Dancing to the beat of a free cup of Joe at Coffee Milano
Lauren McQuillan and Keira McQuillan do something of a do-se-do. Photos by Sandy Quadros Bowles 
Server and baker Sheila Offley cheered on the dancers.
J.P. Tracey and Lillie Ferrell bust some moves.
Charlene Sastri said she always enjoys visiting the shop and was happy to dance.
Savannah Furness, 6, got into the beat. 
Sarah Conton and James Dean teamed up for their performance.
The line snaked through the shop.
Lauren McQuillan and Keira McQuillan do something of a do-se-do. Photos by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Server and baker Sheila Offley cheered on the dancers.
J.P. Tracey and Lillie Ferrell bust some moves.
Charlene Sastri said she always enjoys visiting the shop and was happy to dance.
Savannah Furness, 6, got into the beat.
Sarah Conton and James Dean teamed up for their performance.
The line snaked through the shop.
MIDDLEBORO __ One shot of welcome energy deserves another.
To win a free coffee, dancers showcased their best moves to such bust-a-move numbers as “Super Freak,’’ “Somebody Call 911’’ and “Dancing with Myself,’’ during the Black Friday dance party Friday, Nov. 29 at Coffee Milano.
The dance-off was the latest in a series of promotional events at the downtown coffee shop, with customers asked to dance in the doorway to get a free coffee at the counter. A line snaked its way through the store as coffee fans cheered other dancers on as they were waiting for their brews.
Store co-owner Josh Rashid was inspired to offer the promotion when he saw a pizza shop offered free slices in exchange for dance moves on the social media platform TikTok.
He hosted a similar event, posted it on the same site and watched it take off.
The shop and its dance promotion have been featured on television broadcasts as far away as Australia.
“It’s crazy, surreal,’’ he said.
Server and baker Sheila Offley credits the international success to the enthusiasm and spirit of people in a small town.
“This brings the community together,’’ she said as she encouraged those waiting in line to keep dancing.
“I love it, I love it, I love it. Only in Middleboro,’’ she said, adding that she loves “seeing people so happy.’’
One dancer came all the way from New York to participate. Well, sort of.
Charlene Sastri, who heard about the promotion in her home state, was visiting family in Carver for Thanksgiving and decided to make a stop. At previous visits to the area, she has stopped at Coffee Milano for breakfast, she said, so she couldn’t miss it, she said.
J.P. Tracey and Lillie Ferrell also put some miles on their car to dance, traveling from Augusta, Maine for the holiday. When they heard about the promotion, Ferrell decided, they “should do that dancing thing.’’
Not everyone, of course, traveled that far. Mother and daughter Lauren McQuillan and Keira McQuillan of Middleboro locked arms and spun around in a square dance type move to “Dancing with Myself.’’
“It’s a fun community thing, the vibe’s exciting,’’ Lauren McQuillan enthused. “Good people having good fun.’’
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