Scenes From A Dance Floor

I felt that a few of my previous posts are complaints about certain issues. So, this post is an observation rather than a complaint.

A few days ago I made my first visit to an actual hardcore discotheque. Now I have been to many parties and discs in Manipal, but this was my first visit to a reputed one. I would like to clarify my position and credibility first. I am a non-smoking teetotaller (Which means I am never intoxicated, but whether or not I am in my senses is debatable), who is not the life of a party but more of a passive observer. I have been to my share of parties, and have handled more than my share of intoxicated people over the last four years and have been keenly making observations since. The behaviour and antics on display in these situations have been able to intrigue me and amuse me over the years. In this post, I will try to classify people and groups into different categories, and being obsessed with generalising my observations, will ensure that this applies to all people across the universe.

First, a brief description of the prevailing scene. It was a freshers party to welcome our new batch which was organised in one of the most happening discotheques in the city (or at least that’s what I was told). The place was really nice though, no complaints. Well made, good music, really good speakers, lights, fog all that is expected from a decent nightclub. Exorbitantly priced, to put it in perspective, a one litre bottle of mineral water cost 100 rupees and there was no provision for normal drinking water. Necessity really is the mother of all evil. The party went on till after 2:30 am and I stayed on till the very end in order to properly observe the nocturnal rites. The crowd was pretty much from our college with the majority being our batch, as expected. Unfortunately the place was absolutely packed, with around 700 people in a room that maybe had a capacity of around 400. So, during the peak time, it was difficult to move, leave alone dance on the floor. This didn’t necessarily prevent people from trying though.

As it was a freshers party, people didn’t actually know most of the others of the batch. Sure plenty of groups of friends had already been formed, either from a division, or from the hostels, and even groups of people who came from a particular city (Not taking any names). And during the first few weeks of college, and this is something that I write after previous observations, people are quite eager to expand their circle of friends, especially amongst the opposite gender.

For this particular party, the high price of alcohol ensured that people were quite sober and there were no mishaps. The regular binge went on with no particular drama. People initially waited for crowds to gather, and then one by one, groups descended on to the dance floor, and goaded each other to start. Then, dancing or the ritual that takes place when several members of the species gather in dimly lit environments followed by vigorous movements of the body ensued. Groups continued to gather strength, often accompanied by loud roars when a new member joined in and increased the intensity of the dance. Some participants chose their role as sideliners, taking up a position at the edge and continued to observe the activities, with some likeminded individuals, with some sort of intoxicating accessory in hand. Most of the times I play the role of an observer, equipped with a camera to photograph the activities for better documentation, but this time I decided against it and chose to be more of an active observer.

What I found interesting was not the merry making, but the different types of groups and their behaviours. In the remainder of the post I will classify different groups according to my observations.

1. The Oblivious Observers (O2) : This group is a variable size group and is not gender specific. It mainly comprises of a group of people who are at the sidelines and are oblivious to the events taking place at the venue. They are normally a group of friends who are content with their lives, and are just physically present there, adding to the headcount. They cannot be bothered by the festivities or the antics of the others. They could be anywhere and would probably exhibit similar behaviour.

2. The Self Absorbed Participants (SAP) : This group generally comprises of a healthy ratio of members of both sexes and is quite actively involved in the festivities. They are self sufficient and do not require any other involvement from any other member present at the venue. The group goes about with their activities the way they want to, and may not care about any of the others present. The rude often appears rude and inconsiderate as they may resort to hooliganism.

3. The Critics : These are the people who tend to comment and criticise on every single person and activity going on and consider them to be too superior to join the mere mortals in their merry making. They often feel that they have wasted a precious evening coming to the event, and would have been better off anywhere else. They may decide to change their stance and change their group type, or may just get too bored and leave.

4. The Black Sheep (TBS) : These are the people who feel that they do not belong and are desperate to blend in with the others. They are without their usual friends, and continuously try to fit in with any of the other groups. The amount of persistence depends varies for every individual, and there is normally a very high probability that a black sheep after several unsuccessful events may give up, go home or become a Critic.

5. The Jumpers : These are a set of people who have too many friends and groups that they can handle and divide their time in between groups. They are often found in transit from one group to another and may convince other members of a previous group to jump as well. Jumpers often get together to form a SAP group, although the life of this ad hoc group is often short lived.

6. The Infiltrators : This is a group which is not perfectly satisfied with its existence and feels the need to merge with another group in order to enhance their experience. It is different from TBS in the sense that, they already have friends and a group so they aren’t extremely desperate. Yet, they feel it is in their best interest to join forces. They party with the motto “The More, The Merrier”.

7. The Vulnerable : This group is quite similar to the Infiltrators, as in it is a group willing to merge with others provided they meet their requirements, but will not initiate a merger on its own. It will wait for individuals or groups to approach them and judging by their decision, accept or reject them into their circle. They are quite eager to have people join in but will not bother to make efforts to gather people.

8. The Closed User Group (CUG) : This is the exact opposite to the Vulnerable. This is a group that does not want any other member to join in and will ignore and discourage any attempts of infiltration. In case someone does manage to enter the group uninvited and unwanted, the group does not hesitate to initiate rejection tactics and get rid of the person en haste. This group is very close knit and believes in doing most tasks together.

9. The Two Is Company Group : This group comprises of couples who wish to remain hidden in plain sight. Who do not want anyone to bother them at any time. They are mostly found in the more secluded areas of the venue. There weren’t many such groups present during this particular party, but I am sure as time progresses, their number will steadily increase.

10. The Whirlpools : This group is similar to the vulnerables, but is quite aggressive, as in it tends to absorb other members and groups to its own if it feels that they may be an asset. The group encourages participation and is always on the lookout for new members. Once it finds a target, it uses several different means to merge them into their group.

11. The Missing In Action (MIA) : These are the members or groups that have been invited, but due to some reason fail to show up. Or if they do come, leave shortly after and their presence is missed.

12. The Stimulus Seekers (S2) : These are individuals who are waiting for certain events to take place before they can be activated and get in the party mode. The events may be the arrival of their group or just waiting to be coaxed. Once activated these individuals may go berserk and exhibit the wilder side of humans.

I have observed that over a period of time, people may become members of different groups and may acquire different roles. It is quite possible that most people have played one of the above roles and may even have played every single role mentioned, several of them in a single party as well.


dance[dans, dahns] 
–verb (used without object)
1. To move one's feet or body, or both, rhythmically in a pattern of steps, esp. to the accompaniment of music.
2. To leap, skip, etc.
3. To bob up and down.
–noun
4. A successive group of rhythmical steps or bodily motions, or both, usually executed to music.
5. The art of dancing: to study dance.
6. A social gathering or party for dancing.
7. A piece of music suited in rhythm or style to a particular form of dancing.
8. Animal Behavior. a stylized pattern of movements performed by an animal, as a bird in courtship display, or an insect, as a honeybee in indicating a source of nectar.