Dancing Midday: A Unique Way to Enjoy a Break
Disco, lights and music are generally not the scene for a lunch break in the middle of the day. At Varsity Pub’s basement, however, this is a weekly occurrence. Every Wednesday, people gather at noon for a dance break party.
The idea began after four friends started getting together to listen to music and dance.
“[We said] why don’t we do dance, and why don’t we do it in the middle of the day where we could just kind of get a break from everything,” Harry Freeman, one of the organizers, said. “You don’t have the pressure from drinking, you just go to dance.”
While listening to the Mix Tape Dance Party radio show, hosted by Earl Horlyk, everyone moves, laughs and hangs out. They can also purchase non-alcoholic drinks and snacks to enjoy in between songs.
“It’s a lunch break, move your legs, move your body,” Freeman said. “If you’re getting tired, come on down and dance.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) physical activity in the workplace or in between work hours creates a healthier workforce and decreases employees’ risk of developing chronic diseases. This program gives community members a chance to be physically active for an hour during their work or school day.
“We are an all-ages group, bring your friends,” Freeman said.
This event is open to the public, and students can take advantage of it as a healthy way to cope with school-related stress.
Freeman and his wife, Grace Freeman, faced a few challenges while organizing the weekly event, like securing a consistent venue. Ultimately, Varsity Pub became the meeting spot for this break party.
“Diane [Writh] has been so welcoming and sweet because normally the bar is not even open yet,” Freeman said.
Every Wednesday at noon, the basement of Varsity becomes a small disco party where anyone can dance and escape life’s stress. The Vermillion community members can explore this program alongside their friends for a unique way to enjoy their lunch break.
