The Decentralized Dance Party aims to inspire world peace by raving on New Year's Eve in Vancouver

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      After a couple of hours dancing at one venue, there comes a moment when—as any seasoned partier knows—it’s time to move on. There’re only so many occasions you can be bumped in the back by a really large purse, and, frankly, rubbing up against the same four walls to escape flailing arms gets a little claustrophobic.

      The Decentralized Dance Party aims to solve that problem. Allowing revellers free reign to dance in the streets, the event—known as the DDP to the initiated—makes music mobile. The flash mob-esque evening consists of hundreds of elaborately-costumed people carrying boomboxes, all following a DJ who wears a backpack containing an FM radio transmitter. Each boombox is tuned into the DJ’s master broadcast, creating a synchronized sound system that plays through the streets, while MCs direct the crowd to pop-up party spots like Skytrain stations, public fountains, and the CBC Plaza.

      “We work very hard to create the most fun and inclusive experience possible,” says organizer Gary Lachance in a press release. “Our parties appeal to people of all ages, styles, and backgrounds. There’s no velvet rope, no age limit, no curfew, and no attitude. In true partying, all become equals.”

      The DDP has had a number of notable successes. The longest event saw 200 revellers invade three different mediums of public transit in an extravaganza that lasted 13 hours and travelled 170 km. The largest party was in Vancouver, where 20,000 people braved a blizzard to dance together in the streets. Hoping to bring similar mayhem back to B.C., the Decentralized Dance Party will return to Vancouver on New Year’s Eve to light up the downtown core.

      To mark the DDP’s seventh year, organizers and DJs Tom and Gary have joined forces with CFRO 100.5 Community Radio to expand their transmission. No longer limited to the vicinity of the DJ’s master broadcast, the New Year’s Eve event will allow everyone in the Lower Mainland to connect with other partiers through their own radios and boomboxes, creating a personal splinter version of the huge downtown group. Mapping each mini-party with the “Party Revolution” app, the DDP’s technology allows people to easily connect with a number of different assemblages.

      Despite the potential for the rowdiness to get out of hand all over the city, however, the pair is quick to point out that every one of their more than 70 events have remained safe, family-friendly, and alcohol-free.

      “We always strive to create an environment so fun and novel that it creates a sensory overload that destroys everyone’s fears and inhibitions,” Lachance says. “That removes the need for the ‘social lubricants’ which are the hallmark of traditional parties. The DDP offers an experience where people can forgo their traditional identities and come together to exist as free human beings. It’s nothing like watching a live performance. There are no rules and boundaries. You become the audio source and the entertainer. You and your friends are the show.”

      Aiming to “further the frontiers of partying, bring joy to millions of people”, and “ensure partying is respected, legitimized, and forever enshrined as a cultural institution of paramount importance,” the DDP has high aspirations. Using the Vancouver New Year’s Eve party as a test-run for a Canada-wide event this summer, the duo’s ultimate goal is to eventually win the Nobel Peace Prize for their parties.

      And with good vibes like this, we don’t doubt it’s possible:

      Can partying bring world peace?

      The Decentralized Dance Party is on December 31 from 9 p.m. until late. Check out the Facebook event page for more details.

      Follow Kate Wilson on Twitter @KateWilsonSays

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