ARMAGH City, Banbridge & Craigavon lord mayor Garath Keating set his ceremonial chain aside earlier this week and donned his dancing shoes to join in Rushmere shopping centre's 40th anniversary celebrations.
A video of the 34-year-old's exploits, in which he and a number of dance troupes strut their stuff through four decades of pop hits, has already clocked up more 40,000 views.
The hirsute Mr Keating, whose appearance has been likened to TV presenter-turned-political activist Russell Brand, said he'd previously only danced at weddings but took part because he's "game for a laugh".
The video was shot on location at Rushmere and begins with lord mayor making a dramatic entrance in a 1970s VW Karmann Ghia.
His first dance routine to the Bee Gees' Stayin' Alive evokes the atmosphere of the 1970s when the first centre opened its doors. It's followed by tracks from Michael Jackson, Hanson, Outcast and Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mar, which along with an accompanying moves from dance troupes FADD, Pamela Cassells School of Performance, Kirstie Toman Dance Crew and Miss Mac Dance Studio, provide a flavour of each decade since.
"It was an opportunity to put my own personal stamp on things and say thanks to Rushmere as it marks this major milestone," said Mr Keating.
"It was great craic but I don't plan to make a habit of it."
Centre manager Martin Walsh said: "This video really captures the fun and sense of community which exists at Rushmere and the excitement around the anniversary celebrations.
"We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of the lord mayor who took everyone by surprise with his impressive dance moves, as well as the talented local dancers and our fantastic retailers and customer service staff who all helped make the video so much fun."
