CLINTON — Almost as one, 17 women covered in red clothing moved and swayed together early Thursday morning at the Clinton Ferry Terminal.

The group surprised commuters and ferry employees with a flash mob on part of the covered causeway. Dancers weren’t there at 7 a.m. just for the joy of choreographed movement in the vein of other flash mobs with Abba’s “Dancing Queen” playing through speakers.

These dancers were moving to support each other and all women and victims of abuse and rape around the world.

One Billion Rising for V-Day was the inspiration behind the dance, of which there were thousands around the world Feb. 14.

“If one billion people come out and dance, hopefully that (abuse) will stop,” said Maureen Freehill, one of the dancers and organizers.

Gathering around 7 in the morning, the dancers assembled between the ferry dock and the ticket booths. With a small portable speaker setup playing some songs on loop, the women suddenly donned their red outfits — not uncommon attire on Valentine’s Day.

Onlookers gathered around, taking video on their smartphones and snapping pictures. Commuters in their cars looked back at the commotion as they prepared to load onto the ferry.

When it departed at 7:30 a.m., the ferry let loose a thunderous blast of its horn, sending the group into cheers as they danced. 

During an interlude, women stood upright with their hands forming hearts in front of their chests. Then, a few said who they were supporting: “mothers,” “daughters,” “sisters,” and a few names.

“No more abuses,” one woman urged.

Swept by the moment, when the 8 a.m. ferry crowd began arriving, the dancers were ready for round two. Symbolizing a sprouting flower, they began kneeling down and wormed their way to the sky.

“This is your wish, your prayer,” Freehill said. “Send it out.”