GUEST OPINION by senior comp student Tess Dusenberry

Grinding, a close contact dance in which the individuals bounce back-to-front, has been criticized lately by those who feel it is inappropriate. Some school administrators are considering banning this style of dancing, which has become a controversial issue in many schools this year. In Atlantic High school, a handful of students and parents spoke up with their concern about the “dirty dancing.” But if administration tells students how to dance, will students stop attending school dances altogether?

A majority of the students who attend the dances enjoy the contemporary style of dancing known as grinding. Many students focus on school week to week, and when they get to the dance they like to kick back and enjoy themselves. Just because some kids choose to dance in this style does not mean they are immoral or promiscuous.  Some people say that those who dance this way do not have respect for themselves, and some even bring up religion. As a person who has respect for herself and who has strong religious beliefs, I am confident in that the way I choose to dance is neither obscene nor irresponsible.

The students who do not enjoy dancing in this style can simply refrain from doing so. The dance floor is spacious, with ample room for groups to dance how they please. The room is dark, and if individuals wish to distance themselves from the grinding, they can look the other way. I feel that we should please the majority of the student body, and by keeping the dance the way it is, we will do that.

My freshman year few people stood around the dance floor; most students were out dancing in a wide range of styles. The front of the dance floor was packed like sardines with students grinding. To the left were people jumping around, moving to the beat, and to the right were others dancing in a traditional slow manner. Wherever you turned, you saw a new dance style. Over the past four years I have noticed more students standing around the outside and not dancing. This may be why the grinding is getting more negative attention than before. If more people would go out and start creating dance moves, whether ballroom style or fist pumping, other students would surely follow.

If students are told not to dance a particular way, they may not attend the dances. The student council hosts dances for the benefit of students. The funds for the dances come from  tickets purchased. The money goes toward helping pay for the D.J and other dance supplies. With fewer students buying tickets, the D.J will not be paid for, therefore the dance may not be offered at all. I think the risk of losing a dance overall would change some people’s mind about a ban on grinding.

A further concern is that if the dance is not available, students may fill their time with riskier behaviors.  After a big Homecoming win, when everyone is pumped up and wants celebrate, would the administration rather have 300 students at a school dance under supervision or at a big party? The risk of multiple MIPs is far more problematic than a bit of close dancing. I feel that school dances are a great way for the students to be with their friends and celebrate a big win.

Banning “grinding” at the school dances would reduce participation. Students should have the right to choose the style of dance they please. Grinding does not indicate the morality of an individual; it’s simply a dance style that will likely pass out of popularity as music styles change again. The dance floor is large enough for all styles of dancing. Students who don’t wish to see grinding can choose to face the other way.  School dances are a positive way to celebrate and spend time with friends.

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