Review: Itchy Feet Round Two

Itchy Feet returned to Venue 1 with a vengeance last night for the final time this semester.  For those sad souls who have yet to experience Itchy Feet, it is a vintage dance event which is hosted at various venues around the UK.  Students who attend are encouraged to dress in clothing appropriate to the 1940s-1960s which usually results in lots of high-trouser wearing boys and an abundance of patterned skater skirts.  Grease meets Abba meets Top Shop.

Despite a slow start, the room quickly swelled with sweaty students twirling, spinning, dancing and just letting loose.  I loved the addition of sofas placed around Venue 1 for people to rest their tired feet and watch their friends getting spun around the dance floor.  Deadline season is nearly over and exam revision has yet to begin, so St Andrews’ students were certainly out in force to dance the night away.  The two DJ’s Tall Paul and Count Sky Larkin did a fantastic job of creating an electrifying atmosphere in the union, playing a set filled with rock n roll, reggae and funk favourites.  I could  imagine my grandparents rocking out like we all were to Elvis Presley to ELO!

Around midnight, ‘Hannah Rickard & The Relatives’ began their rocking set.  Their performance was utterly infectious; I even heard one overzealous student debating the merits of wearing a sports bra to their next event.  Who needs Zumba?!  Hannah Rickard’s vocals were pitch perfect and embodied the true spirit of Itchy Feet.  A live band is a recent introduction to the Itchy Feet experience at St Andrews, and it was most certainly a huge hit!

I would recommend this event to anyone; even if the music isn’t to your taste and you have two left feet, you will be on your toes in no time, desperate for more by the end of the night!  If you fancy hosting your own Itchy Feet event in the comfort of your own home, polish your dancing shoes, grab a martini and download Itchy Feet’s podcasts available online.  Utter bliss!