WHY CLUBBING IS CULTURE
Clubbing brings people together, it provides growth, art and identity. A community is formed on the dance floor as people make friends for life, open up to random strangers in the smoking area and share their collective hopes and dreams while dancing their socks off in unison. This level of herd behaviour is inherent to humans, and we will always flock to sound and stomp our feet, so why then is the support of clubs, and its culture, often overlooked?
Below are sentiments gathered from those full of passion about this.
“Contrary to popular belief dance floors provide a safe space, a meditative space, a collaborative space. On the dance floor you don’t need to be the best version or yourself, or any version of yourself, you just need to be there for the music.” Gillian Cadwell, Events, THINKHOUSE
“We initially set up No More Hotels out of frustration at the eradication of spaces specifically for clubbing. Yes, the people of Dublin are resourceful and will repurpose, recreate and revive what they can, but there was no focus on providing cultural spaces for night time dancing. We have a National Gallery, a National Library, a National Concert Hall, a National Theatre – why is there nowhere to dance? When we broke it down, we felt it’s because clubbing isn’t recognised by those not partaking in it as culture. It’s dismissed as a messy-after-thought, after dark. We wanted to use our club night as a stepping off point to illustrate why clubbing IS culture. Why it’s essential for so many people’s lives. Why it provides a richness in society that is often overlooked. Why there are so many makers and creators whose ideas germinate on the dance floor. That the community that is created can together overcome social, racial and economic barriers.” Andrea Horan, Co-Founder, No More Hotels
“Algorithm started its journey in multiple clubs and venues across Dublin. At one point we had residencies in three clubs at the same time. We got to work alongside some of the most talented Djs and Musicians both locally and globally and our team has personally become friends and colleagues with promoters, sound engineers, venue owners and producers etc. The core skills we learned and developed in these clubs have evolved into everything we do. Without clubs there wouldn’t be the Algorithm you know today. Nightclubs in Dublin have always been versatile spaces where people from all backgrounds can come together to enjoy themselves – we can’t lose this. Clubbing is for dancing, art, music and human expression. Clubbing is Culture.” Kev Freeney, Co- Founder, Algorithm
“A city without club and dance culture is a city not worth visiting. It is so vital that people who are not accustomed to the dancefloor realise the importance of these spaces to make cities thrive and flourish. Look at Berlin, it has a billion euro nightclub economy with tourists visiting from all over the world.” Dave Byrne, Head of Creative, THINKHOUSE
“I love clubbing. So much of my life has been shaped by, or influenced by the things and people I met through club culture. Some of the best creative ideas I’ve ever seen were created in club spaces by some of the most vibrant and progressive creative minds in our city.” Jane McDaid, Founder, THINKHOUSE
Club culture IS culture.
|