4 ms·

Interesting read. Quite depressing though in the context of countries where there used to be a healthy youth dance culture for decades in big clubs, which now

Interesting read. Quite depressing though in the context of countries where there used to be a healthy youth dance culture for decades in big clubs, which now appears to be dead. Dancing and respect for dance etiquette seems to now be sidelined to niche events and nostalgic people reliving their youth. While popular "dance" events still exist, standing in a packed crowd holding your phone up to film the DJ is not dancing.

feoren 4y ago
Go to scheduled dance events at local dance studios. They're usually poorly publicized and so hard to find, but if you find one you can ask the people there about other regular events, Facebook groups where they announce them, etc. They'll usually be focused on a specific type of partner dancing (swing, ballroom, latin, blues, etc.). There's usually lessons beforehand, even for brand-newbies. Before COVID and other life events I went to these multiple times per week, and I can't recommend it enough.
- bradlys 4y ago
  While these still exist - the point of the OP was that they’re in great decline compared to what they were. They’re also much older crowds than what they used to be. It’s almost exclusively 30s+ at social dances these days - with much of the crowd being past 50. I remember when the college aged crowd was the main driver of dancing attendance. That crowd is almost all gone.
  - philwelch 4y ago
    Or they got older?
    - bradlys 4y ago
      If your average age is moving up - it's because you stopped bringing younger people in.
- shmel 4y ago
  They exist, but they are more and more niche and hence pushed out into unattractive venues. I've been dancing salsa for 10+ years and I am more and more disappointed by the this. I want to go out and dance in a club where party vibes are in the air, where people have fun and show off. However, local salsa events in my area happen in schools, community halls, fitness studios, etc. If they have dim lights and decent AC, I call it a win.
  - deleted 4y ago
    [deleted]
vehementi 4y ago
> standing in a packed crowd holding your phone up to film the DJ is not dancing True, but you can dance nevertheless and be the example, start the fun. I've been that person trying to find other dancers in that environment and they exist. They are usually at the front rocking out against the stage, or near big speakers, or around the back/sides of the crowd where it has thinned out and they have space to move. There are alternative nights at clubs, less popular nights at clubs, smaller shows (local bands) with plenty of room, after-parties of arts-related events, ... I once went to the after party of Vancouver Folk Music Festival volunteers, and it was a different planet, felt like cheating compared to how difficult it can be to find like minded dancers.
jollyllama 4y ago
>Dancing and respect for dance etiquette seems to now be sidelined to niche events and nostalgic people reliving their youth. Yes, and as sibling comments point out, you can be a part of it too. It's a subculture.
lelandfe 4y ago
> While popular "dance" events still exist, standing in a packed crowd holding your phone up to film the DJ is not dancing. Sounds like you're hitting up the wrong clubs :) My Dominican friends occasionally take me out for some bachata and it's very fun! And usually packed with people in their 20's. There are also loads of people dancing at hip-hop events, although that's a very different sort of dance, heh. Still very fun though, if you're into that sort of thing. And, even as a straight person, gay clubs are some of the danciest, wildest parties around. (But I suspect much of this thread has people saying "dance" to only mean traditional ballroom/swing/etc)

feoren 4y ago

Go to scheduled dance events at local dance studios. They're usually poorly publicized and so hard to find, but if you find one you can ask the people there about other regular events, Facebook groups where they announce them, etc. They'll usually be focused on a specific type of partner dancing (swing, ballroom, latin, blues, etc.). There's usually lessons beforehand, even for brand-newbies. Before COVID and other life events I went to these multiple times per week, and I can't recommend it enough.

bradlys 4y ago
While these still exist - the point of the OP was that they’re in great decline compared to what they were. They’re also much older crowds than what they used to be. It’s almost exclusively 30s+ at social dances these days - with much of the crowd being past 50. I remember when the college aged crowd was the main driver of dancing attendance. That crowd is almost all gone.
- philwelch 4y ago
  Or they got older?
  - bradlys 4y ago
    If your average age is moving up - it's because you stopped bringing younger people in.
shmel 4y ago
They exist, but they are more and more niche and hence pushed out into unattractive venues. I've been dancing salsa for 10+ years and I am more and more disappointed by the this. I want to go out and dance in a club where party vibes are in the air, where people have fun and show off. However, local salsa events in my area happen in schools, community halls, fitness studios, etc. If they have dim lights and decent AC, I call it a win.
- deleted 4y ago
  [deleted]

vehementi 4y ago

> standing in a packed crowd holding your phone up to film the DJ is not dancing True, but you can dance nevertheless and be the example, start the fun. I've been that person trying to find other dancers in that environment and they exist. They are usually at the front rocking out against the stage, or near big speakers, or around the back/sides of the crowd where it has thinned out and they have space to move. There are alternative nights at clubs, less popular nights at clubs, smaller shows (local bands) with plenty of room, after-parties of arts-related events, ... I once went to the after party of Vancouver Folk Music Festival volunteers, and it was a different planet, felt like cheating compared to how difficult it can be to find like minded dancers.

jollyllama 4y ago

>Dancing and respect for dance etiquette seems to now be sidelined to niche events and nostalgic people reliving their youth. Yes, and as sibling comments point out, you can be a part of it too. It's a subculture.

lelandfe 4y ago

> While popular "dance" events still exist, standing in a packed crowd holding your phone up to film the DJ is not dancing. Sounds like you're hitting up the wrong clubs :) My Dominican friends occasionally take me out for some bachata and it's very fun! And usually packed with people in their 20's. There are also loads of people dancing at hip-hop events, although that's a very different sort of dance, heh. Still very fun though, if you're into that sort of thing. And, even as a straight person, gay clubs are some of the danciest, wildest parties around. (But I suspect much of this thread has people saying "dance" to only mean traditional ballroom/swing/etc)