Dancing is a must at a beach party.
If you are hosting a beach party, then make sure you have lots of beach and tropical music to keep your friends entertained and to inspire them to dance. There are several dances specifically oriented to the beach. The kind of music you choose for your beach party may determine the dance moves your guests choose. You may consider hiring a dance instructor to teach guests specific beach dances---or you may teach your guests if you have the right moves.
The Shag
Shag dancing is a form of swing that originates in South Carolina. During the 1940s in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, teenagers developed this slower version of swing, writes the website Shag Shoes.
"Slower than the West Coast Swing, this dance didn't bounce or hop, it glided, and was best enjoyed barefoot in the sand," writes the website. People do the shag to beach music. People can also do the shag to more quickly moving beach tunes, but traditionally, the dance is slower and more relaxed.
The Hula
Get you guests moving their hips by teaching them the hula. The hula dance developed in Hawaii and reflects "the central ideas and events of Hawaiian history," according to the Smithsonian Institute for Folklife and Cultural Heritage website. Ask guests to wear straw skirts and bikini tops, if they wish. Provide flowers for females guests to wear in their hair.
Bonfire Train
The bonfire train dance does not require any instructors or dance lessons. Simply build a bonfire, put on some fast-paced music and lead guests in a conga line around the bonfire. The train can twist and turn on the beach and loop around the bonfire before breaking up and letting guests freestyle dance in the sand.
Freestyle Dance Contest
Reserve part of your night for a freestyle dance contest. Allow guests to show off their signature moves and give extra points to participants who incorporate "beach dance moves." For example, guests should consider the hula, the shag or dances that incorporate fish faces.
Tags: around bonfire, beach party, bonfire train, dance moves, freestyle dance, guests wear