Ironic Dancing Must Be Destroyed

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Fine, in an overtly frat or chachi bar, it has its place, and I may even indulge.

But when the music and mood warrant skill and spacial courtesy, I have no patience for the sweaty guys, always guys, that flail and whip their body around jokingly, doing the "lean way back and jiggle arms" move (touching their oily bastard of a head on my theretofore clean and unscented skin and clothing), or the eye-stabbing Travolta-pointing ("I'm so above all this silly, gay disco posturing, who cares! Look at me!"). Nothing fucks up my pussy game more than ironic dancers barging in on my space. Last night my shit was so tight early on that I had two hot-as-balls skeezers nearly elbowing each other to stay in front of me and I thought, "This is going to be a fresh evening". Leave it to a a big ironic-dancing geek who made faces all night to insinuate himself into our once-perfect trio with his exaggerated un-space-conscious grinding, stepping on my brushed suede lo-tops, tripping me up, and not even saying sorry.

― Le Coq, Monday, 26 January 2004 10:07 (twenty-two years ago)

Maybe it's just bad dancing but he meant it!

― Tico Tico (Tico Tico), Monday, 26 January 2004 10:11 (twenty-two years ago)

True dat, but you should have seen his facial expressions. IIRC, he did the chimpanzee lower-lip pout and possibly even added the dreaded "hand-pedalling".

― Le Coq, Monday, 26 January 2004 10:15 (twenty-two years ago)

I have not seen ANY of these moves but I'm in hysterics imagining them. I'm especially interested in seeing people flail and whip their bodies around - it sounds great!

― Sean (Sean), Monday, 26 January 2004 10:18 (twenty-two years ago)

I love the cock.

Feed me cock.

― Sasha Gabba Hoy!!, Monday, 26 January 2004 10:19 (twenty-two years ago)

Hm, I should note that the "lean back and jiggle arms" goes hand it hand with hand pedalling - you lean waaay back and put your hands and elbows parallel and about 4-8 inches apart, and make like you are pedalling the pedalling contraption featured in the final competition stage of american gladiators (keep palms facing each other to accentuate irony). You can put your elbows way out and face fists opposite each other while pedaling if you want to be 'raver/disco ironic' too.

― Le Coq (DarrenK), Monday, 26 January 2004 12:53 (twenty-two years ago)

This seems like a very difficult move. You do this while dancing?

― Sean (Sean), Monday, 26 January 2004 12:58 (twenty-two years ago)

Not ME, dude! THEM!

― Le Coq (DarrenK), Monday, 26 January 2004 13:00 (twenty-two years ago)

Iconic dancing must be destroyed.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 26 January 2004 16:29 (twenty-two years ago)

Also, people doing the white boy shuffle.

― Jon Williams (ex machina), Monday, 26 January 2004 16:30 (twenty-two years ago)

Let's not forget the ironic robot, the recontextualized Roger Rabbit (with mouth agape and eyes bugging to clarify non-seriousness), the diver.

― 2 Pretty 4 Porn (DarrenK), Monday, 26 January 2004 22:46 (twenty-two years ago)

What's a "chachi bar"? A place where Scott Baio hangs out?

― Broheems (diamond), Monday, 26 January 2004 22:50 (twenty-two years ago)

Non-ironic dancing must be destroyed. You look goofy doing it anyway, so you might as well TRY to look goofy.

― oops (Oops), Monday, 26 January 2004 22:53 (twenty-two years ago)

Well I wasn't expecting THAT on ILM!

― 2 Pretty 4 Porn (DarrenK), Monday, 26 January 2004 22:56 (twenty-two years ago)

Dancing must be destroyed

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Monday, 26 January 2004 22:56 (twenty-two years ago)

I think Geir's has just become my favourite ILM post of all time.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Monday, 26 January 2004 22:57 (twenty-two years ago)

It must make you want to remain seated with delight.

― Ronan (Ronan), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:01 (twenty-two years ago)

No dancing == weak, flabby butt muscles.
Ergo...
No dancing == no good lovin'

― Lord Custos Omicron (Lord Custos Omicron), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:02 (twenty-two years ago)

With all apologies to Martha and the Vandellas.

