Want to dance like it’s 1999 — and still be in bed by 10?

How Earlybirds Club is redefining nightlife for grown-ups + The 'Stack stack: Weekly reading recs

Jan 22, 2025

Welcome to Midweek Midstings! Your midweek just got a glow-up: This is your go-to spot for all things fun, fresh, and feel-good — packed with inspo, hot takes, must-reads, and Midst-approved recs. Let’s vibe, unwind, and make your week a little brighter — together. (I’ll see you again on Sundays for BeWell!)

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Lauria

Earlybirds Club: The dance-party revolution for OGs

Remember the nights of staying out until dawn, dancing to your favorite songs, and heading straight to work the next morning? While those all-nighters might be behind us, the urge to get dressed up, connect, and dance like nobody's watching never really fades. That’s exactly where Earlybirds Club steps in — a one-of-a-kind dance party designed for the grown, glamorous, and sleep-conscious crowd.

Founded by Laura Baginski and Susie Lee, Earlybirds Club offers an early evening dance experience catering to middle-aged women. These women, trans, and non-binary individuals crave fun, connection, and nostalgia without sacrificing their next morning. Since its launch in February 2024, Earlybirds Club has become a phenomenon, selling out events in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles within minutes.

Here’s the story behind this unique concept — and why it struck such a chord with so many of us GALs:

The spark of inspiration

Laura Baginski, a former journalist and marketing director, credits a Jessie Ware concert as the lightbulb moment. “Everyone around me was going nuts, and it felt electric and cathartic,” she recalls. It brought back memories of dancing with her girlfriends back in the day, and she realized something was missing: a space for women like her to reconnect with the music and the joy of dancing.

She reached out to her longtime friend Susie Lee, a makeup artist and skincare entrepreneur with a rich background in production, and the pair turned this vision into reality. “I just said yes,” Susie laughs. “I had no idea it would snowball into what it’s become!”

What makes Earlybirds Club special?

Earlybirds Club events are unlike anything else. Imagine a curated soundtrack of ‘80s to 2000s hits spanning new wave, pop, hip-hop, R&B, and house — played loud enough to sing along to with abandon. “It’s music that brings you back to a different time in your life,” Laura explains.

But it’s not just about the music. The vibe is what sets Earlybirds Club apart: a judgment-free, joy-filled space where attendees — mostly women — let go of inhibitions and dance with infectious enthusiasm. “The energy is incredible,” says Susie. “It’s pure fun.”

Each event is thoughtfully designed to create an unforgettable experience. Venues range from dark, dive-bar vibes to elegant ballrooms (perfect for a ‘90s prom theme!) to industrial-chic spaces. The unifying thread? A start time of 6 p.m. and a hard stop at 10 p.m.

“The top three things our attendees love are the music, the energy, and that they can dance all night but still get home in time for a good night’s sleep,” Laura says.

Building community through creativity

Both founders bring a wealth of experience to Earlybirds Club. Laura’s editorial and marketing background helps her craft compelling storytelling and outreach for the brand. Meanwhile, Susie’s decades in production and artistry make her a master of logistics and “creative chaos.”

Susie is also a five-time cancer survivor, currently writing her memoir while balancing Earlybirds Club and her health. Her resilience and perspective infuse the events with a unique warmth and humanity.

“Our skill sets really complement each other,” Susie says. “Somehow, everything always comes together.”

How to join the party

Ready to dance your heart out? Getting a spot at an Earlybirds Club event takes a little planning since tickets sell out as soon as they go live. To stay in the loop, head to early-birds.club and sign up for their email list. You can also follow them on Instagram.

Laura and Susie are also currently working on a nationwide expansion of Earlybirds Club and invite you to join their Facebook community, where you can engage in chats about the cities they're targeting.

Whether you’re in Chicago, NYC, L.A., or beyond, Earlybirds Club is creating a movement for those who refuse to let age or bedtime get in the way of a good dance party. After all, fun doesn’t have a curfew.

By celebrating the joy of music, movement, and community, Earlybirds Club proves that the dance floor is for everyone — at any stage of life.