In the early '90s, we never guessed that "Groove Is in the Heart" would cross generations. But when DJ Derek Mazzone pumped the peppy sounds of Dee-Lite through the speakers shortly after we arrived at Baby Loves Disco, Little Miss Seattlest channeled Lady Miss Kier, shaking her diapered booty with a vengeance.

Baby Loves Disco is a cross-country phenomenon, at least among parents. The line outside Chop Suey at 11:10 Sunday morning testified to that, as does the fact that the next Seattle date with available tickets is March 17.

Dee-Lite aside, we didn't hear much actual disco, but we did hear "We Got the Beat," "I Feel Good," and a kickass extended version of "Express Yourself." "Parents Love Retro" might be a better name for the event, given that it's geared towards moms and dads who met and married back when Madonna was edgy.

The dance floor was crammed with Bjorn-wearing parents and enthusiastic sprogs. Little Miss Seattlest discoed for a couple of songs, waving borrowed egg-shakers for emphasis. (Note: LMS distinguishes between "dancing" and "disco" -- the former involves bouncing up and down, the latter swiveling her torso with arms up and akimbo.)

Then she got hungry, so we visited the snack area and had a bagel. She then wanted some milk, but was persuaded to have a juice box instead. (Persusasion involved asking "Juice?" and hurrying to fulfill her enthusiastic head-nodding.)

We visited the dance floor again, then got a little cranky, so headed to the chill-out room. There we made friends with a stuffed octopus, crawled into a tent, pointed out some confetti streamers on the floor, and listened for the countdown to the new year. We also left our coats and diaper bag there -- if there was one major flaw, it was the lack of secure places to stash your stuff. On the other hand, parents bring an overwhelming tide of accessories to keep an eye on, so a coat check may be an unreasonable request.

That was the genius of Sunday's event: parents and offspring rang in the new year together, counting down the last few seconds until noon, then making a bunch of noise.

"Bunch of noise" is an excellent description of Baby Loves Disco, actually. Chop Suey was swarming with youngsters and their keepers -- all except the bar area, requiring ID to enter, which a number of parents eyed with longing. We're not sure if that was because of the uncrowded space or the chance to buy alcohol.

At one point we talked with a friend we ran into at the event. "This is insane!" they said, with glee. "Isn't it great?" Yes it is, and yes it was.

For the record, LMS ran out of steam after about 45 minutes and one more visit to the dance floor. Then she was ready to GO HOME, clutching a gold, star-shaped balloon in her fist. Later that afternoon, after a nap, we asked her if she had fun at Baby Loves Disco. She immediately smiled and did the twist for us, so we'll have to go back in a couple of months. Playdate!