The 7 Essential Tracks at Every 1980s Junior High Dance

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For those of us who navigated the complexities of junior high during the 1980s, the anticipation of school dances remains vivid in our memories. In preparation, many of us made a trip to the local mall, where we would scour stores like Benetton and The Limited for the perfect acid-wash jeans, shoulder-padded blazers, and ruffled neon skirts. When the day of the dance arrived, we would carefully apply our makeup from our Caboodle organizers, tease or crimp our hair, and finish it off with a generous spritz of Aqua Net.

The ride to the venue was typically filled with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. Our parents would drive us in the family vehicle, and we would either crank the radio to find our favorite Poison track or plead with them to change the station. We often requested to be dropped off around the corner, hoping to avoid the dreaded “uncool parent” moment in front of our peers.

Upon entering the gym, which carried a faint odor of sweaty socks, we were greeted by a transformed space. Tables had been pushed aside to create a dance floor adorned with colored lights and streamers. The DJ booth, a makeshift setup of folding tables, was manned by someone tasked with curating the night’s music, while an assortment of chaperones—ranging from parents to school officials—attempted to maintain order in the energetic chaos.

The Evening Typically Unfolded in Several Distinct Segments:

1. The Initial Dance: The first song was always a bit uncomfortable, as no one wanted to be the first to step onto the dance floor. We would often stand awkwardly until the more confident kids made their move, causing us to miss the opening song altogether.
2. The First Slow Dance: This moment brought its own set of nerves. Should we ask someone to dance, or wait for them to approach us? The lights would dim, and we’d hold our breath, yearning for the boy of our dreams—the one whose initials we scribbled in our notebooks—to ask us for a dance. We spent the entire song worrying about how to position our hands, which often distracted us from enjoying the moment.
3. The Dance Off: Reserved for the more audacious students, this segment featured two individuals showcasing their dance skills. Each would take turns, aiming to impress a crush or settle a score. The outcome relied heavily on crowd reaction and often sparked debates during lunch the following week.
4. The Choreographed Dance: Also exclusive to the cool kids, this involved groups of friends who had practiced their routine for weeks. Clad in matching outfits, they would perform complex moves that left the rest of us in awe.
5. The ‘Crying in the Bathroom’ Song: This emotional track often left many of us feeling heartbroken, especially if we witnessed our crush dancing with someone else. The bathroom became a refuge where friends offered crumpled tissues and lip balm to help us regain our composure before reentering the fray.
6. The ‘We Can’t Admit We Like This Song’ Dance: Peer pressure ruled the day, leading us to hide our true feelings about certain songs. A few brave souls might band together, defying social norms to dance to a song deemed too “uncool” by the majority.
7. The Final Song (aka The Makeout Song): As the night drew to a close, the DJ would announce the last track. Excitement filled the air as we either searched for a partner or engaged in our first kiss, often swaying awkwardly in a group to appear busy.

Ultimately, we would leave the dance in various states—some paired with new crushes, while others stumbled out with friends, all reliving the evening’s events. These experiences, filled with awkwardness and joy, became cherished memories of our junior high years.

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In conclusion, the dances of the 1980s, filled with unforgettable moments and social dynamics, remain a nostalgic chapter of our youth.