This is the age at which you start 'dad dancing'

Drake knows it and you know it: trying to dance in a cool manner is a hell of a lot of effort.

Hell, is it even possible to dance to the likes of drum ‘n’ bass, dubstep or trap without looking like a complete idiot (no) - so why do we even bother attempting it?

And now, new research has pinpointed the exact age at which we give up trying to be cool and embrace the phenomenon of ‘dad dancing’: and that golden age, when you can finally be yourself and go with the flow is 37.

2,000 people were surveyed for the highly-important work, commissioned to launch Twirlywoos Dad Dancer of the Year competition, which also revealed that the ultimate dad dancing song was ‘Stayin’ Alive’ by the Bee Gees, following closely by Hot Chocolate’s ‘You Sexy Thing’ and ‘Waterloo’ by Abba.

A spokesman for Twirlywoos said: “We believe dad dancing should be celebrated, because just like the Twirlywoos, it is silly, fun and full of surprises. As part of our search for Dad Dancer of the Year, we’re calling on families across the country to submit footage of their fathers, young and old, busting some moves on the dance floor. Whether on their own or with their partner or children, we cannot wait to see footage of groovy grandads, and disco dads.”

Yeah, steady on there: while we fully embrace and are supportive of a bit of dad dancing, not sure we want to be caught on video just yet guys. It’s always better in your heads isn’t it?

Fully 37% of people reveal that they have been embarrassed by their dad’s moves on the dancefloor. You need to lighten up guys and take some lessons from the experts.

Apparently, embarrassment at your dad’s moves begins at the age of 13 (who knew teenagers found their parents embarrassing) but stops at the age of 30 when it becomes ‘endearing’ - either that or people are suddenly aware that this will be them in just seven years’ time so they may as well get on board with it.

A list of the top 40 dad dancing songs according to this research is below but while these are pretty much all excellent songs, do yourself a favour and listen to our Middle-of-the-road Bangers playlist instead.

Top 40 dad dancing songs:

Stayin’ Alive - Bee Gees
You Sexy Thing - Hot Chocolate
Waterloo - ABBA
Lady in Red - Chris de Burgh
Let’s Dance - David Bowie
Don’t Stop Me Now - Queen
My Way - Frank Sinatra
Summer of ‘69 - Bryan Adams
Livin’ on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
Dancing In The Street - David Bowie & Mick Jagger
Uptown Girl - Billy Joel
Dancing On The Ceiling - Lionel Ritchie
La Macarena - Los Del Rio
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones
Don’t You (Forget About Me) - Simple Minds
Purple Rain - Prince
Do The Conga - Black Lace
Stand by Me - Ben E King
Money For Nothing - Dire Straits
She Loves You - The Beatles
Brown-eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Hotel California - The Eagles
Born in the USA - Bruce Springsteen
Mr Blue Sky - ELO
Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
Town Called Malice - The Jam
Walk this way - RUN DMC/Aerosmith
American Pie - Don McLean
Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey
Easy Lover - Phil Collins
Oops Up Side Your Head (AKA ‘I Don’t Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops!)’) - The Gap Band
Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac
Valerie - Amy Winehouse
Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple
September - Earth, Wind & Fire
Layla - Eric Clapton/Derek and the Dominos
Single Ladies - Beyoncé
Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting - Elton John
Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana