I was sent to Barbarella to dance. And dance I did.
I should probably preface this post by saying that I don't dance. In almost every circumstance I find myself with an opportunity to dance, I am the one standing awkwardly with my arms wrapped around me, completely still.
But there was something about the atmosphere in Barbarella that let me loose.
Located on 7th and Red River, Barbarella is hidden under a small neon sign in a window.
I have been told that Barbarella does not really "get going" until after 11, and that Thursdays and Saturdays are the best nights. I chose Saturday and arrived sometime between 10:30 and 11:00.
There were not many people inside. Instead, steady dance music not found within the top 40, which was refreshing, and strobe lights.
There are several bars within Barbarella, two downstairs and one upstairs, so each is never suffocating with people cramming for a drink, and there are water coolers and cups conveniently positioned in the corners by the bars.
I began to worry after a while because there were still no people on the dance floor.
I wanted to slip into the crowd and disappear to dance and get a feel for Barbarella. But after looking at an empty dance floor and lonely strobe light, decided that my friend and I would dance, even if it was only us.
Within minutes, we were joined by some awesome ladies, and a few minutes later, more people joined.
It was during these early stages, while the floor was still spacious, that I began to love Barbarella. The crowd felt inviting, accepting, and void of anything self-conscious. It was amazing, and the crowd slowly continued to build.
This was the crowd right before I left:
(No flash)
(Flash)
And there was a long line of people outside waiting to get in.
Before I discovered hidden dancing bravely, I grabbed some water at the bar and met a really friendly stranger.
Evita, "like the movie with Madonna," and friend
Evita has lived in Austin for four years and said that in addition to the eclectic music and "new people that I always meet," that keep her here, she moved to Austin because "It's the only place in Texas I'd ever live."
I second that.
Some of her favorite activities include going to Barton Springs, mountain biking in Walnut Creek Park, rock climbing at the Greenbelt, and Thursday night social bike rides through Social Cycling Austin. The latter of which is a large group bike ride that can draw up to 300 social cyclists in one outing.
Evita said that she came to Barbarella because "I wanted to dance tonight," and explained that Thursdays at Barbarella offer an "awesome dance party."
She said that she likes to drink a beer when she is hung over, and recommends The Flying Saucer, located inside of The Triangle, for some good draught beer.
Evita's Restaurant Recommendation:
G'Raj Mahal Cafe
91 Red River
"Food is phenomenal, the atmosphere is great, it's BYOB, and has a glow in the dark serpent."
Austin's Hidden Treasure:
Hamilton Pool
24300 Hamilton Pool Road
Dripping Springs
"Secluded from the city." "Another natural pool we're able to enjoy."
Evita sends me to Home Slice and the trailers of South Congress for some pizza.