The Swedish Embassy held an event in Hanoi on February 27 called Lunch Beat for the first time in Vietnam, in which attendees use their lunch breaks to dance and eat.

Lunch Beat at the Swedish Embassy in Vietnam on February 27 

The event attracted many participants from the media, office staff and young Hanoians. Vegetarian sandwiches and soft drinks were served along with dance music and a place to move around during the hour-long event.

Many danced with plates of food and drinks in their hands and used the exciting atmosphere to break the ice, strike up conversation and generally have a fun lunch break.

Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam (lelf) Camilla Mellander also joins the event

Ms. Bich Van, who works in an office in Hanoi, said despite hearing about Lunch Beat before, this was the first time she came. She said dancing at lunchtime helped her to releive stress and she felt more energized upon returning to work. She hoped that Lunch Beat would become a regular event.

A concept originally envisioned by 28-year old Molly Raenge, Lunch Beat rapidly swept across Sweden and now has spread to more than 90 countries worldwide.

It started off small in May last year with just 14 people in a garage in Stockholm. After she received immediate and positive feedback, she realised it could grow beyond an underground movement.

Young people pose at Lunch Beat

Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Camilla Mellander presents a gift to a Vietnamese participant