Disco a ‘great day out’ for a journalist on the beat
Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH shares a personal reflection on immersing herself in a celebration of inclusivity at Mornington Salvos – VAMP Music Disco day.
I must admit I am a self-confessed disco aficionado.
Cast your eyes upon my playlists or often-viewed YouTube music clips, and you’ll find Patrick Hernandez’s Born to Be Alive, Pseudo Echo’s Funky Town and Chic’s Le Freak among my much-loved boppy dance songs from the 1970s and 80s.
My love for all things ‘discoey’ began young and has never faded. From my memorable 21st birthday masquerade ball that featured very, very loud disco music accompanied by a very, very big fog machine that literally smoked everyone out, to more recent times of uniting people from all nations to groove and move to Born to Be Alive on an Egyptian Nile cruise (much to the shock and amazement of onlooking staff), my boogie-woogie adventures have been fun and fabulous. Crazy too? Most definitely.
So, with great excitement and anticipation, I headed down to the VAMP Music Disco at Mornington Salvos for a great day out. It didn’t disappoint. It was one of the best Tuesdays I’ve had in a long time, coupled with a pinch-me moment that, in my role as a journalist with the Salvos, I was able to bust some moves with a group of wonderful people who equally loved to move, groove, sing and play instruments in their own special way.
Whether people were in wheelchairs or able-bodied, it was evident this special space was for everyone to have a memorable time – and they certainly did.
With Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance rah, rah-ah-ah-ah pulsating beat helping to welcome all who walked through the doors at Mornington Corps in Mt Martha, I couldn’t help but notice the sheer delight of all attendees as they readied themselves for yet another fun day out thanks to the VAMP team – Community Music Activities Coordinator Dave Parker, DJ David and local corps officer Major Debbie Taylor, who transform the church’s auditorium into a dance floor.
Whether people were in wheelchairs or able-bodied, it was evident this special space was for everyone to have a memorable time – and they certainly did.
Immediately apparent was the infectious energy of both the participants and the disco team.
Adding to the vibrancy of the event was a kaleidoscope of flashing lights that danced in time with the pulsating beats, plus an array of microphones, guitars, tambourines, maracas, djembe West African drums and other instruments that offered a tactile experience to excite the senses and elevate the soul.
DJ David ensured there was an incredible diversity of the music, and with constant requests from the participants streaming in, the energy in the room shifted to a new level of excitement as everyone responded to their much-awaited song.
As the participatory disco progressed throughout the morning, the dance floor became a mosaic of movement and joy. People individually and collectively immersed themselves in the world of dance and music with a great sense of abandonment and a true feeling of being uninhibited to express themselves freely in a welcoming, non-judgemental and inclusive place.
I met many amazing people as I immersed myself in the energetic atmosphere. One gentleman who caught my eye spent the entire time affixed to his beloved microphone, beaming with pure joy. It was a sight to treasure.
Another lady couldn’t stop smiling as she danced and shook the maracas to Abba’s Dancing Queen while her cute pink sunglasses bopped around at the top of her head. It made for a great pic.
Attending VAMP was a celebration of inclusivity and the joy found in the transformative power of music and dance.
Their absolute delight and presence in the moment to celebrate fun, friendship, and fellowship epitomised how VAMP provided the ideal space for all attendees to truly shine. It was a great testament to Dave Parker’s pioneering vision and passion for creating a community where everyone was accepted and encouraged to participate however they wanted.
Furthermore, it was a shining example to all that a fusion of lights, music, and a venue could combine to greatly benefit people on the NDIS. I can only hope many more are initiated in the future.
As the event drew to a close for yet another Tuesday, a palpable sense of camaraderie and accomplishment was in the air. It had been more than just a fun day out; it was a powerful reminder of what it means to create spaces where everyone can thrive and feel a sense of belonging.
And as I walked out, still moovin’ and groovin’, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Attending VAMP was a celebration of inclusivity and the joy found in the transformative power of music and dance.
