Sober Socialising at Dance Space Pilot in Dublin

Founder-inspired by Netflix, powered by AI, and tested with lean startup tactics — Dublin’s Sunday afternoon clubbing experiment finds its crowd. On Sunday 21st September, Dublin entrepreneur Saoirse Sheridan hosted her pilot Dance Space event at Wigwam, Dublin 1, with Reveller Music on the decks — a Sunday afternoon, alcohol-free clubbing experience. Around 20 people attended, 12 tickets were sold (€205 gross sales), and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising the atmosphere, the music, and the novelty of a daytime, booze-free dance floor.

Dance Space Pilot in Dublin

The spark for Dance Space came earlier this summer when Sheridan listened to Netflix founder Marc Randolph on The Diary of a CEO podcast discussing the power of rapid idea validation.

“That really resonated — I had a personal problem: I love the clubbing vibe but don’t want late nights or alcohol. Using lean startup thinking, I realized I could test the idea quickly, cheaply, and see if anyone else felt the same,” Sheridan explains.

The pilot investment

To test the idea properly, Sheridan invested about €1,500 upfront in branding, a simple website, and promotion — the basics needed to get the first event off the ground. The pilot itself brought in €205 in ticket sales, with around 20 people dancing on the day.

“Yes, it cost me money, but the real goal wasn’t profit on the first night. The point was validation: would people actually come, enjoy it, and want more? And the answer, based on the energy in the room, was a definite yes.”

Fast learning with AI

Sheridan leaned on AI tools throughout the process — from drafting the website to preparing event communications. Working with three interns, she was able to move from idea to launch in just a few months. After the pilot, she is now using ChatGPT to review ticketing data and customer feedback in preparation for the next event on 19th October.

“It’s all about test, learn, and pivot. AI can speed things up, but it’s the human response in the room that tells you whether you’re onto something,” she notes.

National attention

Ahead of the pilot, Sheridan was interviewed on RTÉ Radio 1’s Ray D’Arcy Show, which helped spread the word nationally and brought fresh attention to the idea.

Bigger picture: cultural shifts

The pilot reflects broader changes in Ireland’s social habits. Alcohol consumption has fallen by 30% in the last two decades, and the sober-curious movement is growing, particularly among Gen Z. Wellness is no longer confined to gyms or yoga studios — people are looking for social spaces that fit with healthier lifestyles and Monday morning commitments.

Sheridan says Dance Space is part of that bigger picture, but she is also realistic:

“For me, this doesn’t have to turn into a huge venture to be worthwhile. The real win is testing the idea, seeing people enjoy themselves, and learning from it. That in itself has been very rewarding.”

Balancing projects

At the same time, Sheridan remains fully committed to her main venture, Elder Home Share, a social enterprise matching older people with housemates for support and companionship. Dance Space, she says, is a passion project and a live case study in rapid validation.

“This has been a great learning experience. Even if it doesn’t become a big long-term project, proving an idea quickly and seeing people enjoy it has been worthwhile in itself,” she reflects.

Founder’s takeaway

Dance Space represents not only a new addition to Ireland’s wellness scene but also an example of how entrepreneurial thinking and AI tools can lower the barriers to testing ideas fast. Sheridan laughs: “I had a good dance myself, was home for my Sunday dinner, and in bed by 9pm — just the way I like it.”

About the founder:

Saoirse Sheridan is the founder of Elder Home Share, a Dublin-based social enterprise that matches older people with compatible housemates for companionship and support. Dance Space is her latest side project, applying lean startup and AI-driven methods to Ireland’s evolving wellness and social culture. The next Dance Space takes place on Sunday 19th October at Wigwam, Dublin 1 — tickets available at www.dancespace.ie.

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