EDM and Go-Go Dancing: Starting the Hype!

            The 60’s and 70’s brought a lot of culture to American society that has developed and changed. Perhaps one of the most popular and fun styles that developed during that time was go-go dancing. Thought the style has evolved to a modern feel, the recent Electronic Dance Movement (EDM) in the past 10 years has created a new vigor for go-go dancing and learning the style that goes along with it.

            Jessica Wedell is the owner/operator of an entertainment/go-go group called DystRucXion. She explained that the biggest misconception about go-go dancers is the likeness with stripping that many people say.

            “There are drastic differences between the two. Strippers typically get fully naked and many places allow lap dances. It is also part of their job to mingle and flirt with the clients. On the other side, patrons at the club are not allowed to touch go-go dancers and vice versa. Go-go dancers do not mingle on their breaks; at most they will take a picture with a patron,” said Wedell.

            Festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival, ULTRA and TomorrowLand feature dancers in elaborate costumes with matching makeup that create characters rather than “skimpiness.” Clubs that play some bit of house are starting hire go-go dancers to amp up the crowd and keep the energy up in the audience.

            Wedell discussed the mental and physical gains someone can learn from go-go dancing: “We typically dance in 20 minute shifts for two and a half hours so it’s excellent cardio. Since the dancer is on stage in front of an audience, she is motivated to always perform her best. Mentally, dancing builds confidence.”

            Someone doesn’t have to have previous experience to learn the freestyle form of go-go dancing, although a background is always a plus. Classes are often offered in big cities where groups like DystRucXion are. Go-go dancing goes hand-in-hand with EDM, and both are starting to get people curious.