This blog post is written with teachers, administration and staff of schools in mind.
As we think back about dances and schools, we can all remember a time where teachers were not happy about attending a dance as a chaperone. Personally, I don't blame you! This is boring job. But, when we think of the alternative options, the options become increasing scary! Imagine kids in a basement or worse a night club that allows students in after hours. I've seen and even worked in clubs that did this. I can contest, it's a truly dangerous situation for any minor. Drunk people dancing with minors is never a good solution for entertainment. To get back to the reminiscing, we had options that allowed kids to dance and have fun in a safe environment. What do the kids have now? Those places are now littered with drug dealers and perverts looking to prey upon a young teen.
So, going back to not wanting to hold dances, the reality is we need too. Hosting a dance provides a safe place for kids to let loose and have fun. We (as adults) do this all the time; ever been to a wedding? What is the best part? Dancing? Yes, dancing is a natural part of our expression and it gets kids moving! This brings us to the dreaded grind.
Why do kids grind up on each other? Well, the dance technique (yes it is a dance technique) was adopted from Latin Dance into Hip Hop; like many dance moves are. Since Hip Hop durived in the underground movement of the inner-city club districts. These clubs were often crowded, dark and loud with bass. So, dancing with a partner, you had to be close. Giving that and the beverages, you can see how this would become successful.
Now, Hip Hop has become Mainstream Music. That previously night club music has exploded and your students are addicted to it. I'm not suggesting changing their musical taste, only being aware of it. When the kids come to a dance, you can bet they want to hear Hip Hop and Dance Music. Being aware of you environment and music selection can help with calming the grinding.
Kids are dancing this way for a few reasons, 1) It's normalized. Kids see it as appropriate dance for their age group. This turns into peer pressure that forces kids to dance this way. 2) They see it on T.V. Watch 10 minutes of MTV or BET and you'll see grinding. College kids, stage dancers and the like all do it. 3) It's easy to do! Duhh! It's true. Grinding takes no skill at all. In fact, I think some kids do it to hide fact they can't dance. 4) How many school dances are lighted properly? That's right, most schools choose not to have adequate lighting and the result is a nice dark dance floor. 5) Kids love bass. Any DJ will tell you at school dance every other student will ask you to turn it up, in other words, "Pump up the Bass!" Do you see the pattern yet?
When you talk to kids they'll tell you that it doesn't hurt anyone. This isn't true. If you ask the same kid, "Would you dance this way at a wedding or with your parents here?" They'll say "no!" So, that opens the door for all of us. Kids identify that the behavior is not appropriate and they can see the difference. Now we have something to work with.
There are many ways to get kids to dance appropriately. The Venue, music, lighting, theme, music, and BPM's (Beats Per Minute) are just a few. Book Now with DJ Michael and allow him to help you create a fun safe dance for all your students.
Don't send out kids to the basements or after hour clubs to dance and have a good time, when you can create a better atmosphere at your school while making money for a club or good cause. Don't get discouraged. Seek out support from DJ Michael. DJ Michael is a State of Maine Certified Teacher who works in the puplic education sector. He understands these complexities and can help you create a safe and fun atmosphere.
