Dance in the dark with strangers for a good cause
At four years old, my mother enrolled me in a ballet class – as many mothers do – in hopes I would learn some coordination and socialize. (I'm sure seeing her daughter dressed in a cute little outfit also encouraged this decision.) But after a few months of my utterly failing to learn to dance, we abandoned that choice for sports requiring less grace or precision. So ended my dance career, but luckily not my love to dance. To clarify, my idea of dance is bringing some of the worst, most joking dance moves to the floor, or just swaying to the beat. Either way, clubs have been my go-to to bust a move. However, in my late 20's, it can be exhausting to always fret about big crowds or unwanted groping, (depending on the venue, of course).
So you can imagine my relief to have received an invite for No Lights No Lycra, where the motto is essentially keep to yourself, dance how you please and leave it all on the dance floor. This international movement, pardon the pun, has only just arrived in China's capital. Having attended the inaugural event, allow me to guide you to future NLNL goings-on in Beijing.
Wait, what's No Lights No Lycra?
Formed by a few folks in Melbourne, Australia, No Lights No Lycra is an event that brings a group of people together to dance in the dark for an hour or so. This community has spread to countries in North America, Europe and now China. The goal: to provide “an inclusive and non-judgmental place” for people to learn that anyone and everyone can dance. No experience is necessary to attend a NLNL event, nor do you need any desire to be a dancer. Enthusiasm is key. As their website puts it: “NLNL is a space where you can completely let go, shake out the stresses of the week, and lose yourself in the music and physicality of your body.”
New to China, Beijing's NLNL community is small but strong, having already lured around 24 people to its first event. Its organizers are eager for more participants, and for those looking to help with future events.
What to expect:
The idea here is to dance however you'd like in a safe space with very little lighting. Often, No Lights No Lycra organizers aim for as little light as possible without presenting a safety hazard, and encourage participants to find their own personal space on the dance floor and stick to it. This doesn't mean you can't move, but to be aware of others as you do. For one hour, they drop the lights and kick up the volume, playing a collection of songs ranging from classic popular culture to Reggaeton to current hip hop and pop music. If it has a good beat, it's up for consideration on the playlist. As your eyes adjust, you'll find your comfort level and start to move. Really move. You aren't watching anyone, and no one is watching you – so I say get into it.
When the hour is up, participants let their eyes adjust and slowly make their way out. Their current location – Modernsky Labs – has an in-house bar with beer and liquor at the ready. You're also just a few subway stops away from Sanlitun and their bustling bar district. Take time to bond with fellow dancers and cool off from an hour of personal dance time.
Where: The location may fluctuate, but the first few are scheduled for Modernsky Labs, located at 5-108, Floor B1, Building D, Galaxy Soho in the Dongcheng District.
Getting there: From the Chaoyangmen Station, Exit H, turn right and head to the intersection. Off in the distance, you'll see the Galaxy Soho building (look for the rounded, futuristic building to your right). Upon entering the mall, you'll head to Building D, and head to the ground floor. From the main hallways, you'll see the signs for Modernsky Lab, but will need to go through the doors to the right to find the entrance. Wind your way back through the nondescript white hallways, finally passing through a door past the bathroom where you'll be back outside. Turn left, and there's the entrance! (Never fear, organizers will hang a diagram on the window, and you'll have the group chat to ask questions if you get stuck.)
When: They are currently scheduled for every other Monday, from 7 to 8 p.m. The next will be March 21.
Keep in touch: Join the WeChat group chat for live updates on locations and dates.
Price: ¥50 at the door. || This entry fee serves as a donation that goes straight to Pojie Arts, “a Beijing-based inclusive arts initiative that provides arts education to people with disabilities, and run performance projects with people with and without disabilities.”
Be Prepared:
Remember:
Resources:
Read more about No Lights No Lycra here. www.nolightsnolycra.com
So you can imagine my relief to have received an invite for No Lights No Lycra, where the motto is essentially keep to yourself, dance how you please and leave it all on the dance floor. This international movement, pardon the pun, has only just arrived in China's capital. Having attended the inaugural event, allow me to guide you to future NLNL goings-on in Beijing.
