A woman has left the internet yearning for the past after sharing a video from a nightclub in 2011.
Emily (@emdrazqueen) shared a nostalgic clip of a strobe-lit dancefloor in Chicago, which garnered 19,200 likes and 926,000 views.
“What was the club like in 2011? Let me show you,” she wrote as the text overlaying the video.
The scene shows a packed dance floor of drink-holding, dancing revelers with the seminal 2011 hit “We Found Love” by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris playing in the background.
The decline of nightlife has become a pressing concern in recent years, with numerous venues closing their doors due to various challenges.
The Guardian reported that in the U.K., over a third of nightclubs have shut since June 2020, influenced by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising operating costs, and changing social habits. This trend has led to a significant reduction in the number of nightclubs, from 1,700 in 2013 to 787 in 2024.
Similarly, in New York City, the dance music scene has experienced notable changes. While the city remains a hub for nightlife, the landscape has shifted towards more casual drinking venues, with some clubs implementing earlier closing times, noted wine and liquor distributor Ralph Trionfo.
Additionally, studies have shown that Gen Z are turning their back on boozy nights out. Research by Attest, which surveyed 1,000 people aged 21 to 27 about their drinking habits, found that 21.5 percent abstain from alcohol entirely, while 39 percent drink only occasionally—most consuming alcohol less than once a month or between one to three times per month.
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A Gallup study published in August 2024, titled Alcohol Consumption Increasingly Viewed as Unhealthy in U.S., found that 65 percent of adults under 35 see alcohol as unhealthy, compared to just 39 percent of those aged 55 and older. This shift in perception may also be contributing to the decline of traditional nightclub culture.
The scene sparked an outpouring of memories from millennials who reminisced about the golden era of clubbing.
“We were so happy and ready for an interview in the morning if need be,” said Sarah.
“If you squint you can see me in my peplum top and 6-inch platform heels,” joked another user.
“2010 – 2013 club era was unmatched,” said another.
“Then updating your Facebook status in the morning and uploading all the pics from your digital camera,” said one viewer.
“No VIP. No bottle service. No sections. Just good vibes, cheap drinks, and grainy cell phone pics,” said Cindy.
“So happy I got to party during this era. It was literal supreme!” said another viewer.
“The sea of business casual,” said Mel B.
“LOOK WHAT THEY TOOK FROM US,” said Meg Stewart.
Newsweek reached out to @emdrazqueen for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case.
