No Lights No Lycra FAQ's
WHAT IS NO LIGHTS NO LYCRA?
NLNL is a weekly lights-off chance to dance in the dark for the pure joy of dancing. It’s a place to shake out the stresses of the week, let go of your inhibitions and completely be yourself. It occurs in 70 locations around the world, and Redlands Coast sessions are on most Wednesdays (1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th of the month). Check out our Facebook page for details.
DO PEOPLE GO ON THEIR OWN?
Yes! It’s up to you if you come with mates or not. Regardless, everyone finds their space on the dance floor to dance independently. Attending on your own is totally normal, welcome and even encouraged! And lots of people do.
HOW DARK IS IT?
It's light enough so that you can see the people around you but dark enough so that you can't make out their features. We aim for a sweet spot between creating a foolproof judgement-free space and safety so you can find your space to bust a move.
IT SOUNDS LIKE IT COULD BE CREEPY. IS IT CREEPY?
Nope. NLNL is a drug, alcohol and douchebag free zone. While it is dark, NLNL is for dancing on your own, so people dance independently and it's completely non-contact - there isn't any direct physical interaction between people.
WHATS WITH NO LYCRA?
When NLNL started in 2009, it was born out of the desire of two rebellious Australian dance students to stop critiquing themselves in the mirror and start dancing for the joy of dancing again. So off came the skin-tight spandex and off went the lights. While the 'No Lights' is a given, wearing lycra is actually totally okay.
SO WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Whatever makes you feel comfortable to dance in - sweat pants, bike shorts, your office attire, or a one-piece full-sequined leotard. The only rule is that you do need to wear clothes.
DO PEOPLE TALK?
Our sessions are strictly a talk-free zone – this might seem strange to begin with, but it’s pivotal for getting lost in yourself and the music. Besides, the music is loud and people are there to dance, so the most verbal activity that happens is the singing, whooping and cheering between songs.
CAN WE USE OUR PHONES DURING THE SESSION TO SHAZAM/TEXT OUR MATES/ INSTAGRAM/CHECK THE TIME?
Nope! No matter how dark or subtle you think you’re being with your phone – it’s really bright, and it disturbs the magic of the darkness for everyone else, so make sure it’s hidden away where we can’t see it. We aim to start on time, so you don’t need to check the time. Use this opportunity to turn it off and shut out the rest of the world – this time is for YOU!
ARE FITBITS OKAY? I WANT TO COUNT MY STEPS!
If you want to use your fitbit, please ensure that any lights on it are either covered up or disabled. The light they give off is super bright and distracting to others when lost in the moment.
Alternatively, pop it in your pocket for the duration of the session.
WHY WOULD I GO IF I'M NOT A SHY DANCER?
Because the darkness creates a certain kind of magic that forces you to forget about what you or the people around you look like, so that your brain can shut off and your body just moves with the beat. And because it's fun.
IS IT A BIT OF A SCENE? WHO GOES TO THIS THING?
Totally not a scene. There's generally a good mix of ages, genders, bodies, abilities, backgrounds, and dance styles. This is a safe space for everyone, including the LGBTQI community, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with disabilities (we also honour companion cards). We've had 13-year-olds to 93-year-olds so far and everything in between. The beauty of the dark is that it doesn't really matter. If you want to be there, then you belong!
WHAT IF I HATE IT?
You won't. But if it turns out that it's not your thing, no worries at all, you're welcome to leave at any point and no one will notice anyway!