Celebrating Waterford’s lost clubland scene with Spraoi

Statistics estimate that there are roughly 83 dedicated nightclubs keeping their doors open in towns and cities nationwide.

Locally, the once-thriving clubland scene of the past was solidified by venues such as The Forum, Metropole, The Roxy, and Flow Motion, which pioneered dance culture in ‘90’s Waterford.

The spirit of these venues is being revived at this year’s Spraoi Festival, with members of the public invited to rehearse for a novel flash mob celebrating and reliving the culture of the time.

'Dancing at the Crossroads'

Commissioned by Spraoi Festival and created by Waterford’s nationally renowned dance artist Rachel Ní Bhraonáin, the ‘DancingxCrossroads’ event recreates and brings the energy of Waterford’s legendary dance clubs to our city streets with DJ R. Kitt and a performance cast that could include you.

The giant street dance experience on Michael Street takes the form of a flash mob, with anyone interested in taking part invited to a series of three rehearsals in the build-up.

Spraoi Director TV Honan said, “The classic clubland scene has changed a lot over the years and it has been disappearing. So this event is part nostalgia and part celebrating those classic Waterford venues and the memories that people have of them.

“Nowadays, that music appeals to all ages. You completely forget that the people who were dancing in the clubs in the Roxy for example are the mums and dads of today. They were in The Forum bopping, and now their kids are listening to that same music.

“So we want to bring some of that energy back into people's lives for a couple of hours during Spraoi."

The event takes part during Spraoi Festival, on Friday, August 1, at 9.30pm, where locals will get immersed in the drum beat, lifted by the movement, and swept up in the celebration of dance and nightlife in the heart of Waterford City.

Participants will learn short and simple dance moves over three rehearsals, and then perform it right in the heart of the city.

“And don’t worry about stage fright, you will be hidden amongst the other audience members, similar to a flash mob, so you can have fun and perform without the fear!” TV said.

Local talent

Waterford choreographer Rachel Ní Bhraonáin will lead and encourage the group.

Rachel is an artist making multidisciplinary shows and short films from her hometown of Waterford. With storytelling at its core, her work combines dance, writing and sometimes aerial, to create visually exciting and emotionally honest work. 

Her interdisciplinary approach comes from her varied background as a performer on stage, on screen and on the sides of buildings.

She is in her third year as Dance Artist in Residence at Garter Lane Arts Centre.

TV said, “Rachel is a serious talent from Waterford. So it's brilliant for Spraoi to have an opportunity to work with up-and-coming Irish talent as well. She will certainly create an environment where people feel safe to perform and have fun."

Anyone over 16 years of age can get involved at spraoi.com