Meet the dance performance Krewe keeping Disco alive in The Magic City
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Disco is “Stayin’ Alive” in Birmingham, thanks to a dedicated performance “Krewe” of disco enthusiasts known as Magic City Disco. Since their formation a few years ago, Magic City Disco has been shakin’ their groove thing at dozens of fun events throughout the Southeast. We spoke with longtime member Jena Standard to learn what it takes to boogie with the best!
Throw on Your Grooviest Bellbottom Jeans—Magic City Disco is in town!
Described as “Birmingham’s Groove Krewe“, Magic City Disco is a local performance group brought together by their love of the sounds, moves and grooves of the disco era! Throughout the year, you can find Magic City Disco performing at parades, social and private events, fundraisers, festivals and more all around the Southeast.
Magic City Disco is open to anyone (21 and up) who wants to boogie—and the best part? You don’t have to be a professional dancer to join. Simply bring a love of disco and a willingness to learn the choreography, and you’ll fit right in!
Meet Jena Standard, Real Estate Agent and Disco Enthusiast
To learn more about Magic City Disco, we spoke with Jena Standard—a lifelong resident of Birmingham and a member of the local disco crew. When she’s not groovin’ to ABBA and the Bee Gees, Jena can be found practicing real estate and helping her customers find their dream home in Birmingham with LAH Real Estate.
How did you get started with Magic City Disco?
Jena: “I’ve always been a fan of disco! One year, I started seeing ads for the ‘Ultimate Disco Cruise’ and talked my husband into going for my birthday. Afterwards, I reached out to Magic City Disco—called the Disco Amigos at the time—and decided to come in for a Practice.”
What is the process like to join Magic City Disco?
Jena: “After I signed up for the Practice, I danced with them for about eight weeks. Then, they gave me the opportunity to join—and of course I joined right away! They have two different ways for disco enthusiasts to get involved: first as a full-fledged performer, and second as a member of the “cast” that supports us.
Now, out of the blue, my husband suddenly has disco fever! He’s a member of The Men’s Den and learning all the moves.”
What events do Magic City Disco usually perform at?
Jena: “Obviously, last year was not a typical year for us. Normally, we’d be involved in several parades and events throughout the South. For instance, we performed at three different Mardi Gras parades one year. We also support a lot of fundraisers, such as the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This year, we did get to support Pride Night at the Birmingham Baron’s.
We’ve even performed several times at The Club, on the very stage that inspired ‘Saturday Night Fever’!”
What kind of people make up Magic City Disco?
Jena: “We’re a very diverse group of people from all walks of life brought together by our love of disco. We have members in their 20’s and members in their 70’s! When I joined, I was the first realtor in the crew—but now, there are four of us.”
I’m ready to move to Funkytown! How do I join?
Jena: “The first thing to know is that disco is not as easy as we make it look. We practice every week, and all of our performers are very dedicated—it’s not a social club.
Typically, we have a recruiting season in April and May. Then, our new season starts in June. Prospective members need to attend at least three practices so we know they’re serious about joining. After that, new members will spend the first year as a member of the cast. Then, you can audition to become a full-fledged performer!”
Can you dig it? Find out how you can get involved with Magic City Disco!
Think you’ve got what it takes to boogie with Magic City Disco? Although their 2021 recruiting season has passed, you can always reach out for more information on their website. And in the meantime, there’s nothing stopping you from practicing your moves at home! Grab your bellbottom jeans, turn on “Boogie Wonderland” and channel your best John Travolta!
And if you’re buying or selling a home in the Greater Birmingham area, be sure to reach out to Jena Standard or any of the other groovy realtors at LAH Real Estate.
Jena Standard: 205.566.1371 | Email | Website
Have you seen Magic City Disco perform in Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!
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