Brighton got their boogie shoes on as they danced around Brighton with Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Party under the guidance of our ship's captain Mama Roo and her shipmates. What evolved may have seemed strange to many people watching a gang of fun individuals with wireless headphones on, singing at the top of our lungs and dancing round Brighton's famous Laines, but actually having the joy of knowing what a silent disco was added to the fun.
An experience no one would ever forget in the best possible way
We were welcomed at the Victoria Fountain with a warmth from Mama Roo that was carried on throughout the next hour. She made sure we were safe and maintaining social distance as much as we could, despite Brighton being busy with tourists that day. She brought a lot of her own vibrant nature to the disco as she taught us simple dance moves that could be incorporated into our walking tour. Her banter with us helped us to feel fully engaged with the experience, as well as empowered to express ourselves movement wise, no matter what stage of fitness we were at.
The choice of music in our headphones had a great balance of classics such as Night Fever and Stayin' Alive by The Bee Gees, Boney M's Rasputin and many more, alongside modern classics such as Dance Monkey by Tones and I, and the recently infamous sea shanty Wellerman by Nathan Evans. Offering such a wide range of tunes meant that no one felt left out, and it certainly showed in the smiling faces of everyone taking part. So much so, all inhibitions were left behind as we danced on the beach, in the middle of the Laines and 'walked the plank' to the coach station. Even if there were people who were unsure what to do during the walk, the shipmates of Mama Roo were immediately on hand to put them on the right track with a smile.
Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Party added a different vibe to the walking tour section of Brighton Fringe this year that felt like a party that only we knew about. If you love dancing and walking tours, this is the one to fully emmerse yourself in, as it was an experience no one would ever forget in the best possible way. Everyone came away with a different experience, but each one had the common connection of having had fun and a lot of exercise!