Dance Revolution Arcade Game: London's Hidden Rhythm Scene Thrives

Friday night in Soho, London is typically associated with bustling pubs and trendy bars. But beneath the surface of this vibrant city, a different kind of energy pulsates. Forget the crowded streets; the real action is happening in a basement, under the flashing lights of a casino on Wardour Street, at the Las Vegas Arcade Soho.

While the name might evoke images of high-rollers and slot machines, this arcade holds a different kind of thrill. It’s a haven for London’s rhythm game community, a diverse group of enthusiasts who gather every weekend, drawn together by the pulsating beats and challenging gameplay of machines like the Dance Revolution Arcade Game.

Forget the online reviews that call it “boring and dumpy.” Descending into the basement is like stepping into a portal to Tokyo’s vibrant arcade culture, rather than the glitz of Las Vegas. The sound is intense, a mix between a high-energy rave and a rocket launch. Neon lights from countless screens compete for attention, showcasing everything from classic shoot ’em ups to retro racing games. And tucked away in a corner, the heart of this community beats strong: the dance machines.

Alisa Teterina playing Pump It Up arcade game

Amidst the flashing lights, Alisa Teterina is a whirlwind of motion. Leaning against the support bar of a Pump It Up machine, her feet are a blur, hitting illuminated arrows with incredible speed. “Perfect” flashes across the screen constantly, a testament to her skill. Alisa is a top UK Pump It Up player, a game she describes as the Korean counterpart to the iconic dance revolution arcade game from Japan. While Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) enjoyed immense popularity in UK arcades throughout the 90s and 2000s, Alisa explains that Pump It Up currently reigns supreme within this dedicated community.

“I was captivated by the music,” Alisa says, pausing briefly between songs to catch her breath. “Because it’s made by a Korean company, Pump It Up features a lot of K-pop, alongside J-music, EDM, and drum and bass – genres that really resonate with younger players.”

Like many in the rhythm game scene, Alisa embodies a global perspective. Born in Kyrgyzstan and raised in London, she emphasizes the diverse backgrounds of the people she’s met through the arcade. “I’ve connected with people from all corners of the globe – East Asia, the Middle East, South Africa, South America – it’s such a diverse and welcoming space.”

Alisa Teterina standing on a Pump It Up machine

More than just a gamer, Alisa is a dancer at heart. Her background in ballet, figure skating, and street dance is evident in her fluid movements and innate rhythm, skills honed and displayed on the dance revolution arcade game and its contemporaries. She defies the stereotypical image of an arcade-goer, a point echoed by Toby Nakhorn, a veteran of the rhythm game scene for over two decades.

“Arcades often get a bad reputation,” Toby explains. “Many of us might not have been the most popular kids at school, maybe labeled as ‘computer geeks.’ But we come here to socialize. We’re geeks with street smarts!”

Toby, with his silver hair and engaging smile, exudes a friendly and approachable vibe. He recounts colorful anecdotes of his arcade experiences, reminiscent of stories from the vibrant Soho of past decades. In this underground arcade, the spirit of old Soho persists.

Rhythm game enthusiast Toby Nakhorn in arcade

Alisa, now slightly sweaty from her energetic performance, steps off the dance platform and exchanges a high-five with Toby. Pump It Up, much like a dance revolution arcade game, is a physically demanding activity. Many players, opting for practicality over style, are dressed in athletic wear – joggers, base layers, and gym gloves. One player, Patrick, stands out even amongst this sporty crowd.

Patrick, 35, a former Mr. Ireland winner and competitive bodybuilder, is an imposing figure with a shaved head and impressive physique. Despite his size, he’s known as a “gentle giant” and a well-liked member of the community.

“For me, it’s a perfect combination,” Patrick says, adjusting his trainers. “I get to socialize with friends and get a great workout. It’s ideal for staying in shape between bodybuilding competitions.” He jokes about the challenges his physique presents: “My shoulders are actually too wide for the bar on the machine – these games definitely weren’t designed for bodybuilders!”

Former Mr Ireland winner Patrick playing Pump It Up

Patrick represents an older generation of players who experienced the rise of arcades in the 90s and 2000s. They witnessed the boom and subsequent decline of arcade culture, and they fondly remember iconic venues like the London Trocadero, a massive entertainment complex that closed in 2011. For these veterans, “Troc” holds a legendary status, a symbol of a golden era for arcade gaming.

Today, home consoles like Xboxes and PlayStations dominate the gaming landscape. Arcades like Las Vegas Soho cannot survive on nostalgia alone. Toby acknowledges that younger generations may not have the same connection to classic games like Space Invaders.

However, the arcade scene is far from dead. Venues like Free Play City and Chief Coffee are revitalizing arcade culture, leveraging platforms like Discord and TikTok, and embracing contemporary games like Street Fighter V.

Arcade game machines in Las Vegas Arcade Soho

“Arcades are incredibly important for our close-knit community,” Kaveh Rahimi, 33, emphasizes. “I’ve seen individuals on the autism spectrum, who might struggle socially elsewhere, really thrive here. I’ve witnessed people who disliked exercise completely transform their lives through rhythm games and become incredibly fit. I’ve met Bitcoin millionaires, world-class harmonica players, Korean models, game industry professionals, and people from every corner of the world through Pump It Up. It’s profoundly changed my life in ways I never anticipated.”

The atmosphere in the arcade, with its energetic players and glowing machines, is reminiscent of a welcoming club or a friendly local pub, a surprising contrast to the typical perception of central London on a weekend. Yet, at its core, it’s about community, regardless of how it’s packaged.

As Toby later wrote in an article reflecting on the closure of the Trocadero in 2011: “In an arcade, anyone can forge new friendships and find acceptance without judgment. I know I’ve made lifelong friends here.”

The enduring appeal of the dance revolution arcade game and its modern counterparts lies not just in the challenging gameplay, but in the vibrant communities they foster. In the heart of bustling London, these underground arcades offer a unique space for connection, fitness, and a shared passion for rhythm and music.

Enthusiastic rhythm game players at arcade