Finding your happy place on the dance floor (without a drink in hand)

Posted on 22 November, 2022

Sweaty nightclubs, strict dance studios or your kitchen at 2 am are not the only places you can let your inner dancer be free. No Lights No Lycra (NLNL) is a place to bring back the joy of dancing and let your daggy moves shine in the dark.

Moving to a rhythm is one of our most human instincts, but as we grow older, stop taking our childhood dance lessons and our self-consciousness kicks in, the only time a lot of us tend to get our groove on is with a drink in hand at a crowded nightclub.

Cue No Lights No Lycra (NLNL), founded in 2009 by two dancers in Melbourne who wanted to bring the joy of movement back into the community. This sober event is held in pitch-black rooms with music that you can’t help letting lose to.

“One minute you might be dancing to The Beatles, and then next up on our playlist, is some rock and ‘80s bangers, and then you might hear something that’s on the current music charts. It’s quite a wide range and we like to mix it up.” NLNL Ambassador, Renae said.

You won’t even have to cross the bridge to head along to sweat it out—Canberra hosts three NLNL events throughout the week which are spread across the city.

From Flynn to Weston and with the city in the middle, the phrase that nothing is more than a 20-minute drive in Canberra has never been truer.

From those who’ve had a rough day to those who want to keep a good time going, the dance floor is open to all. It’s the perfect solo activity or you can round up some friends and hit the dance floor together.

“Come and find your happy place on our dance floor because I feel like finding something that you enjoy doing can be good for you and help you get through the challenges of the week, and that is so important. I’m hoping that your happy place can be on the dance floor with NLNL.” Renae said.

If the idea of stepping foot in a gym sends a shudder down your spine (and with our current lack of dry days making outdoor pursuits challenging), this could be the answer to your exercise prayers.

“We crank the music right up, dance away the week and get some exercise at the same time as doing something fun. It’s also a mental wind-down for me. I find that it’s a mental health activity as well as a physical health activity, it combines those two things in a way that I personally enjoy.” Renae said.

From the robot to the shopping trolley, this is your chance to dance like no one is watching and get to relax into the ridiculous but delightful dance usually reserved for dads on a wedding dance floor.

“We actually have a bit of a soft spot for daggy moves because that means often that you’re really relaxed and enjoying yourself.” Renae said.

Embrace the joy of dancing like no one is watching and head along to No Lights No Lycra for a night of fun without the worry of waking up with hang-xiety.