A dance crew of middle-aged fathers initially formed with the intention of performing at their children’s school has unexpectedly become popular on social media, amassing over 300,000 followers, including actor Hugh Jackman. The group, known as the ‘Outta Puff Daddys,’ was established in 2012 in Brighton, and their synchronized dance routines showcased on TikTok and Instagram Reels have gained significant attention. Despite lacking professional dance experience and ranging in age from 42 to 60, the dads received training from their children’s street dance instructor for their first surprise performance, which was so well-received that they decided to continue as a permanent group.
Paul Jukes, aged 48 and the leader/artistic director of the crew, reveals that dancing together has aided them in overcoming personal challenges such as bereavement, unemployment, and depression, drawing parallels to the British comedy film “The Full Monty.” Jukes, whose crew name is ‘Jukebox,’ acknowledges that despite not being the most confident person, when they perform together, their inhibitions vanish, allowing them to fully embrace life.
Jukebox recalls the moment they surprised their children at the dance show, held at the 2,000-seat Brighton Dome, describing the overwhelming response from the audience and their children’s realization that their dads were the performers. Contrary to expectations, the children and families of the crew members are highly supportive and proud of their accomplishments. The group’s popularity, with over 300,000 Instagram followers and videos garnering millions of views, has been deemed cool by their children.
Their unique crew names, including one member called Wolverine, even caught the attention of Hugh Jackman, who left a positive comment for the crew. In the past three years, the group has expanded their performances to festivals across the country. Jukes, who experienced depression in 2017, credits the dance crew for playing a significant role in his recovery. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health and views their weekly dance sessions as integral to his well-being.
As the members age, they adapt their routines to accommodate changing bodies, although this hasn’t deterred them from pursuing ambitious goals. Despite joking about it, the Outta Puff Daddys aspire to have a residency in Las Vegas or Hollywood, demonstrating their unwavering determination and passion.
Watch the video below:
