#5: Alcohol
Alcohol used to be really in. And I’m not talking about venues with actual bars. I’m talking about the times you’d sneak it into the Christian-run dance halls, or invite friends to open a bottle of red wine in the back of your Toyota Camry during the dance because you’d never gotten into drinking during high school.
However, as we age, and/or are finally legal, the glitz of being blitzed while dancing diminishes (Really though…What’s more exciting than a spritzy Tom Collins?).
What’s in now? NAKED Juice. With an uber-emo-health conscious focus in today’s lindy hopper, the high level of antioxidants push Naked beverages to the forefront of dance consumption. This expensive all natural alternative has got people excited about their Mango Smoothies. With pounds of fruit in every bottle, who can resist the crazy sugar high of your favorite summer sweets?
#4: Back Pocket Handkerchief
They’re great if you have a sweat problem, and honestly, there’s nothing really wrong with them. Why then, do “advanced” dancers scoff at this back-pocket-item? Perhaps its because it makes you look like you have a tail when your dancing. Perhaps its because it reminds us of a much simpler time in the 90’s when we used to use it as an extension of our connection when we danced. Who knows? Whatever the reason, they’re simply not cool any more.
What is cool? Either a towel and extra shirts in your “dance bag,” or a traditional pocket square. The former is for more casual attire, and the latter you might see when a guy is wearing a suit (awesome). The emphasis on hygiene consisting of more than a handkerchief, and more sophisticated clothing on the dance floor has lead to the demise of the back-pocket-handkerchief.
#3: Bleyers
You can’t throw them away, since you wore them every day from the moment you bought them in 1999 to the night you started doing Lindy Hop. They were the icon of your early years, the gate-key to East Coast swing, unnecessary kicks, and random aerials, when you loved doing the “Peek-a-boo” from a “cuddle.” They were the shoes you wore when you went out into the jam circle to dance the entire song of “Sing, Sing, Sing.”
New footwear? Welcome to the creation of DanceStore.com, where you can find your updated versions of Mary Janes, Cap Toes, Loafers, Wedges, and more! Depending on your needs, Aris Allens may fit the bill, but don’t forget about cool Keds and other sweet hipster shoes. Girls, you might even go for Remix, if you’ve got the money or if Val is around.
#2: Pocket Chain (to watch or wallet)
Favorite to Goths and Swing-Dancers alike, the Pocket-Chain phenomenon (where a chain linked to your belt secured your wallet or watch in another pocket), has since run its course. The cumbersome cheap-looking chains no longer fit into our world of skinny jeans and hipster shirts.
Substitute: For girls: a flower in your hair. For guys: STRIPEY SOCKS!
#1: Myspace
Whereas Myspace once ruled the net as a way to get in touch with that “cute guy/girl you met out dancing when you were visiting x city,” that is no longer the case. Its ugly design, slow layout, and inefficient system cannot keep up with the tech-savvy group who are swing dancers.
Currently Reigning: Facebook. You betcha. The sleeker, modern approach to friending makes this application kick Myspace to the curb. Not only can you rate your friends, you can also BUY them, play Scrabulous with them, and myriads of other helpful things/time wasting. The only downside, however, is that EVERYONE knows the minute your status changes from “in a relationship” to “it’s complicated.”
