Recognised as the first nightclub in New York, created by David Mancuso.
He is credited with introducing the sound of the Disco DJ to the world and New York. Mancuso tried to change the negative opinion that many people had about DJs. He is also one of the founders of aesthetic disco, being able to bring slow songs on, without emptying the dancefloor.
The Loft was more to do with socialising and having fun, rather than politics and social justice. However in its success came the main contradiction in Dance music, on one hand the optimism and inclusiveness, but on the other the exclusivity and cool which comes with club guest lists and the like. In order to counter that, there were mirrors in the club to reflect your image and your dancing, there were no clocks in the club, and the room was filled with colourful balloons.
Dancing
Dancing was not just a sexual thing, but a an energy carrier, which added to the atmosphere of the room. The floor is a place of passion, communion and freedom, the dance is spontaneous and electrifying. A mirror ball reflecting light and energy around the room, this energy is not individualistic, but is a community that encompasses collective political opportunities. It needed to be confidential but not elitist, invitations are distributed fairly so as not to form an elite.
The Difference Between Clubbers and Lofters?
Clubbers are driven by fashion and hedonism, Lofters are more of an underground and alternative lifestyle.
Many disc jockeys of the time inspired by Mancuso, Nicky Siano, Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles and David Rodriguez are all “children of the Loft.” With the transformation of the dance halls, nightclubs, you go to the scrapping of orchestras and bands, who were replaced by DJs who mix discs from their console. Soon the club becomes not just a place to dance, but a real cultural phenomenon, a place to show where the show is people.