise Squad as valid community service. By the end of the season, you can expect to have gained around 30-40 hours of service. However, it's always a good idea to check with your specific service coordinator to confirm.