Sometimes life gets busy. All the obligations, must dos, should dos, and endless chores can start to drain the joy from our lives. But if you take a moment to look up from your tasks, you’ll see a gorgeous beachfront with the city silhouetted in the background. You can hear the buzz of people going and coming, and feel the warmth of the sun as it spreads magnificent colors across the sky before it dips below the horizon. Perhaps we can make our own fun, create a break from the hustle to simply enjoy being alive in this beautiful place and connect with our community.
Alameda Sunset Dance Jams were born from that simple need to have more fun.
Deirdre Freeman and Angie Stewart brainstormed ideas of how to bring more fun into their lives. They wanted something accessible, easy, and that would bring the community together. Reminiscing about dancing on the beach during their college days, they realized that their answer was just across the road in the open sand of Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach.
Inspired by the idea of friends coming together at the beach to relax and dance, they began reaching out to find others who might be interested. Soon, their plans were taking shape for the first Sunset Dance Jam. They had toyed with the idea of beach dance parties before and even hosted a few in previous years. But now they dedicated themselves to doing a series of events and building a loyal audience of participants.
While the first event this summer was sparsely attended, many people stopped by to inquire. The next beach jam in August had a much livelier crowd—word was spreading. The September event included over a hundred people ages 2 to 80, dancing, smiling, and laughing well into the evening.
Now, people are clamoring for more of the simplistic fun of Alameda Sunset Dance Jams. The popularity is not surprising. DJs Black Sunshine and Meglennial spin a diverse collection of tunes from pop rock to 80s to hiphop to salsa. There is something for everyone to enjoy. QR Codes posted at the tent allow the audience to tip the DJs as well as put in song requests. The amazing sound system provided by Noel Rabinowitz finds that delicate balance of music pulsing through the crowd, yet allowing people to be able to speak without yelling, all while containing the sound to their immediate area of the beach. In fact, I had to find the group by sight rather than sound when I arrived mid-jam last month. It was quite an amazing and thoughtful production.
These beach dance parties are not just events, they are a gift to our community. They provide a point of connection that is all-inclusive, regardless of age, race, or gender. Dance is a universal language, and one that is beckoning everyone to join in the fun.
While the fall will bring cooler temperatures, Freeman and Stewart plan to have one more Sunset Dance Jam this year on October 18. For summer beach dances the music starts at 6 p.m., but they are contemplating possibly starting earlier for October. People are encouraged to wear or bring glow sticks or other light-up accessories.
Some people bring beach chairs or blankets for a place to rest or watch the fun. Water bottles are always a good idea for any physical activity like dancing. But the most important thing to bring is your desire to release your anxiety and stress and an openness to share, connect, and have fun.
Details about the beach dances are shared through social media in places such as Alameda Peeps on Facebook. Alameda Sunset Dance Jams are free fun for everyone.
Kelly Rogers Flynt contributes reviews of theatrical productions and feature articles to the Alameda Post. Reach her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelly-Rogers-Flynt.