Calling out around the world Are you ready for a brand new melody? Summer's here and the time is right for sitting down in the streets They're sitting down in Chicago Sitting Down in New Orleans In New York City All we need is non-rap-like music, melodic music There'll be melodic music everywhere

They'll be and abscence of swinging, swaying, only canonical CDs playing, Sitting Down in the street, oh

It doesn't matter what you wear, just as long as it involves sensible footwear So come on, every guy, grab a girl, everywhere, around the world

They'll be sitting down, sitting down in the street It's an invitation across the nation, a chance for folks to meet They'll be laughing and singing, music swinging Sitting Down in the street Copenhagen, now Stockholm Don't forget Oslo city On the streets of Borlange Back in Uddevalva No matter where you are

All we need is music, sweet music There'll be music everywhere

They'll be swinging, swaying, records playing Dancing in the street, oh

It doesn't matter what you wear, just as long as it involves sensible footwear So come on, every guy, grab a girl, everywhere, around the world They'll be sitting down, sitting down in the streets Way down in L.A., everyday sitting down in the streets Cross in China too Me and you Sitting Down in the street Don't you know They'll be sitting Sitting Down in the street (repeat)

― Lord Custos Omicron (Lord Custos Omicron), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:09 (twenty-two years ago)

no dancing, not while your wires are showing.

― hstencil, Monday, 26 January 2004 23:11 (twenty-two years ago)

How could I forget the unfunniest one of them all!: the modern-day Macarena!

― 2 Pretty 4 Porn (DarrenK), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:11 (twenty-two years ago)

all dancing is good!

― s1ocki (slutsky), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:13 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah but sometimes you spot a guy that just makes you wanna yell out "BACK IN THE GIMP CHEST WITH YOU!"

― 2 Pretty 4 Porn (DarrenK), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:17 (twenty-two years ago)

Where the hell did Geir go?

― 2 Pretty 4 Porn (DarrenK), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:18 (twenty-two years ago)

Ironic dancing was created solely to make us indie kids feel like complete fools when we go to non-indie clubs. And we can't just do those hand movements from "Legal Man".

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:20 (twenty-two years ago)

Wait, wait, wait. I think we need to codify our meanings here.
What exactly is "Ironic" dancing. (I mean, besides pretending to be Travolta.)
Is doing the macarena in 2004 ironic?
Is a goth chick doing the snake-arm thing "ironic" dancing?

― Lord Custos Omicron (Lord Custos Omicron), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:22 (twenty-two years ago)

I think you know what it means.

― 2 Pretty 4 Porn (DarrenK), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:25 (twenty-two years ago)

I've never put myself in a situation where I have to look at a goth chick dance (except the fake goth stripper I was talking about a few days ago).

― 2 Pretty 4 Porn (DarrenK), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:26 (twenty-two years ago)

Hey Dom, who is "us"?

― 2 Pretty 4 Porn (DarrenK), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:32 (twenty-two years ago)

In which clubs did you see this ironic dancing?

― sym (shmuel), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:33 (twenty-two years ago)

Ginger and Shine this weekend.

― 2 Pretty 4 Porn (DarrenK), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:35 (twenty-two years ago)

I like the dancing at shine...Though I dance with conviction and sincerity when I'm there.

― sym (shmuel), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:37 (twenty-two years ago)

It's getting too packed on Saturdays though, it smells like shit in there.

And just to clarify I'm not trying to be a fascist - in my orig. post I was mostly complaining about people to do it discourteously.

― 2 Pretty 4 Porn (DarrenK), Monday, 26 January 2004 23:39 (twenty-two years ago)

Custos, that was fookin' brill'. I never read lyrics on this, but I'm so glad I made an exception.

― Speedy Gonzalas (Speedy Gonzalas), Tuesday, 27 January 2004 06:13 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah I didn't appreciate it til now.

