Just a Kind of Magic

Being Neighbourly talks to Ellie Kate Macalister-Smith about No Lights, No Lycra and dancing in the dark.

Author/ Being Neighbourly
15 September 2026

We’re the dance-in-the-dark community you didn’t know you needed,” says Ellie Kate Macalister-Smith, founder of No Lights, No Lycra in Hong Kong.

The first time she and her co-organiser sister Cruz Macalligan, hosted No Lights No Lycra in Hong Kong, she says they had a packed room full of people, a banging playlist and a tangible energy shift in the room that they could feel despite the dark. “You feel connected, uplifted and electric. It was amazing!” she reminisces.

The dance and music enthusiast, born and raised in Hong Kong, had heard about No Lights, No Lycra from a friend who holds the event in New Zealand—the friend had asked if there was one in Hong Kong while she was visiting. “We were hooked on the concept, and since there wasn’t a Hong Kong chapter yet, we decided to set it up!”

So what is it exactly? No Lights, No Lycra is a space to shake out the stresses of the week. “Also, somewhere to be goofy, playful and not take yourself so seriously. Hong Kong is a competitive place, where people feel they need to be “on” a lot, but we are all humans and we need to have fun sometimes too,” she says, adding that when she’s not dancing, she’s with her three young children, out and about in Hong Kong’s parks, playgrounds and beaches.

“No Lights, No Lycra is a place where everyone is genuinely welcome. Dancing is so good for you, and for all of us as a collective of social animals. Yes, we don’t talk or touch in the dark, but we are all part of something together for 50 minutes, and it’s kind of magical.”

Macalister-Smith says that typical attendees change every session because everyone is welcome on their dark dancefloor.

“People join us because they’re curious, looking to step out of their comfort zone, seeking people who share their vibe, or just want a space for themselves—the reasons they find us are endless,” says Macalister-Smith, adding that that’s what’s so beautiful. “All walks of life, experiences and dance rhythms find a place to be themselves.”

It's Good for You

Dancing is a holistic, low-impact exercise that delivers profound health benefits. It simultaneously conditions your heart and lungs, improves balance and flexibility, and triggers the release of endorphins. Beyond physical fitness, dancing is good for brain health. If you’re learning choreography, it challenges the brain, improving memory, multitasking and cognitive functioning.

In addition, studies show that frequent dancing is highly effective at stimulating neurological pathways and protecting the brain against cognitive decline.

Music reduces anxiety and increases the production of happy hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine.

Group dance classes or social dancing provide an excellent outlet to meet new people, build friendships, and overcome isolation.

Dance also allows for creative emotional release, ultimately boosting personal confidence and self-esteem.

According to Macalister-Smith, people often come in small groups or solo. “Some need a buddy to feel brave enough to walk through the door, while others come alone and want to be alone. But honestly, everyone is welcome and our community is just lovely. Even those who come by themselves are often chatting with a regular NLNL-er within seconds of arriving.”

“We aim for a big mix of song styles, different beats and vibes. That might mean different genres, music generations, or even playful songs that make people smile,” she says, continuing, “Swing, dance, pop, folk, rock, hip hop, soul and even super cheesy top 40 hits. Old songs. New songs. we love dance floor classics just as much as we love the weird things we’ve never heard before, Part of the fun is moving and dancing to all types of music, completely free of inhibitions. The playlist varies, so if you’re not sure after your first time, come back and give it another go!

Not surprisingly, given that this is Hong Kong, the organiser’s biggest challenge is finding an affordable venue that is dark enough, with a brilliant sound system but Macalister-Smith says they’ve found a new home in the iMusic Academy in North Point that works really well, after previously holding NLNL at expensive nightclubs, and then Sai Ying Pun Community Centre.

Looking ahead, what’s next for No Lights No Lycra in Hong Kong? “To keep on dancing!” exclaims Macalister-Smith. “We’d love to find a way into schools, getting people off their phones and moving and grooving to music. Dancing does things for the soul—it’s play, it’s movement, it’s fun!” she cries.

No Lights, No Lycra
HK iMusic Academy, 33 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong.