We’re just dancing in the dark

FEEL like switching off the lights and dancing like no one’s watching?

Twice-monthly community dance initiative, No Lights, No Lycra Ballarat, marked eight years of operation this week at the Victorian Railways Institute Hall.

“It’s a one-hour endorphin-pumping dance party in the dark held on the first and third Monday of the month,” Ballarat ambassador Bec Perovic said.

Leading the local initiative alongside Mr DJ, Tristan James, Ms Perovic said they’re part of a global 14-year-old movement that aims to unite people of all ages and backgrounds through dance, without judgement and alcohol.

“There is no light, no teacher, no steps to learn, and no technique, just a space where you can completely let go with no one watching,” she said.

“NLNL is good for your physical and mental health and a great non-traditional form of exercise, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t feel comfortable at the gym.

“It’s a time to leave thoughts and words at the door, switch off from the outside world, shake out the stress of the week, and lose yourself in the music.

“NLNL is both stress relief and therapy delivered in a fun, inexpensive way, where age, gender, and looks don’t matter, and where you’ll share a sense of acceptance, connection, belonging, solidarity, and unspoken kindness with our other dancing babes.”

Ms Perovic said she believes everyone is a dancer, and they shouldn’t let a fear of judgement, from others or within, hold them back.

“Come and give it a go,” she said. “New people might go in a bit nervous, but they come out beaming and sweaty.

“There aren’t a lot of places to go, other than a club or pub, to have a boogie at night, so we offer an alternative. We get a lot of older women coming along as well.”

No Lights, No Lycra began in Melbourne in 2009.

The Ballarat group runs from 8pm to 9pm with entry costing $10. Visit facebook.com/ NLNLBallarat for updates on upcoming events, and ticket links.