― sym (shmuel), Tuesday, 27 January 2004 08:18 (twenty-two years ago)

2 Pretty 4 Porn: I think you know what it means.
No. No, I don't think I do. The word "Ironic" has been overused to the point that I don't think anyone really understands what it means anymore. (ie Alanis Morrisette to thread...) So I want to know how one can tell if dancing is "Ironic" or not.

to Speedy: glad you liked it, I'm opening for Weird Al at the Spectrum Center next week. :)

― Lord Custos Omicron (Lord Custos Omicron), Tuesday, 27 January 2004 14:09 (twenty-two years ago)

two months pass...

This is stupid. Why should it matter whether people dance "sincerely" or "ironically," if both groups are just trying to have a good time? Furthermore, some people might just be ridiculous dancers, so everything they do looks "ironic."

Moshing/Slam dancing is the perfect form of body movement at a rock show (Only if the music warrants it, of course). Anyone can do it, and it's fun. You don't have to worry about looking like a total spaz, because that's the point. The only problem is that it's a bit dangerous. (I almost killed myself moshing at a show last night).

― Serya (Z_Ayres), Sunday, 25 April 2004 15:31 (twenty-two years ago)

Nothing fucks up my pussy game more than ironic dancers barging in on my space.

Ahhhh hahahahahaha!!!

What a complete douche bag.

― David Allen (David Allen), Sunday, 25 April 2004 15:53 (twenty-two years ago)

you should drink until you are incapable of irony before you get on the dance floor.

― fortunate hazel (f. hazel), Sunday, 25 April 2004 18:23 (twenty-two years ago)

I second Geir's post: Dancing must be DESTROYED!!!

― Cacaman Flores, Sunday, 25 April 2004 21:31 (twenty-two years ago)

Is there any difference between ironic dancing and self-conscious dancing?

― N. (nickdastoor), Sunday, 25 April 2004 21:44 (twenty-two years ago)

i think so, surely the latter is more about lack of confidence, and the former can be either a surfeit of self confidence, or a masking of a lack of self-confidence.

― gareth (gareth), Sunday, 25 April 2004 21:49 (twenty-two years ago)

I agree.

― the music mole (colin s barrow), Sunday, 25 April 2004 21:50 (twenty-two years ago)

"PLAY FREEBIRD!"

― NUMBER 1 TERRY RILEY FAN (ex machina), Sunday, 25 April 2004 21:51 (twenty-two years ago)

about the fact that ironic dancing is a defense to mask lack of confidence, I mean. It makes a piece of theatre out of being self-conscious. (x-post)

― the music mole (colin s barrow), Sunday, 25 April 2004 21:52 (twenty-two years ago)

totally nick, ironic dancing is when one has to make a joke of dancing to be comfortable with the act, often making fun of those around them at the same time, and showing very little respect for those around them trying to have a good time. Self-concious dancing can usually be seen by a relative lack of movement, spending too much time watching others and often forgetting where the beat is. Self-concious dancers usually want to have fun and dance, but are too nervous that they'd look silly.

― Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Sunday, 25 April 2004 21:52 (twenty-two years ago)

Well I'd say that ironic dancing is a subset of self-conscious dancing. The ironic dancers are too embarrassed to dance in a certain way without making it clear that what they are doing is in inverted commas. Other self-concious people just don't move much, yeah, but it's all part of the same thing, I think.

I don't think people dance ironically on E, because such inhibitions are lowered.

― N. (nickdastoor), Sunday, 25 April 2004 22:02 (twenty-two years ago)

i don't think shitty dancers disgrace anyone but themselves really.

― s1ocki (slutsky), Sunday, 25 April 2004 22:04 (twenty-two years ago)

Ironic dancing is self-consciousness at the second tier. One is self-conscious about being self-conscious. There is hope, at least, for the self-conscious dancer, but for the meta-self-conscious dancer, even an intervention cannot help. The dancer has got to want to change.

― the music mole (colin s barrow), Sunday, 25 April 2004 23:28 (twenty-two years ago)

But who will help them, once they've accepted that they have a problem?

― N. (nickdastoor), Sunday, 25 April 2004 23:35 (twenty-two years ago)

Dr Funk, of course.

