There’s been a lot in the media lately about the “upper age limit” for clubbing.
The general consensus it that while 31 is too old, anything over 37 is just plain tragic.
Which is fine by me. I’m not interested in hitting the nightclubs (which are probably better known for being a meat market, than a place where you can dance), and probably haven’t set foot in one since about 1989.
BUT. Just because I’m no longer young and single, doesn’t mean I no longer feel the urge to bust a move on the dance floor every now and then!
I’ve been known to bop around the house with the music up loud, but sometimes that’s just not enough. I miss having a DJ, the doof-doof, the lighting, the atmosphere …
So where can a Middle Aged Mama go to dance?!
Although it’s been 30 odd years since I last went clubbing, I have still enjoyed the occasional opportunity to dance in recent years:
- At Wedding Receptions – Mind you, it’s been quite a while since I last attended a wedding, but it’s a great place to enjoy a dance with all age groups having fun.
- On Cruising Holidays – Just another reason why I love cruises! The parties on deck are legendary, and there is something about being on a holiday that really helps free you from the old inhibitions. Plus they often have staff on the entertainment team just to encourage you to join in – so while you might start out just watching from the sidelines, before you know it you’ll be dancing the Macarena or the Time Warp with the best of them!
- When you go to see a Tribute Band – Hubster and I went to a local pub a couple of years ago to catch a show by an Abba tribute band. There was limited seating, and we found that if you are standing up Β you start to sway, and tap your foot, and before long you are dancing along with everybody else!
- At Parties and Award Nights – There was something very special about dancing the night away, alongside my 20 year old daughter, at the Redland Business and Retail Awards Gala last year. Who says dancing is just for young people?! I was dancing The Nutbush, Chicken Dance, and Bus Stop long before she was born!
The 2017 Awards evening is this weekend and in addition to crossing my fingers in hopes that I win (I’m a finalist in the Best Startup Business category), I’m looking forward to doing my thang on the dance floor once again!
Do you still get your dancing shoes on? Do you have any suggestions to add to my list of dancing opportunities for this Middle Aged Mama?!
Linking up with:
Jo Tracey says
I’m going to no lights no lycra tonight – it’s sort of like free dancing in the dark – without the uncomfortable shoes & alcohol. I’m going on my own, but, why not, hey?
Sydney Shop Girl says
That is awesome. Jo! I’ve always wanted to try this. Enjoy,
SSG xxx
Janet Camilleri says
My sis has been telling me about the one at West End here in Brisbane – definitely want to try it!
Kathy Marris says
I love it that Jo is going to “no lights no lycra”. That will more than likely be her post for next week! Yes I don’t mind a bit of a boogie. I often say I’m going to go latin dancing or zumba, but never get around to it. Dancing at weddings is also one of my specialties. #TeamLovinLife
Jo Tracey says
It certainly will be next weeks post…lol!
Janet Camilleri says
Looking forward to it Jo!
Ashleigh Mills says
They had Ministry of Sound reunion a few months ago, it was great! Everyone there was between 35 and 50! I hope they keep knocking them out. It was great to feel comfortable and be ‘out’
Janet Camilleri says
Ok excuse my ignorance by what is this Ministry of Sound of which you speak? I’ve heard of it but other than that I have no clue!
Deborah says
I haven’t been dancing at a club for a very long time. The last time I danced in public was a weightloss thing (12WBT) finale in Brisbane in 2011. I was looking forward to going dancing a local pub with friends recently but got sick part-way through the night and wasn’t able to stay until the band started.
As I flagged on FB though ‘Dancing in the Dark’ (also called No Lights No Lycra) started locally late last year and I went to 3-4 classes before it stopped cos of a lack of attendees. Mind you, the music they played was pretty crap cos it was run by a yoga studio with little idea of what people would like to dance to! But, it was fun. I thought I’d be self conscious but I wasn’t and happy jumped around in the flashing lights and darkened room. #teamlovinlife
Janet Camilleri says
I’ve now found out they run this in Brisbane so I will have to give it a try!
Min@WriteoftheMiddle says
I danced at a pub a few months back. We’d been to dinner with some old neighbours and friends we had reconnected with and dropped in to this pup for a drink after mostly because there was some big football game on and the boys wanted to check the TV for the score. Got dragged onto the dance floor and felt so self conscious and OLD. Eventually though I relaxed and actually enjoyed myself. I danced at an outdoor food and wine festival a few years back – there were bands playing and a dance floor. It was fun! That’s about it apart from occasionally busting out a move at home! π #TeamLovinLife
Janet Camilleri says
A wine or two definitely helps you to relax the inhibitions π
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life says
Oh dear! My best friend is turning 50 this year and said she wanted to go into the city to a night club for a dance. I guess that will put our little group fair and square in the tragic category!
Ingrid
http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au
Janet Camilleri says
There *must* be some clubs that cater for the more mature?
Vanessa says
I used to go to the school dances when I was 14 and 15 and frankly they were wilder than any nightclub I attended when I was 18. So by the time we were of clubbing age, I was all clubbed out.
Not sure if I have any suggestions on where to dance – I did it in front of a 500 seat lecture theater the other year because I was bored haha. Does that count?
Janet Camilleri says
Do you know high schools don’t have dances/discos any more? Too much risk/problems. I loved our high school discos! My kids went to dances at primary school but they aren’t held in high school anymore.
Leanne says
I can’t remember the last time I danced in public (besides the obligatory parents dance at our kids’ weddings) I really need to get out more and loosen up a bit (I am way too self conscious!) Nice to see you busting a move and looking forward to doing it again this year π
Janet Camilleri says
I do find a wine helps π
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond says
To my children’s embarrassment Janet I dance anywhere and I’m almost 60 LOL:) I do love a good dance out under the mirror ball π
Janet Camilleri says
Haha you sound like my Dad and my stepmum (who is 62)
Jan Wild says
So few dance opportunities for us lately but dancing with Rowan was one of the reasons I fell in love with him, so easy to follow π We both so enjoy it when we get the chance.
I hope you find somewhere soon to bust a move and good luck with the award.
Janet Camilleri says
I really wish my Bear and I knew how to dance “properly”!
Lyndall @ Seize The Day Project says
It’s been a very long time since I went to a club, other than the RSL! LOL π The last time I danced was at A Day on the Green a few months ago. We were all over 30, some of us much older (ahem!), so there weren’t any rules. Everyone just had a great time! #TeamLovinLife
Janet Camilleri says
That does sound like fun!
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
I’m still in shock that anything over 37 is just plain tragic! I mean, I haven’t been clubbing in a gazillion years … but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be able to. Tragic?!?! I’ll show them tragic. (Actually, it probably would be tragic on so many levels).
Good luck at the awards! How exciting. What a fabulous nomination. #teamlovinlife
Janet Camilleri says
Surely there are clubs for the “more mature” – I just haven’t heard of them?!
Sydney Shop Girl says
I have two left feet… so not a dancer but given the right amount of alcohol I reckon I could put your list to good use, Janet.
SSG xxx
Janet Camilleri says
Oh me too SSG x
Life Images by Jill says
I am learning flamenco – great for balance and memory and expressing passion through dance and music
Janet Camilleri says
Jill, they had some great flamenco dancers on our cruise ship when we were sailing the Mediterranean. Only trouble is all that stamping gave me a headache! π