No Lights No Lycra

I doubt there’s anyone in world who doesn’t like to dance. Even people who say they don’t like dancing probably do, they just don’t know it yet. In mainstream culture, dance has become more of a social construct than a form of personal expression; most people dance in a style that’s socially acceptable, and I suspect many people dance to impress rather than fulfil an innate desire. Of course, if we feel self-conscious dancing, we don’t feel particularly impressive. Instead, we feel uncomfortable, uncoordinated, judged.

But put someone in a dark room and turn on some toe-tapping music and most people, I’m betting, will start a’ tappin’. Or jiggin’. Or jivin’. Or just flaying their limbs around to the sound of the beat.

This theory has been put to the test by No Light No Lycra, a dance ‘class’ that began in Melbourne and proved itself so popular that it can now be found around the country and other parts of the world.

The idea behind NLNL is to provide a friendly, non-threatening drug- and alcohol-free environment in which people can dance their hearts out without feeling inhibited by social judgement. In the dark. Wearing daggy clothes.

The sessions — which are open to anyone and everyone — usually last for an hour and cost $5–$7. Dancers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and keep talking to a minimum during the class.

For more info on what to expect, visit the NLNL website.
No Lights No Lycra
City

When: Mondays, 6.30pm–7.30pm

Venue: 1000 Pound Bend 361

Address: 361 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne

Brunswick

When: Wednesdays, 7pm–8.15pm

Address: 49 Nicholson St, Brunswick East (under the church, enter via Barkly Street)

Fitzroy

When: Tuesday, 7.30pm–8.45pm

Address: 250 George St, Fitzroy

(For information on classes in other cities, check the NLNL website.)