― the music mole (colin s barrow), Sunday, 25 April 2004 23:37 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm such a fool.

― N. (nickdastoor), Sunday, 25 April 2004 23:40 (twenty-two years ago)

When I wiggle, I really, really mean it. Sincerely.

― Evanston Wade (EWW), Sunday, 25 April 2004 23:42 (twenty-two years ago)

I once had a nightmare where I went to the doctor and he started writing "FREE YOUR MIND AND YOUR ASS WILL FOLLOW" on the walls.

― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Sunday, 25 April 2004 23:43 (twenty-two years ago)

COULD THIS BE DR. FUNK??!?!?!

― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Sunday, 25 April 2004 23:44 (twenty-two years ago)

I have decided that this drive for authenticity in dancing is appallingly rockist and must be stamped out.

― N. (nickdastoor), Sunday, 25 April 2004 23:47 (twenty-two years ago)

I am picturing this whole thing as an R. Crumb comic, with the meta-self-conscious dancer as a kind of Flakey Foont, and Dr Funk as a cross between George Clinton and Mr Natural.

― the music mole (colin s barrow), Sunday, 25 April 2004 23:47 (twenty-two years ago)

N.,

I dance ironically upon your call to "stamp out" this drive for authenticity in dancing!

― Evanston Wade (EWW), Sunday, 25 April 2004 23:51 (twenty-two years ago)

I am wondering what people think of the concept of post-ironic dancing? Is there such a thing?

― the music mole (colin s barrow), Sunday, 25 April 2004 23:55 (twenty-two years ago)

Many like to say that irony died on 9/11. According to that theory, in order for dancing to have been ironic at all, it would have had to occur prior to 9/11/01. Any "ironic" dancing afterward might properly be called "post-ironic", as it is no doubt a significant cultural comment upon the misguided "ironic" dancing of a more unsuspecting past.

― Evanston Wade (EWW), Monday, 26 April 2004 00:02 (twenty-two years ago)

Quite so.

― N. (nickdastoor), Monday, 26 April 2004 00:04 (twenty-two years ago)

as lame as ironic dancing may be, it's still better than when a bunch of schlubs stand around not dancing to eminently danceable music.

― hstencil, Monday, 26 April 2004 00:05 (twenty-two years ago)

it can be a first step toward non-ironic dancing you think hstencil?

― mullygrubber (gaz), Monday, 26 April 2004 00:08 (twenty-two years ago)

I s'pose.

― hstencil, Monday, 26 April 2004 00:14 (twenty-two years ago)

Before we go much further, should we point out that the "irony" in this case lies more in Le Coq's predicament? How can it be that such a fine dancer as he should have his "pussy game" fucked up by a simple, self-conscious thug?

― Evanston Wade (EWW), Monday, 26 April 2004 00:16 (twenty-two years ago)

it's too bad that so often ironic dancing becomes the re-enactment of "the white guy" in every shitty "have you ever noticed how white people can't dance???" comedy routine / beer commercial.

thus ironic dancing becomes the re-enactment of every lame myth about race and rhythm ever.

and as le coq and dan selzer so rightly point out, it takes up lots of room and the people dancing nearby end up catching lots of ironic elbows, get stepped on, etc.

― vahid (vahid), Monday, 26 April 2004 02:34 (twenty-two years ago)

Quite so.

― the music mole (colin s barrow), Monday, 26 April 2004 07:46 (twenty-two years ago)

it doesn't take that much heavy drinking or drug use or clubbing to actually become so used to dancing when music is on that it feels more normal than standing.

It's the least people could do!

― Ronan (Ronan), Monday, 26 April 2004 07:49 (twenty-two years ago)

three years pass...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41R0GmljbUE

^ the apotheosis of ironic dancing

― ☪, Saturday, 9 June 2007 22:30 (nineteen years ago)

~~Ironic~~ Dancing Must Be Destroyed

― Geir Hongro, Saturday, 9 June 2007 22:33 (nineteen years ago)

i think geir's has just become my favourite ilm post of all time.

― ☪, Saturday, 9 June 2007 22:36 (nineteen years ago)

It must make you want to remain seated with delight.

