To freak dance or not to freak dance?
In my story today, I explore the freak dancing craze and the tactics administrators and parents are taking to thwart the behavior.
Several schools have banned an extreme form of freak dancing. Some schools have rules that dictate the type of music played at dances in order to prevent the provocative moves. Other administrators have even banned school dances altogether to avoid the headache of having to enforce non-sexual dancing.
One principal I interviewed essentially said that he runs a school, not a dance club.
Should students have a say in the matter? Is freak dancing a way for them to express themselves? Or do you think that this type of dancing has not place on the dance floor? Does your school have an innovative way to combat freak dancing? I want to hear all your anecdotes and opinions!
Categories: Around the Nation, Trends
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Comments
Adults need to get over themselves!! I mean sheesh! Back when I was in middle school and high school - in the 90s, we were having this discussion. And at my school, the principal insisted it was not to be tolerated, but luckily the teachers - ALL of them - backed up the students. Was it ever out of hand on the dance floor? No! Kids having a good time, pushing the boundaries in a safe place at a school dance - but not being unreasonable.
And when I became a teacher in BCPSS, I felt wholeheartedly that my students be given the opportunity to demonstrate their incredible talent for movement. We adults can really be stuffy and unreasonably restrictive sometimes. And quite frankly, we need to back off on this one!
Posted by: Artie | March 8, 2008 5:11 PM
Meh. While I'm of the opinion that it's not a huge deal, there's still no need for a school to facilitate nor encourage the type of movements that folks are passing as "dancing". Should a group of teens wish to move en masse as a throng of limbs, more power to them; it doesn't mean that schools are under an obligation to provide and abide.
Posted by: steegness | March 9, 2008 9:05 PM
At my school if the dancing gets too "freaky" they will start with having the principals and assistant principals go around with flash lights pushing you and your dance partner a few feet away. If it is still bad they turn the lights on but keep the music going. It is so awkward! I think they should just let kids do what they want. Yeah it has gotten out of control at some schools but adults just aren't used to this because they all grew up with line dancing.
Posted by: Tiffany | August 27, 2008 6:30 PM
and how is freaking hurting anyone? IT ISN'T!!!!
Posted by: Soren | October 6, 2009 10:44 AM
Adults need to get over themselves!! I mean sheesh! Back when I was in middle school and high school - in the 90s, we were having this discussion. And at my school, the principal insisted it was not to be tolerated, but luckily the teachers - ALL of them - backed up the students. Was it ever out of hand on the dance floor? No! Kids having a good time, pushing the boundaries in a safe place at a school dance - but not being unreasonable.
And when I became a teacher in BCPSS, I felt wholeheartedly that my students be given the opportunity to demonstrate their incredible talent for movement. We adults can really be stuffy and unreasonably restrictive sometimes. And quite frankly, we need to back off on this one!
Posted by: Astroloji | November 6, 2010 6:33 PM