The Quest for a Dance Haven for Middle-Aged Women

The magic of experiencing a gifted singer like Jessie Ware perform is unparalleled; it's not just her sublime voice that captivates, but also the audiences' silent reverence, notably from peers and professionals in the industry. Such moments double as an impromptu masterclass in musical performance, as the onlookers' every reaction reflects a deep connection with the art of song.

Recently, I found myself among such an audience, engulfed by the soulful disco rhythms of British singer Jessie Ware, who performed an intimate set. Alongside me were established Australian artists Clare Bowditch and Kate Miller-Heidke, both evidently enchanted by Ware's performance, their faces a mix of professional admiration and pure fan excitement.

Ware's music rekindled a longing for dance within us, poking fun at the possibility of a night out on the dance floor. The question arose: where could a group of middle-aged women go to dance freely? The reality hit that perhaps there isn't a space for us in the dance scene anymore, especially factoring in domestic responsibilities—yet, these shouldn't be reasons to deny us the joy of dance.

The nightlife often seems reserved for the young, with a sharp contrast seen in Europe where all ages blend on dance floors and beaches alike. My friend's teenage daughter already feels too mature for certain clubs, while those of us over 35 find it increasingly difficult to find our groove in these youth-centric spots.

A New Definition of Fun

Perhaps it's time to challenge the self-imposed limitations on what middle-aged women can or cannot do. Do these definitions hold us back from discovering new facets of joy in our lives? I've been reminded of the importance of trying new, albeit small, experiences on a regular basis to keep the zest for life alive.

This idea led to an intriguing conversation with musician Kate Ceberano about the absence of dance venues catering to women over 30. Together, we envisioned the inception of our nightclub, 'The Occasional Club' (TOC or TicToc), a pop-up disco for those longing to dance without the typical age restrictions or unwelcome advances. It's a testament to the need for such spaces, where the only requirement is the desire to let loose and enjoy the music.

In conclusion, as we live out our busy lives, let's not forget the parts of ourselves that crave expression, connection, and a little bit of disco magic. It's never too late to don that 80s dress trapped in the back of the closet and claim back the dance floor. So, who's ready to join the pop-up disco revolution?

disco, revival, inclusivity