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'Baby Loves Disco' Dance Party Isn't Just for Kids

By Quinn Ford | February 9, 2014 9:39am
 The funky parent-children dance party was held Saturday afternoon at Lincoln Hall in Lincoln Park.
Baby Loves Disco
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LINCOLN PARK — Apparently, disco is not dead.

At least, not for Esperanza Castillo's son, Oliver.

The 2-year-old was one of many children busting moves on the dance floor at Lincoln Hall Saturday at the "Baby Loves Disco" Valentine's Ball.

"I think he thinks he's breakdancing," Castillo said. "He gets those moves from his dad."

Saturday was the first of three "Baby Loves Disco" dance parties hosted by Lincoln Hall this winter and spring. Held in cities from Tokyo to Philadelphia, the event aims to "child proof" nightclubs so kids and their parents can party to classic disco tunes and current dance hits.

Going on its eighth year in Chicago, the event is a great way for local families to meet each other, said Bryn McCoy, one of the organizers.

"It's a dance party, and families are at the heart of it," McCoy said. "Especially this time of year when you're in the heart of winter, it's a great time to come out and dance. Everybody's looking for something to do."

Tickets are $15 per person, but disco-lovers who can't yet walk get in for free. Families of four can buy tickets for $55. In addition to dancing, there is face painting and arts and crafts for kids, as well as snacks. And for parents, a cash bar is included.

Castillo, who heard about the event through friends, said it is definitely worth the money, and she said the dance party has a distinct "Chicago vibe" to it.

"Chicagoans believe in raising children and drinking simultaneously," Castillo said, smiling. "And the music just makes it all come together."

Parents and kids also got a chance to participate in a family dance competition.

Nick Hahn and his 5-year-old daughter Tegan placed second in the contest, earning a chocolate rose.

Hahn, of Rogers Park, said his 2-year-old daughter could not make it Saturday due to nap time, but Tegan was dancing enough for both of them.

"She loves dancing and listening to music," Hahn said of his daughter. "I didn't know there was anything like this [in Chicago]."

Hahn and his daughter were first-timers at Baby Loves Disco, and he said he was not sure what to expect.

But Hahn said he was glad he came.

"It's really cool," he said. "It's great that there's food and snacks, and I'm happy there's beer for dad."

Parents can buy tickets to the next dance parties at Lincoln Hall, which are scheduled for March 9 and April 27, here.