Shake your booties

Barney goes to Boogie Wonderland in the latest craze for Auckland's coolest kids. And their folks, reports John Landrigan.

Baby Loves Disco is a fledgling concept transforming Auckland night clubs, normally associated with hedonistic parties, into children's discos. The afternoon dance party features real music spun and mixed by real DJs, including Opshop's Jason Kerrison.
Kerrison will blend classic disco tunes from the 70s and 80s while the traditional disco ball twinkles overhead. There'll be strobing lights, dance contests, birthday shout-outs and chill-out rooms for babies to 7-year-olds.
The music, we're told, is "guaranteed to get those little booties moving and grooving".
Kerrison says he is thrilled to be involved in the first New Zealand gig and showcase his DJ skills to his fledgling fans.
"It's going to be great and I am really excited about it. It's a brilliant idea and I think it is going to be a huge success," he says.
Other people, admits party organiser Corinna Homer, might be less accepting of the venue and the concept. "We thought there might be a negative reaction around having kids dancing where there is drinking," says the mother of two under-fives.
But Mrs Homer says going clubbing at a young age will take away the mystique of night clubs - just as young European children exposed to small amounts of drinking grow up to be responsible with alcohol.
As well as the flashing lights and catchy tunes, the kids get some of the nifty tricks found at some of the biggest dance clubs around the world - but with a prepubescent twist.
Bubble machines plus baskets of scarves and egg-shakers, a chill-out room (with tents, books and puzzles) and the obligatory nappy-changing stations.
"Baby Loves Disco is a community event that brings kids together with kids, and parents together with parents," says Mrs Homer.
The idea, she says, is to create an environment that is a safe, different and funky alternative to kiddie entertainment.
"It's the best of both worlds. Parents can chill with a cocktail while the kids go crazy on the dance floor."
Homer and her sister, Michelle Bush, found the idea overseas, and instantly decided to bring it to New Zealand. Started in New York in 2005, Baby Loves Disco has been staged in 21 cities around the globe and boasts famous guests, such as Madonna, Kevin James, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Angelina Jolie and Edie Falco.
"When people become parents that doesn't mean they instantly like Wiggles and Barney. Kids love pop and rock music, too, so it's the best of both worlds - something kids and parents can do together."
Star babies
Saturday, November 6, The Met Bar, Shortland St, 1pm-4pm. Tickets:  www.iticketexpress.co.nz or www.babylovesdisco.co.nz
For event info, email: info@babylovesdisco.co.nz