Eurovision's Over-60s Dance-Off in Basel
Senior participants agency groove in Basel for Eurovision warm-up, feasting on disco beats
In the Swiss border city of Basel, over a thousand senior citizens are getting their groove on for a unique twist on the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, the glitzy spectacle lands in Basel, and the festivities have expanded to include the older demographic through a lively disco event [1].
Known as one of the world's biggest annual live television shows [2], the Eurovision Song Contest is no stranger to grandeur. But this year, it's not just about the contest—it's about connecting with the community. The city is pulling out all the stops, hosting a variety of events to celebrate the occasion [2].
The highlight of the Eurovision for many attendees, like Liz Gilbert, a sprightly 64 year-old, is the over-60s dance-off [1]. Dressed in a fashionable 70s outfit, Liz expressed her excitement, "It's a highlight of the Eurovision for me. Normally it's just on television, so it's great. I'm very happy that my hometown can host it."
As the evening music kicks in, women outnumbered the men on the dance floor, with plenty of over-70s swinging their hips to the tunes. The vibrant dance space played a mix of Swiss music in German, French, and Italian, alongside rock and pop classics from the 60s to the 80s [1].
Celine Koenig, a spokeswoman for Pro Senectute, an organization for the elderly, explained the purpose behind the event: "We are here celebrating the disco like they used to back in the day, and we are gathering people from all around Switzerland to have a good time."
The dance-off didn't just offer dance moves; it also provided an opportunity for socializing [1]. Eurovision 2025 host broadcaster SRG noted, "Opportunities to socialize decrease with age. This party is designed to give people aged 60 and over the opportunity to meet up and celebrate together."
Classic hits from the Rolling Stones, the Monkees, Chubby Checker, Boney M., Wham!, and ABBA filled the air as party-goers danced the afternoon away. While some like Dominique Guerdat, a boisterous 67-year-old, were having a ball, her friend, Carmen Deillon, admitted she had hoped for more attendees dressed in 70s outfits, but they were still having a great time nonetheless.
With the semi-finals taking place on May 13 and 15 and the grand final on May 17, the Eurovision Song Contest is gearing up to be a memorable event in Basel [2]. Switzerland is no stranger to hosting the contest, having staged the inaugural event in 1956 and again in 1989 [2]. Amidst the glitz and glamour, don't forget to look out for the over-60s dance-off—a testament to the power of music and dance to bring people together.
- Eurovision 2025: Basel organizes mass over-60s disco as part of festivities
- Eurovision Song Contest
- Amidst the grandeur of the Eurovision Song Contest, a unique event caters to the home-and-garden aesthetic of senior citizens: the over-60s dance-off.
- As the city of Basel buzzes with entertainment for the Eurovision, the over-60s dance-off offers a groovy rhythm and a chance for lifestyle enthusiasts to mingle and enjoy music spanning decades.
