You'd think an attempt to break the world record for people dancing in robotic unison would surely have closet sci-fi fans rushing for the dancefloor.But in reality, organisers hoping to pull 1,000 people to the University of Melbourne to cut some robot moves on Tuesday struggled for numbers.
The attempt to break the previous Guinness world record, set by 276 students from England's University of Kent, attracted uni students and even several mothers looking for a fresh way to entertain their children on school holidays.
Eventually, they broke the record when 351 people signed up after some last-minute coaxing from organisers.
The attempt to break the previous Guinness world record, set by 276 students from England's University of Kent, attracted uni students and even several mothers looking for a fresh way to entertain their children on school holidays.
Eventually, they broke the record when 351 people signed up after some last-minute coaxing from organisers.
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Minutes before the robot-dancing fanatics were about to launch into a choreographed routine to break the record, organisers pleaded for at least 20 more people to join in so the attempt could go ahead.
After the first official attempt failed - some who signed up had turned into wallflowers - they broke the record on the second attempt at 1.25pm on the south lawn of the university, dancing for five minutes and 23 seconds.
American exchange student Justin Brooks and his friend Monica Griffin, both 23, rose to the occasion by wrapping themselves from head-to-toe in foil.
Upturned milk crates covered in foil and plonked on their heads completed their carefully crafted robot costumes.
Ms Griffin, who was visiting from New York, said she was roped in by her enthusiastic friend.
"He himself loves to be centre of attention, so since I was going to be here he convinced me to join with him," she giggled from behind her mask.
Strangely, more people turned out dressed as pirates, for no apparent reason.
Film student Lauchlan (Lauchlan) Pevie, 23, decided to make a documentary on the record-breaking attempt after hearing about the event from his girlfriend, who was one of the organisers.
The idea was the brainchild of a University of Melbourne-based group, Robogals.
The group aims to encourage more women to study engineering and computer science.
Footage captured on mobile phones and MP3 players could end up on making robot dancing an internet sensation.
After the first official attempt failed - some who signed up had turned into wallflowers - they broke the record on the second attempt at 1.25pm on the south lawn of the university, dancing for five minutes and 23 seconds.
American exchange student Justin Brooks and his friend Monica Griffin, both 23, rose to the occasion by wrapping themselves from head-to-toe in foil.
Upturned milk crates covered in foil and plonked on their heads completed their carefully crafted robot costumes.
Ms Griffin, who was visiting from New York, said she was roped in by her enthusiastic friend.
"He himself loves to be centre of attention, so since I was going to be here he convinced me to join with him," she giggled from behind her mask.
Strangely, more people turned out dressed as pirates, for no apparent reason.
Film student Lauchlan (Lauchlan) Pevie, 23, decided to make a documentary on the record-breaking attempt after hearing about the event from his girlfriend, who was one of the organisers.
The idea was the brainchild of a University of Melbourne-based group, Robogals.
The group aims to encourage more women to study engineering and computer science.
Footage captured on mobile phones and MP3 players could end up on making robot dancing an internet sensation.
