Attending a 21st this weekend? 30th? 50th? Wedding? ANY KIND OF IRISH EVENT WITH MUSIC?
There are 5 main moves that you are going to need to brush up on. Don't stress it though, we're going to talk you through them, step by step.
1) Rock The Boat
That instantly recognisable music fires up. Everyone runs to the dance floor and throws themselves on the ground with unbelievable speed and force. It's all a bit awkward, you've got your legs around a stranger and there's someone behind you holding your hips and you are trying to be cool with it but secretly hoping they don't feel the top of your sucky-inny knickers. No one can actually master the rhythm of 'the boat' though and despite the roars from 'the captain' at the top to 'go left' or 'go right', you all end up flailing around on the floor Until, of course, you get a cramp in your bum and try to haul yourself up with some kind of dignity. It's some craic though. It's a Today FM Christmas Party staple and we even enjoy it on a random Tuesday afternoon too.
2) The Macarena
Everyone knows how to do the Macarena right? WRONG. People just 'think' they can do it. The line of people doing the Macarena on a night out usually consists of a few girls are trying to look sexy whilst wiggling their hips and some lads 'taking the mick' but taking it 100% seriously, concentrating on those moves with sheer determination. It generally ends up being a mix of 75% Macarena, 20% Saturday Night and 5% makey-uppy moves.
3) Sex Bomb
This is when things take a turn for the worst. 'Sex Bomb' comes on and people on the dance floor just lose all sense of decency. Everyone thinks they can give Tom 'Snake Hips' Jones a run for his money. Your Mam is thrusting. Your Uncle is gyrating. John from up the road is looking at you with a frightening intensity in his eyes. People are throwing themselves wildly around the room. It's all a bit uncomfortable but if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
4) The obligatory AC/DC moment
Everyone loves a bit of AC/DC. Even when they say they don't. This is a typical 'end of the night' song. One trouser leg rolled up, tie around head, sure why not?! Air guitars are being played by men, women and children alike and there's that unmistakable move that people attempt but rarely actually pull off. You know the one, the one footed hop with air guitar. The sales of Halls Soothers go up 76% after every Irish wedding because people are actually hoarse from screaming AC/DC lyrics.
5) The Conga Line
It starts with great enthusiasm. Five or six people tear off into the mist, hanging onto each other for dear life, throwing a leg to the left or the right here and there. Then there are usually three of four people frantically trying to catch up / hold onto someone. Eventually, the whole sorry affair ends up being three separate chains of people halfheartedly jogging around the room until everyone finally gives up the ghost.
