Mama Cutsworth launches family dance parties at The Good Will
Local DJ Mama Cutsworth is launching her first ever family dance party Sunday at The Good Will.
The premise is pretty simple: getting families up and dancing together in a night club setting to music that everyone can dig.
"It isn't the typical Raffi or other kids' music. It's appropriate for kids, but it's also with parents in mind, in terms of the tastes and styles that they like to dance to," said Sarah Michaelson (AKA Mama Cutsworth).
Michaelson will be spinning a lot of '60s and '70s Motown and funk and '80s pop music. Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and The Go Gos are all on her list.
"I also have a lot of friends that don't come out to night parties that I throw anymore so this is kind of one for them," said Michaelson. "It's not about trying to find a babysitter. It's really about being an inclusive, multi-generational daytime event."
While the idea is new to Winnipeg, family dance parties in night clubs have been around for 10 to 15 years.
Baby Loves Disco is one of the best known events.
Established in 2009, it now has DJs around the world hosting afternoon disco dance parties for families.
Bubble machines, stroller-valet planned
Michaelson is expanding on that idea; she's booked bubble machines, has snack ideas in mind and she planned for stroller-valet parking.
"I know when you show up with a stroller you just feel like you have so much stuff," she said. "A lot of restaurants and places don't have the space for you to put [it.]"
So someone will be on hand to park your stroller in a safe spot while you dance.
The music will also be played at a lower volume that's safe for little ears.
Michaelson said she hopes it fills a niche for parents who want to do something a little different that's about the whole family being entertained -- rather than parents waiting idly around for kids to finish their activity.
She's hoping to see a couple hundred people show up.
"The capacity there is 200, and I think that's totally doable," she said. "It will be the cutest three-foot-high party that has ever happened."
The party goes from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at The Good Will Social Club on Portage Avenue.
It costs $5 per person, and because The Good Will is a licensed bar that serves alcohol, kids have to be with their legal guardians.
