How to Have the Perfect Night in (Kids Included)

Step 1: Planning

First, pick a theme: Ours was Old School Movie Night.

I’d managed to track down a cinematic classic via Amazon.

Breakdance the Movie was a seminal film of my youth, transforming my childhood home from moderate Nigerian-British respectability into a 24-7 popping, locking and moonwalking fiasco fiesta.

My parents watched helplessly as their children were abducted by some freakish, headbands and high-tops, jheri curls and fingerless glove-wearing cult. My brother could barely pass the salt at dinner without turning it into a ‘Wave’.

The film screams kitsch and I couldn’t wait to share it with the babes. The boys love to bust a move and were ready to throw down (Red Nose stylee).

Step 2: Menu

Stock up on party essentials.

Let the babes pick their perfect mood food (Pizza!) and set the table themselves. Pour their apple juice into wine glasses so we can toast to our night in style.

Don’t forget hot buttered popcorn for munchies and apple pie and ice cream for afters!

Step 3: Entertainment

Dim the lights, snuggle up and rewind to the ‘80s.

Watching Breakdance turned out to be as much fun as I’d imagined — dodgy acting, bizarre hair and dress sense and dancing that still blows you away.

I felt genuine tingles of excitement as soon as the screen flashed up with Ozone (street dancer), Turbo (Boogaloo Shrimp) and Kelly (Special K) and the soundtracked kicked in.

The boys were hooked from opening credits to spangly dance finale.

Old School Movie Night was the ultimate nostalgia trip. But the best part as always was spending time with my three favourite people in the world.

And here it is, in all its glory, the scene from Breakdance when Kelly joins the troupe. Danced to the amazing Chaka Khan’s ‘Ain’t Nobody’. Pure ‘80s heaven. Enjoy!

Click on this link to watch Breakdance the Movie if the clip doesn’t play.

*Our Perfect Night In was sponsored by Swinton Home Insurance.