― anatol_merklich, Saturday, 9 June 2007 22:44 (nineteen years ago)

I don't see the irony. i'm pretty sure she's just rocking out, late 90s raver style

xxxpost

It doesn't quite beat "the music is only the melody," but it might be in his top 5.

― kingkongvsgodzilla, Saturday, 9 June 2007 22:46 (nineteen years ago)

yeah you can't dance like that without liking to dance

― tremendoid, Saturday, 9 June 2007 22:52 (nineteen years ago)

Her dancing is fairly good! I, too, loathe ironic dancing (or, worse, pogo-stick non-dancing/swaying side-to-side clumsily, the two styles most frequently practiced by unimaginative clubbers in my experience), but I believe the best sort of dancing one can undertake in a club is to unashamedly demonstrate an arsenal of impressive moves, flowing from one into another seemingly at random, yet always keeping to the rhythm, having a streak of self-deprecating humour, and never trying to do something your body can't manage. This girl seems to be doing such a thing (and improvising it) in reasonable style.

― Just got offed, Saturday, 9 June 2007 22:53 (nineteen years ago)

Oh come on Geir, dancing can be awesome, look:

http://i18.tinypic.com/4qp56qc.gif

― StanM, Saturday, 9 June 2007 22:55 (nineteen years ago)

xpost otm. i was gonna say it's fun throwing 'humorous' moves in the middle of what you're doing but I wouldn't call it 'ironic dancing' in the contemptuous sense.

― tremendoid, Saturday, 9 June 2007 23:00 (nineteen years ago)

must you dance
when all i want to do is talk to you
must you dance
why won't you let me give my love to you?

you know how long i've been watching you girl
wishing you were mine
but you're always in an another world
popping all the time
you act like it's all you got
and you can't tear yourself away
just looking at you makes me so hot
but you can't hear me when I say

must you dance
when all i want to do is talk to you
must you dance
why won't you let me give my love to you?

i hope one day, you'll see me here
know my love is true
wish i didn't have such fear
what cant i get through to you?
you never seem to notice me
you're such a slave to the beat
i wish that i could set you free
i wanna feel your body please

must you dance
when all i want to do is talk to you
must you dance
why won't you let me give my love to you?

you're breaking my heart
sure gonna fall apart girl
how can you be so cold to me
what kind of man is gonna set you free

must you dance?

― Michael F Gill, Saturday, 9 June 2007 23:04 (nineteen years ago)

Geir totally would have shut down all the jazz clubs in Berlin, dudes.

― the table is the table, Sunday, 10 June 2007 00:25 (nineteen years ago)

"Tonight I wanna dance with someone else...

fantasy here with me
just let the music set you free
touch my body, we move in time

NOW I KNOW YOU'RE MINE

GET INTO THE GROOVE BOY YOU'VE GOT TO PROVE YOUR LOVE TO ME"

― Bimble, Sunday, 10 June 2007 00:27 (nineteen years ago)

Now I know you're mine

― Bimble, Sunday, 10 June 2007 00:27 (nineteen years ago)

Ironic dancers really just want to dance but are a little afraid, just back off and do your own thing.

― filthy dylan, Sunday, 10 June 2007 00:30 (nineteen years ago)

yeah, this isn't some awful fashion crime. some people are just really shy.

― lfam, Sunday, 10 June 2007 00:56 (nineteen years ago)

and that irish girl is good! islamo should back off.

― lfam, Sunday, 10 June 2007 00:57 (nineteen years ago)

"This is going to be a fresh evening"

― river wolf, Sunday, 10 June 2007 01:19 (nineteen years ago)

LeCoq is actually Ray from Achewood

― river wolf, Sunday, 10 June 2007 01:19 (nineteen years ago)

wait i like irish dancing chick

― river wolf, Sunday, 10 June 2007 01:21 (nineteen years ago)

ironic dancing is stupid, but it's better than wallflower chin-stroking

― river wolf, Sunday, 10 June 2007 01:25 (nineteen years ago)

people who wanna tell other people how to dance < people who dance however they fucking want

― J0hn D., Sunday, 10 June 2007 01:45 (nineteen years ago)

Oh, inDEED!