Wait, what's No Lights No Lycra?
Formed by a few folks in Melbourne, Australia, No Lights No Lycra is an event that brings a group of people together to dance in the dark for an hour or so. This community has spread to countries in North America, Europe and now China. The goal: to provide “an inclusive and non-judgmental place” for people to learn that anyone and everyone can dance. No experience is necessary to attend a NLNL event, nor do you need any desire to be a dancer. Enthusiasm is key. As their website puts it: “NLNL is a space where you can completely let go, shake out the stresses of the week, and lose yourself in the music and physicality of your body.”
New to China, Beijing's NLNL community is small but strong, having already lured around 24 people to its first event. Its organizers are eager for more participants, and for those looking to help with future events.
What to expect:
The idea here is to dance however you'd like in a safe space with very little lighting. Often, No Lights No Lycra organizers aim for as little light as possible without presenting a safety hazard, and encourage participants to find their own personal space on the dance floor and stick to it. This doesn't mean you can't move, but to be aware of others as you do. For one hour, they drop the lights and kick up the volume, playing a collection of songs ranging from classic popular culture to Reggaeton to current hip hop and pop music. If it has a good beat, it's up for consideration on the playlist. As your eyes adjust, you'll find your comfort level and start to move. Really move. You aren't watching anyone, and no one is watching you – so I say get into it.
When the hour is up, participants let their eyes adjust and slowly make their way out. Their current location – Modernsky Labs – has an in-house bar with beer and liquor at the ready. You're also just a few subway stops away from Sanlitun and their bustling bar district. Take time to bond with fellow dancers and cool off from an hour of personal dance time.
Where: The location may fluctuate, but the first few are scheduled for Modernsky Labs, located at 5-108, Floor B1, Building D, Galaxy Soho in the Dongcheng District.
Getting there: From the Chaoyangmen Station, Exit H, turn right and head to the intersection. Off in the distance, you'll see the Galaxy Soho building (look for the rounded, futuristic building to your right). Upon entering the mall, you'll head to Building D, and head to the ground floor. From the main hallways, you'll see the signs for Modernsky Lab, but will need to go through the doors to the right to find the entrance. Wind your way back through the nondescript white hallways, finally passing through a door past the bathroom where you'll be back outside. Turn left, and there's the entrance! (Never fear, organizers will hang a diagram on the window, and you'll have the group chat to ask questions if you get stuck.)
When: They are currently scheduled for every other Monday, from 7 to 8 p.m. The next will be March 21.
Keep in touch: Join the WeChat group chat for live updates on locations and dates.
Price: ¥50 at the door. || This entry fee serves as a donation that goes straight to Pojie Arts, “a Beijing-based inclusive arts initiative that provides arts education to people with disabilities, and run performance projects with people with and without disabilities.”
Be Prepared:
- There's no dress code, though organizers encourage you to wear whatever you feel most comfortable dancing in. Sneakers, jeans, t-shirts, sweats, etc. are all great options. (Tip from this expat: I opted for a skirt, top and boots, but immediately regretted the boots. Sneakers are absolutely the way to go, unless your boots are made for more than walking. Also, this is a closed room with a large group moving around a lot – it will get warm, and in a hurry. Opt for layers, though keep it all classy. Nothing too low-cut on top or short on the bottom.)
- Bring a water bottle. Hydration is key with any physical activity. Just set the bottle down where you can find it again, and sip as you dance.
- While this is a safe event, it's best to limit the number of valuables you bring with you. At this current venue, those in attendance tucked their jackets and bags along the side wall of the room to collect afterward.
Remember:
- This is a safe spot, intended for individual dance and expression. Leave your phone and cameras in your bag.
- If you bring a date, that's great, but avoid too much couple's time.
- Have fun and be yourself. Use this time to just be yourself – you won't believe how fast an hour goes by.
Resources:
Read more about No Lights No Lycra here. www.nolightsnolycra.com