Decodance

An alternative dance club with a difference

“These boots are made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do and one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you...” I’m at Decodance watching a girl dancing as she drunkenly sings at a slightly nervous looking guy. The DJ bangs his tambourine in time to the music, but I can’t hear it over the music and singing all around me. Part dancefloor, part group karaoke; Decodance is pumping as always.

This is where we go when we want to dance to music we recognise without the masses of teenagers that Claremont seems to attract. The over 22 age limit seems to take care of that. Originally in Woodstock, Decodance now calls Sea Point home. Descending the stairs can be tricky after you’ve had a few so do what we did and get there early for a few drinks before the dancefloor fills up (plus they only start charging entrance at 10pm).

Music you forgot to remember

There are two sections, the smoking and non-smoking, each with their own dancefloor and bar. Tired from dancing to the mix of 60s, 70s and 80s music we make our way to the bar. They stock all the usual suspects but it’s the toffee vodka that we’re after.

We leave the haze of the smoking section and grab a table in the mid-section of the club. The non-smoking section is also starting to fill up, but the aircon keeps the dancefloor from getting too hot and sweaty. (There’s also a can of deodorant in the girls' bathroom in case anyone needs freshening up.)

The venue is spacious and the tables provide a nice place to rest in-between dancing, but what really makes Decodance is the music. The DJ is playing a mix of pop, rock and dance music that contains all the cheesy goodness of the last couple of decades. It’s really fun music to sing along with and dance to without taking yourself too seriously.

You ain't seen nothin' yet

As if the music wasn’t enough Decodance also holds monthly fancy dress parties with themes like Mardi Gras or the Pirate Party. We all need an excuse to get dressed up every now and then. Also this is the perfect chance to bring out those ridiculous, over-the-top items of clothing that you would never wear otherwise. The best outfit wins a cash prize so it’s worth going all out.

By Lindsay Callaghan

Decodance
Opening times:  Fridays - Saturdays: 8:30pm – 4am
120B Main Road | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 433 2912

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