Dances are certainly not for everyone, however, more often than not those non-goers are pulled into the crazy world of loud music, intense dancing and strenuous picture taking. If you happen to be dragged into the madness that is a Stonehill dance or if you voluntarily make your way to the Spoco, make sure you know these few ways to make it through the night.
1. Don't go alone.
This is the Golden Rule of all dances! Whether you go with a hot date or even hotter friends, make sure you have someone to get down with. Do not be caught as the loner on the dance floor.
2. Steer clear of the VIP Section.
Ah yes, the VIP section, otherwise known as the drunk tank: The area where we shove all the students who are able to have a beer or seven. Whether you are of age or not to be in those exclusive ropes, there will never be any telling as to what mysterious creatures wander in and out.
3. Avoid the bathrooms at all cost.
When it comes to that halfway point throughout the night, it is normal to think, "Man, I really need to use the bathroom." Your bladder may be screaming, "yes," but you know better than that. It is unclear what nuclear explosion occurred in the bathroom, but whatever it is, you do not want to be in the middle of it. That mysterious mixture of liquid on the ground varying from brown to pink does not need to be the fresh coating on the bottom of your new pair of kicks. With that being said, go before you go!
4. Have a game plan.
The only thing worse than arriving alone is leaving alone. Make sure that you have a set time to meet up with your group. It does not have to be a 10-man operation, either. Having one person is fine but make sure each one of you gets into bed safely.
5. Wear something comfortable.
There will be a lot of bumping and grinding (no pun intended) going on at the dance. There is no surprise here, but there is a surprise when you still see people in outfits cutting off their circulation or shoes five-stories high. Sure, you may look like a stud, but make sure you can survive the night beyond the pictures for your Instagram.
6. Eat before you go.
Buying your ticket to the dance is pretty exciting, especially because the $10 not only includes a fun filled night of dance, but also some refreshments. If you get there first, that is. These "refreshments," whether they exist or not, are not anything substantial, so eat before you go and do not rely on the mysterious land of "refreshments" for your energy.
7. Never show up on time.
8. Dance it out.
If there is one thing anyone knows about a dance, it's there is no other way to get through a dance floor than to bust a move. And nobody likes being that awkward kid who refuses to dance. You made it as far as getting yourself there, so you may as well get jiggy with it.
9. Have a warning signal.
God forbid the WiFi actually worked in the Spoco, we would be able to communicate with our friends via text. Instead, it is an absolute must to have a warning signal that can either be seen or heard over the intense music and dancing just in case something goes wrong or plans change before the end of the night. It is crucial that no party goer ever gets left behind.
10. Befriend Campo.
Campus police, believe it or not, are on our side unless you give them a reason not to be. Make sure you are just as nice and respectful to them as you are to your friends. They actually are there to help and do not want to be the reason your night ends poorly.
11. Rally.
When all else fails, just push through until the end of the night. Hang with your friends and dance off the stress. Make it a priority to get back to The Hill and enjoy some mac and cheese bites before the night is over. If you follow these survival tips and manage to keep track of yourself and the group, you will have defeated your very own Stonehill Dance.