― Oilyrags, Sunday, 10 June 2007 01:49 (nineteen years ago)

RIP hype williams

― moonship journey to baja, Sunday, 10 June 2007 02:36 (nineteen years ago)

J0hn D's point is correct, but I cannot resist pointing out that:

The worst dancing in the world is by 30 yrs+ bohemians and lefties (i.e. the more serious portion of my friendship circle in five years time) at live indie hip hop gigs. Just because you've been to some experimental dance shows put on by undergrad performance arts students doesn't mean you can offer up your own lame take on their moves as a substitute for having no sense of rhythm.

― Tim F, Sunday, 10 June 2007 08:47 (nineteen years ago)

irish girl is good

anime style

― 696, Sunday, 10 June 2007 09:29 (nineteen years ago)

http://www.geekent.com/blog/archives/danceoke.jpg

― scott seward, Sunday, 10 June 2007 10:47 (nineteen years ago)

the vid of the irish girl dancing looks fake. speeded-up.

― Jeb, Sunday, 10 June 2007 11:55 (nineteen years ago)

~~Ironic~~ Dancing Must Be Destroyed

-- Geir Hongro, Saturday, 9 June 2007 22:33 (14 hours ago) Bookmark Link

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00042YC5S.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

― Dom Passantino, Sunday, 10 June 2007 13:03 (nineteen years ago)

it does look sped up, but she is (mostly) doing the right thing at the right time

― 696, Sunday, 10 June 2007 13:06 (nineteen years ago)

yeah, and is mouthing lyrics and stuff, so i'm wondering if she slowed down the music to dance to, and then sped it all back up

i don't really care, either way

― river wolf, Sunday, 10 June 2007 20:19 (nineteen years ago)

yes it's obviously sped up, just like all hype williams (many other) music videos are

― moonship journey to baja, Sunday, 10 June 2007 20:21 (nineteen years ago)

I've watched this video a few times since casbah posted it, and I agree with those who say that it's been sped up. But - whatever speed she was actually dancing - she's an awesome dancer nevertheless.

― kingkongvsgodzilla, Sunday, 10 June 2007 20:38 (nineteen years ago)

i love the 'watch out, she's Irish!' element of that video clip's title/description.

― blueski, Sunday, 10 June 2007 20:46 (nineteen years ago)

people who want clips to be played back at the speed they were recorded at = rockists

― Jeb, Sunday, 10 June 2007 21:08 (nineteen years ago)

fight the real enemy - ironic drinking!

― bobby bedelia, Sunday, 10 June 2007 21:13 (nineteen years ago)

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8859/sineadpabstgy7.jpg

― BIG HOOS aka the steendriver, Sunday, 10 June 2007 21:43 (nineteen years ago)

three years pass...

Sometimes I think there is something literally pathological about (respectable? middle class?) WASP culture's traditional non-dancing (or at best very limited and restrained dancing). Not that it's an original idea or anything.

It just struck me again watching some belly dancing footage. Practically the whole world has some way of wiggling like that, but not the culture(s) I come from.

― _Rudipherous_, Saturday, 4 September 2010 11:58 (fifteen years ago)

I put this here, because I was feeling lazy about finding an appropriate thread to revive. There are surprisingly few general threads about dancing (at least with dancing in the subject line).

― _Rudipherous_, Saturday, 4 September 2010 12:00 (fifteen years ago)

that youtube from upthread is still ace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41R0GmljbUE

― buzza, Saturday, 4 September 2010 18:39 (fifteen years ago)

i dont dance. i tend to meet girls that also dont like dancing, and we tend to get along.

― baddest boy on the internet (kelpolaris), Saturday, 4 September 2010 19:34 (fifteen years ago)

Oh man I used to be such a fucking good dancer

― like an ant to a crumb (DavidM), Saturday, 4 September 2010 20:09 (fifteen years ago)

six years pass...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_nCw1WMFs4

― _Rudipherous_, Thursday, 4 May 2017 17:06 (nine years ago)

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