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