The Beginner’s Guide to a Dancehall Party was sparked out of an experience with a friend of mine. A couple of years ago, I took my friend who was born and raised in the suburb of Chicago to a Dancehall party. Suffice it to say, I didn’t realize at the time that a Dancehall party was any different from an American club party. The experience was a culture shock [for us both]. In her honor, I share these tips⇓
1. FAMILIARIZE WITH SOME DANCEHALL SONGS
Dancehall is its own genre. Although Reggae and Dancehall are used interchangeable there are different vibes between them. If you are a complete novice no need to fret… try Major Lazer, they are a group of DJ’s that has often mix and remix genres, such as reggae with soca, reggaeton, house music, EDM, and dancehall. Most noteworthy, they have re-mixed Dancehall artists like Shaggy, Busy Signal, Leftside, Mr. Lexx, Sean Paul, RDX, and Nyla and even Reggae artists such as Tarrus Riley and Chronixx.
2. WHAT TO WEAR?
There are usually no specific dress code requirements. However, people are usually dressed in their own unique “flavor” or style. However, flip-flops are not commonly worn.
3. DO I NEED TO BRING A LIGHTER?
I get asked this a lot… I’m not sure why, but lighters are not required, but bring it (if venue allows) if you want to use it to express yourself (see below at item #4).
1. THE ART OF TIMING
“The Art of Timing” is my way of saying, don’t arrive on time. I know in the western world it is rude to arrive late, but the Caribbean music scene it is rude to arrive on time.lol. The venue is probably still being set up and to be quite honest you might have one or two patrons at the bar, but nothing else. The selector/DJ is still setting up or setting the mood. Try not to arrive too late either, you might run into the very slow songs that are often played in the end (see #6 below).
2. COLORS!
At the party, you will see colors. Colors as far as the eyes can see. Both the guests and the decor will be fashioned with colors and are not shy about it. Don’t be alarmed. I have this theory that island people like to be in competition with the flowers. lol. But seriously, these party goers are usually in multiple vibrant colors and fashion. If you are use to black and tan hues, this party will surely introduce you to the other side of the color wheel.
3. THE SELECTOR vs. THE DEEJAY (DJ)
The Deejay in other genres of music is the man behind the turntables or the laptop that plays the music. On the Dancehall scene, a DJ is the MC. The DJ/MC (sometimes present) is the one who does the toasting/rapping/chatting live on the mic or the record playing. The “Selecta” or Selector is the person who selects the music to play. [Sometimes you have a very talented Selecta who is also a Deejay]. There is also the “Box Boy” he is the selector’s assistant or is a selector in training and is usually carrying around a box of records.
4. CROWD PARTICIPATION
This is my favorite part of Dancehall and it is the part that is least understood. Being a selector or a DJ is considered an art form and a challenge and it is also up the selector/DJ’s own skill to really be able to move a crowd. The selector DJ plays songs to tease the crowd and then stops the record or what they call “pull up” the song/record playing and briefly wait for or feel the audience vibe of whether they like that song or not. The audience/partygoers are usually very expressive about whether or not they loved or hated the song played.
The audience’s feedback is what is called a “forward”. The “forwards” lets the deejay/selector knows how to proceed. This will continually happen throughout the night, because a dancehall experience is “forwarded” by both the storyteller (the selector/deejay) and the participant. So every Dancehall experience should be a unique one.
- There is no expectation that you have to dance, and that everyone will dance. In other genres, you go to a club and everyone dances because it is a club and that is what you do there. In Dancehall, this expectation is suspended and it only happens if you feel that vibe and if the selector/DJ is skillful.
Also, Dancehall has a lot of dances that are named and goes with particular songs. Sometimes a dance group will do them in response to the music they are attributed to, or two or more groups will “dance off”. Don’t worry. Just hold your own vibes… remember Dancehall is a story between you and the selector/deejay.
5. ENGAGING OTHERS
Similarly to crowd participation, feel free to engage! Make friends! Exclaim loudly if you like the song. Throw in a “run that back selecta” and a “forward that”. Ask the girl to dance. Engage respectively and with permission. Above all, please be safe!
6. SLOW DOWN- THE CLIMAX OF THE END
As with any good story, the dancehall must come to an end. The signal for the end at a dancehall is the sentimental. You will hear love songs by Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Joe, Whitney Houston, the occasional country western, and a song or two that references the love for mothers. This slows the crowds down and hopefully forward them onto their own lives in a calmer state or “lover’s state” [wink…you know what I mean].
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the Dancehall!
Until next time, thanks again and One Love!
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Originally published at caribbeanshowoff.com on November 7, 2017.
