:: Culture Plus

Let it roll, baby!

By Sandip Soparrkar

A Dancer and dance parties go hand in hand. An average dance lover will probably end up at one if not for two dance parties a week. If you are a regular party goer you will surely agree with me that all parties are not the same, at some parties the crowd or our friends make the time worthwile, some it is the food and drinks, but at some events it is the music that is the highlight.

It becomes very important for a dance party organiser to choose the correct style of music for the event as there is no greater high than the one that comes out of good music.

DJs are booked months in advance for an event and they are in high demand only because correct and appropriate music can make or break a party.

At the same time all dance lovers may not be able to afford a DJ and many a times they have to manage their own music for their parties that they throw.

There are many different kinds of dance music available in the market. Music stores have a decent spread of music from Viennese Waltzes to Country and everything in between - Foxtrots, Jive, Swing, Latin music, popular Rock 'n' Roll, Line Dancing - and even different kinds of "dirty dancing"! And in India dance music also includes the popular Bollywood staple.

Dance party organisers must remember the adage "Different strokes for different folks!" Most dance lovers enjoy dancing for a long time, along with different kinds of music during an evening and not just one type of music.

When choosing music for a dance evening, two most important things must be taken into consideration:

Average age of people at the party

Older dancers generally enjoy slow and easy numbers such as the Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, Latin music such as the Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, and a bit of medium speed Rock 'n' Roll thrown in.

Young people generally enjoy fast Rock 'n' Roll, Samba, Quickstep, Tango and the newest dance crazes, with a few "slow tunes" so they can cuddle! Bollywood is popular with them too.

The late 20s, 30s and 40s have variable likes and the "type of crowd" would have to be assessed to decide the mix of music to be played for the function.

Type of Crowd

A "country crowd" will enjoy Paso Doble, Line Dancing, Country Rock and Waltz/Foxtrot. Some groups would prefer Jive, Swing and Latin with a few changes thrown in. Some, like wedding crowds, require a lot of Bollywood and folk songs with a little bit of everything else so that all types and ages can enjoy some dancing. If you don't know the type of group you are choosing music for, it is wise to have a good variety of all kinds of music so that by trial and error you can find the kind of music most suited for the evening.

The most important thing to remember is that dancing is all about moving to music by enjoying every bit of it and everyone likes to do their own thing when on the dancer floor. An evening of dancing should be an enjoyable time out of busy lives to relax, enjoy company of friends and ofcourse good music. So go ahead and pick music suited to the group you are calling for the party and you can be sure the evening will be a rocking success.