Dance party

For the Martha and the Vandellas album, see Dance Party (album). A dance party in session. A dance party is a social gathering where people dance. Dances may be casual, such as at a party, or they may be an organized event, like a school dance. Dances commonly take place during the evening, although some occur earlier during the day; such events are formally known as tea dances. Dance parties may be held in private houses, bars,1 nightclubs or community centres where the guests informally party to dance music. Recorded music for dance parties may be selected and played by a disc jockey (DJ) over a public address (PA) system or a powerful sound system. Contents 1 Casual dances 2 School dances 3 Formal dances 4 Popularity 5 Ambience 6 Personal milestones 7 Specialized events 8 References // Casual dances Casual dances are dances that do not require any formal dress. They are common at some parties, school and community events, cruises and on certain holidays, such as Halloween and Valentine's Day. School dances Further information: Category:School dances A school dance is a dance sponsored by a school, and can be casual or formal. The term "stag" refers to going to a dance without a date.2 In the 1950s, informal school dances were called sock hops. In North America, the most significant school dance is prom, a relatively formal event normally reserved for older students, although some schools may also host events for those in other grades. Many countries have what is similar to a prom in the United States. Casual school dances were originally limited to Western countries, although schools in other countries are beginning to adopt such events. There are some schools that prohibit school-hosted dances, citing sex and alcohol problems. Formal dances Main article: Ball (dance) A formal dance, also known as a ball, is a dance where guests dress formally. In some cases; dinner is also served; such events are called dinner dances. In many cases, the music is more suited to ballroom dancing rather than modern music. Some school dances, such as prom and the Sadie Hawkins dance, can be formal or semi-formal. It is common for guests to bring dates to those dances. Popularity Dance parties are popular amongst teenagers, to the point that many dance parties are held specifically (underage) for teenagers in nightclubs or other locations, who in some countries are unable to attend such places alone due to local laws.3 Ambience Dance parties are usually held at night. Raves and other large, modern dance parties use visual and lighting effects, such as strobe lighting and smoke machines. Some people who go to rave parties take illegal drugs such as MDMA ("Ecstasy"), and as such, dance parties have attracted media and police attention.4 Personal milestones In the Jewish community, Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations often involve dances.5 Dances are common for Quinceañeras6, sweet sixteen parties and débutante celebrations. Some of these coming of age events involve a father-daughter dance. At wedding receptions, the couple may opt to have a first dance. At many weddings, all guests are invited to participate on the dance floor after the couple's first dance. Specialized events Some dance events may put an emphasis on certain genres of dance. For example, an event may feature swing or square dancing rather than dancing in general. A masked ball is a type of costume party that features dancing. Dance partys at which people mainly dance Tango are called Milongas. References ^ "September dance party". minus18.org.au. 2008-08-04. http://www.minus18.org.au/joomla/index.php?option=com_magazine&func=show_article&id=45. Retrieved 2009-01-17.  ^ http://www.kiwibox.com/article/33049dead link ^ Lygopoulos, Anna (2007-10-19). "Minors on licensed premises". Consumer Affairs Victoria. Archived from the original on 2008-07-23. http://web.archive.org/web/20080723154235/http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/CA256EB5000644CE/page/Listing-Liquor-Minors+on+licensed+premises?OpenDocument&1=75-Liquor~&2=0-Liquor~&3=~. Retrieved 2009-01-18.  ^ John, Graham (2004). Rave Culture and Religion. London: Tourledge. p. 91. ISBN 0415314496.  ^ "Tips for avoiding teen party disasters". Deseret News (New York). May 18, 2009. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705305033/Teen-party-disasters.html. Retrieved 16 November 2010.  ^ de la Cova, Tony (November 30, 2008). "Quinceañera Festivity". http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/quince-1.htm. Retrieved 16 November 2010.