You can't start a fire sitting 'round crying over a broken heart
This gun's for hire
Even if we're just dancing in the dark
You can't start a fire worrying about your little world falling apart
This gun's for hire
Even if we're just dancing in the dark
Such strong and powerful lyrics from American rock singer Bruce Springsteen. The lyrics were based on his struggles to complete the iconic album Born in the U.S.A., his frustrations captured with gusto and verve. Despite the intensity of the lyrics, he suggests pushing through the 'rut' and to do things on your own terms; oh how I admire the bravado!
You may be wondering why I started this blog with a profound song by an American legend. Not only do I love the song and the lyrics, Bruce also sings about dancing in the dark, an activity I literally did this week (don't worry, no chanting, candles or rune stones were involved).
On Monday evening I attended the No Lights No Lycra at the Grey Lynn Library Hall and had the most amazing experience. I will go into that soon. But leading up to it I remember stumbling across NLNL on Facebook and was baffled by the title. Hmmm, was this the name of a new indie band? Was it biohazard declaration form? Or maybe it was an anti-aerobics protest?
I was pleasantly surprised to read it something else completely...
No Lights No Lycra is a casual free-form dance class in the dark for the pure joy of dancing.
There's no lights, no lycra, no teacher, no steps to learn, no technique, just complete freedom to move and dance like no-one is watching, because no-one is! No drugs or alcohol allowed.
Aha! Here was something that both excited and terrified me at the same time. I enjoy dancing, be it at a party, bar or through a choreographed class (I confess to dabbling in the random trifecta - Bollywood, Line Dancing and Lindy Hop). Normally in those situations the dance moves are tame, expected, sometimes spurred on by dutch courage, but usually not too outrageous. But to dance non-stop in the dark for an hour... Would that be safe? Would I accidentally knock someone's teeth out? Would I trip up and have a Miranda moment? So many first world problem questions to answer.
 |
| Waiting nervously in the hall |
So answer it I did. I attended NLNL with two trusty friends, both with a good sense of humour and an attitude to give new things ago. A year earlier I convinced them to go to a laughter yoga class with me but that's a whole other story in itself!
We arrive at the hall and are relieved to see about 50 other people waiting. Yuss! There were no Rihanna or One Direction wannabes. The age range appeared to be 20 to 50 and surprisingly a few people were 80s retro-inspired in their fashion too. Rad.
It hits 8pm. Boom. Lights go off. The music starts. Initially I am scared... it's absolutely pitch black and I worry I will bang it someone. But very quickly the eyes adjust enough so you can see silhouettes and you naturally find your spot and begin moving.
Arms and hands flail in the air. Legs gyrate and kick from side to side. Hips shake. Knees flex. A 360 turn. A click of the fingers. A shake of the booty. Feed the chickens. Bounce the ball. Big fish little fish. A shimmy. Or two. Bowie and Joplin serenade us. We feel so alive.
An hour later the lights quickly come on and we are temporarily blinded. You look around and think... wow, did I just dance with all these people? It's a bizarre experience because you feel as though you've been transported into a different realm, a dreamscape of sorts. You are not judged for how you move, you feel liberated and give yourself permission to dance in a way you never have before (or would never dare to in front of others in well-lit conditions).
My friends and I are absolutely elated and we give each other a celebratory hug at the end. Yes we were hot and sweaty (note to self: wear lighter clothing next time) but brimmed with energy and a sense of confidence. Others around us were smiling too. It was as though we all shared this guilty little secret of the groovy kind.
So my message to you is to take opportunities to step out of a 'rut'. Routine and a sense of the mundane doesn't need to be tolerated and can be quickly lifted through engaging in new and different activities. BE ACTIVE and feel energised through physical activity. Our mind is stimulated and kept fresh when we KEEP LEARNING. CONNECTING with others also provides support and keeps you engaged and motivated. I'm so glad I invited my friends as we got to experience it and have fun together.
Will I go back to the 'darkside'? I can positively say it's a big yes!
For more information on No Lights No Lycra, click here: http://nolightsnolycra.com/
For information on NLNL Auckland, click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/131287700337934/
