If you’ve felt that pull to hit the dance floor but found yourself stuck on the couch scrolling through Netflix instead, you’re not alone. Former MTV host Jessi Cruickshank has noticed the same thing, and she’s calling it out: we’ve lost the art of going out dancing, and she wants to bring it back.
In a recent conversation with the Toronto Star, Cruickshank tapped into a feeling many of us have had post-pandemic. Remember when a Friday night meant finding your most comfortable heels, gathering your crew, and sweating it out to a DJ until the lights came on? Somewhere between the rise of streaming services, skyrocketing cover charges, and the comfort of our own living rooms, that ritual faded.
Cruickshank isn’t just reminiscing—she’s on a mission. She’s arguing that dancing isn’t just a hobby; it’s a form of radical joy. After years of isolation and social anxiety, we forgot how to be silly, uncoordinated, and fully present in public. We traded crowded clubs for curated playlists, and while that’s fine for a Tuesday night, something essential got lost.
Let’s be honest: dancing out was never about being good at it. It was about the collective energy of strangers sharing the same beat. It was about getting lost in the music without worrying about who’s watching. Cruickshank’s push feels timely because we’ve been craving connection, but we forgot how to ask for it without an app.
So, what’s the solution? She’s advocating for intentional nights out—not the “let’s grab one drink and go home” version, but the “we’re here to dance until our feet hurt” kind. Think themed parties, daytime disco events, or even just dragging your friends to a live DJ set at the local bar. The key is lowering the stakes. You don’t need a VIP table or a bottle service. You just need a good beat and the willingness to look a little ridiculous.
As a dance and lifestyle site, we have to agree. There’s a reason why humans have been dancing for thousands of years—it’s wired into our joy. If Jessi Cruickshank can help us rediscover the simple pleasure of moving to music with other people, then we’re all for it.
So, put down the remote, call your friends, and let’s bring back dancing. No excuses. Just the music.
