1. Attitude and Mood: Before going to a dance, you have to be in the mood. Going to a dance in a bad mood or a bored mood typically relates in a dumb dance, only because you were in a bad mood. So what you have to do is turn on some dancy music and loosen up before you go to the dance.
2. The Outfit: I am a heavy believer in dancing shoes. I always wear my same extremely beat up $10 wal-mart shoes. They are paper thin, but you can move your foot like your hand is in a glove in these shoes they are so loose and comfortable. You probably want your dancing shoes to have little to no grip so you can slide your feet everywhere. It doesn't matter what you wear on your feet to or from the dance as long as you are wearing your dancing shoes. I can not say that a theme at a dance is a necessary requirement, but I think it definitely adds a good element to it. A dress code is thus suggested. For me I find that I can only dance in jeans and a t-shirt. Also dressing like you are a gangsta for whatever reason causes it to be a lot easier to dance better, so always keep in mind what you are wearing.
3. Food: This is basically a necessity. Every good party, dance, and activity are always associated with food. That will certainly liven the environment and give everyone something to do when the dumb DJ plays a naughty song, such as "Moves like Jagger." That comes to my next element, the DJ.
4. Disc Jockey (DJ): This is definitely one of the key elements. Some DJ's believe that they know what you like and so they turn on stupid music from the 70's that they like and they keep all the lights on, so you feel like you are being interrogated. I have had DJ's declare that "The final Countdown" is a slow song. Don't believe them. If this happens, it is time to have your own dance in the parking lot. The DJ's choice of music will change the world. In my opinion a DJ should incorporate at least 6-8 slow songs into every dance, but few do these days. Well, maybe 4-6. Slow songs are so you can talk to a partner for one, cool down, and regain your energy to party hard. Also the DJ can not play in between slow/fast songs where you aren't sure how to dance. They need to stick with upbeat, and please for the love of human life, do not play the boot skooking banookie. We have heard that song far too many times. Essentially cool DJ's that listen to your opinions (if they are good ones) and play good music are cool with me.
5. DJ Equipment: Seriously, nobody wants to have a dance party that includes 2 speakers, neither of which are sub woofers, and a head lamp for lighting. A DJ must have good lighting and good speakers. The more the better, which is always true. A disco ball is always nice too. Please have at least 6 speakers and a screen is always a cool element.
6. The Arena: The place where the dance is held and what is in it. This can vary quite a lot. I find that I prefer carpet over wood because you can slide your feet more. Also there needs to be rather low lights. Decorations are not necessary, but everyone loves a dance that is transformed from a church gym to look like some kind of beautiful park, a mystical jungle, or a San Fransisco skyline. Yes, always put up decorations. It really adds to the moods, and little Christmas lights EVERYWHERE is super awesome (of course, in my opinion). The place should be large enough and have plenty of ventilation so people can stay cool, but still get sweaty hair.
7. Friends: Everybody knows that you have to go dancing with a crew. You have to have at least one person with you and pray that they aren't a wall flower, so that you can expand your view and be willing to dance a little crazier.
8. Music: This was already mentioned with the DJ, but once again upbeat, several slow songs and all will be well.
9. Courage: You must be willing to dance, or why go? You must also be willing to dance with the opposite gender. Come on, every guy goes to dances because he wants to be with girls. I can't speak for the ladies but I assume it is vice versa.
10. Just Have Fun: Loosen up. Smile! Dances are for your benefit and enjoyment, so enjoy it.
These are the 10 basic themes that I can think of right now, and I think that basically sums up a good dance. Maybe some day I will include a pretty good playlist that is safe for dances. We'll see. Thanks for reading! Comment with questions, comments, and positive criticism.
11. Submitted by Tyler Cox and in his words:
If I may add, I find there are far too many people who hold the belief that dancing takes certain skills or talent that one is born with or learns through classes and so on. Not so. Just move your limbs and body to the beat and the music, loosen up, and be willing to sing along because it can sometimes improve your dancing. Also, you can dance by seeing others do some moves and you just pick out some of those moves and mix it with others you see or know and after a few dances you have quite a few moves you know. It's easier than you think. Keep a spark in your eye and hear hear! to the post on being willing to dance with a girl/boy!
If I may add, I find there are far too many people who hold the belief that dancing takes certain skills or talent that one is born with or learns through classes and so on. Not so. Just move your limbs and body to the beat and the music, loosen up, and be willing to sing along because it can sometimes improve your dancing. Also, you can dance by seeing others do some moves and you just pick out some of those moves and mix it with others you see or know and after a few dances you have quite a few moves you know. It's easier than you think. Keep a spark in your eye and hear hear! to the post on being willing to dance with a girl/boy!
ReplyDeleteI would like to ratify that comment. In fact I will edit the post and put that in there, because that is the gospel truth!
ReplyDelete