Ah, the thrill of junior high dances in the ’80s! For those of us who experienced it, the excitement leading up to the event was almost palpable. The weekend before, we’d hit the mall, stopping by stores like Benetton and The Limited to snag the perfect acid-wash jeans or that trendy ruffled neon skirt. On dance night, we’d whip out our Caboodle makeup kits and tease or crimp our hair to perfection, followed by a generous spritz of Aqua Net.
Our parents would begrudgingly chauffeur us to the school gym in the family sedan, during which we either tuned them out entirely or pleaded with them to switch the station to find something by hair-metal bands like Poison, who they couldn’t stand. We often requested they drop us off a block away so our friends wouldn’t witness how “uncool” they were.
Upon arrival, the gym—often smelling faintly of gym socks—was transformed into a lively dance floor with tables shoved aside and colorful lights twinkling. The DJ booth, a makeshift setup of folding tables, sat at the front, while an array of chaperones, including parents and teachers, tried their best to avoid the chaos and maintain some semblance of order.
Here’s how the evening typically unfolded:
The Awkward First Dance
The initial dance was a bit of a standoff. Everyone was hesitant to make the first move, waiting for the more confident kids to break the ice. Often, we’d miss the opening song altogether, but there was still plenty of time left for fun. To be honest, the first song was rarely a chart-topping hit anyway.
The First Slow Dance
Should we ask or wait to be asked? This moment was often filled with nervous anticipation. The DJ would dim the lights, and we’d stand frozen, hoping the boy we had a crush on would muster up the courage to invite us to dance. He was the one we’d dreamed of, the boy whose initials we doodled in hearts, yet we spent the entire dance fretting about where to place our hands.
The Dance Off
Reserved for the socially confident, the dance-off involved two kids competing for crowd approval. Each would take turns showing off their moves, often fueled by the desire to impress someone special. It was a safer way to settle scores than schoolyard squabbles, and the outcome was frequently debated for days afterward.
The Choreographed Dance
Another highlight for the cool crowd, these performances featured kids who had rehearsed their routines for weeks. Clad in matching outfits, they would wow the audience with their synchronized moves, making us all wish we could join in. Back at home, we would practice their routines in front of our mirrors while listening to our favorite tunes.
The Crying in the Bathroom Song
Every dance had that one heart-wrenching song that sent us scurrying to the bathroom in tears. It made us think of the boy who chose someone else to dance with, leaving us feeling dejected. In the sanctuary of the bathroom, friends would offer crumpled toilet paper to dry our eyes and Bonne Bell Lip Smacker to freshen up. With our wing-women by our side, we’d eventually rejoin the party.
The ‘We Can’t Admit We Like This Song’ Dance
Peer pressure was rampant, which meant admitting to liking certain songs was a no-go. Whether a song was too slow or just too popular with our parents, we had to keep our preferences under wraps. Occasionally, we’d find a couple of brave friends who also liked the forbidden tune, and we’d unite in a defiant dance.
The Final Song, aka The Makeout Song
Just as we began to relax, the DJ would announce the last song of the night. This was the moment to either find a dance partner or engage in some innocent smooching. Many of us would stick close to friends, swaying in circles to avoid looking too lonely. The final track was always the longest, and those of us kissing often found ourselves wishing it wouldn’t end.
As we left, some of us paired up with our crushes, others in groups, feeling as though we had just experienced a real dance club. Parents lined up in their similar-looking cars, and once home, we would replay the night’s events in our minds, cherishing those bizarre yet wonderful memories of junior high dances.
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In summary, the dances of the ’80s were a whirlwind of excitement, laughter, and sometimes heartbreak, leaving us with memories that still make us smile today.