And we danced, and we move a little closer...

The Pipettes and The Royal, Derby - 24 October 2008

Outside the weather had taken a turn for the definitely autumnal and so hoards of polka dots headed for the cosy opulence of the Red Room at The Royal.

A weird mix of scensters, so-indie-it-hurts twee-sters and old guard (hello!) tried to find their own space in amongst the lost Clone Roses stragglers wandering from the other room.

And then we all gathered around the small stage and waited. Breathless we stood enthralled by the acappella beginnings. Then we are introduced to the girls, a good start given the two new members, and the backing band, The Cassettes (also with new members).

And then we get dancing and we don't stop.

This is a band who could easily slip into the novelty, into a parody of themselves and so many other girl groups before them. But they always stay the right side of the line and match the best definitions of cute, kitsch and retro with a bag full of perfect pop, spot on harmonies, down-to-earth chatter and a genuine love for what they do.

There was no one in that room that could stay immune to the beat and soon everyone was doing their thing. Whether that was full on dance frenzy down the front, slightly self-conscious copying of the bands' moves in the middle, self-aware toe tap and head nod at the back or gentle sway and looks of longing from side of stage.

Whether you are a seven year old girl or a twenty something boy The Pipettes are gonna make your dreams come true. Be it wearing matching outfits and devising synchronized dance routines with your friends or sugar sweet pop with slightly dirty lyrics and sexy dancing with a saucy wink thrown in. You can get it all right here...

And so we shake, twist and stomp to the final moves of Pull Shapes before waving goodbye and immediately demanding they come back and give us more. Which they do, of course they do...and we all dance along. In our heads and hearts we are wearing polka dots and looking super-cool while doing the robot to Motown heavy harmonies.

(Picture by Lauren)