A SHINING LIGHT

Bellerive woman Kate Harrison did a free-form dance class at a health retreat many years ago and says it was one of the most amazing, emotional and meditative experiences of her life.

So when she heard about No Lights No Lycra community dance sessions running in other states, which involved groups of likeminded individuals dancing freestyle in a darkened room for fun and fitness, she was excited to bring the concept to Tasmania.

Started by two dancers in Melbourne who wanted to enjoy a social dance experience without the fuss of structured routines, teachers and fancy costumes, the No Lights No Lycra concept quickly spread, with more than half a million people getting their groove on in the past 11 years at 75 locations worldwide.

Harrison said most people turn up to the sessions dressed in activewear. Newcomers sometimes arrive in jeans and boots but quickly realise how sweaty they become after an hour of solid dancing.

Harrison said many people felt uncomfortable dancing in drug and alcoholfuelled nightclubs and didn’t want to attend formal dance classes.

So No Lights No Lycra, which is held at a yoga/massage premises in Hobart’s CBD, offered a safe alternative.

“There’s a focus on music, enjoying yourself and letting go of your inhibitions and just being comfortable within the space,’’ she says.

“People can obviously dance in the dark in their loungeroom if they want to, but I think people want to be able to socialise without socialising.’’

Bookings are required — the weekly 7pm Monday sessions often sell out. More sessions may be added to meet demand.

Entry is $10 adults ($8 concession). facebook.com/nlnlhobart