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The return of Dance Dance Party Party Edinburgh

Written by
Dawn Kofie
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Lady-clubbers of Edinburgh, rejoice! Dance Dance Party Party (DDPP) is back in the capital after a summer break.

Never heard of it, please explain. 
It's a booze-free, women-only freestyle dance fest that was started by two female friends in New York in 2006. They loved dancing in clubs, but were hacked off with shelling out for extortionate entrance fees, attracting unwanted attention and stinking of drink and fags when they got home. So they organised sessions where likeminded ladies could focus on carefree booty shaking. There are DDPPs all over the world from LA to London, and the Edinburgh chapter started a year and a half ago.

Isn't dancing around in public with a bunch of strangers (and without a few wines to help things along) a bit weird?
Not really. OK, it's probably not what you're used to dancing-wise but, rest assured, the DDPPers are normal, welcoming and friendly. And after the first song, you relax, forget that you're sober and just have a bloody good time.

What's it actually like?
Surprisingly good fun and, unlike a high-intensity interval training class, it doesn't make you feel like throwing up afterwards. It lasts for an hour, and typically between five and 15 folk of varying shapes, sizes and ages turn up to give it some. There's no self-consciousness or watching, pointing and laughing (this isn't a high school movie, people). Everyone's too caught up in their own little world to notice whether your moves are cribbed from the golden-thighed goddess that is Ms B Knowles or from Gregg 'jerky legs' Wallace off 'Strictly'. And apart from boys, judgement and alcohol, the only other thing that's verboten is dancing in a way that'll injure yourself or other people. It gives attendees the freedom to really go for it. 

Fair enough. What's the music like?
An eclectic mix...

I knew you'd say that.
... of genres, and current and older tunes. Recent playlists have included: Regina Spektor, Pulp, Calvin Harris, Paula Abdul, The Cure and Ray Charles. If there are songs that you're desperate to throw some shapes to, you can make requests on Facebook or Twitter.

What should I wear?
Trainers and something comfortable that you don't mind getting sweaty in. And a smile!

Dance Dance Party Party Edinburgh, every Monday from September 7, 6pm, 511 (below the Newsroom). £3, pay on the door.

Check out more club nights in Edinburgh.

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