We know times are hard right now. It feels like this will never end. But, in New Orleans the party never stops. And sometimes, when things get really hard, you just need to turn on some music and dance.
Now that we are all sheltering in place, it’s the perfect opportunity to break out your party shoes, slippers or socks and throw down with a living room dance party.
Dancing is a great cardio workout that releases endorphins while dazzling your family, friends or just your own bad self in the mirror with some fierce jams and killer moves. Plus, it’s one of the only forms of exercise where you can have a lip sync battle, practice your signature karaoke tune and imbibe adult or non-alcoholic beverages while you “work it out.”
And don’t forget the kids! What better time than now to subject them to all your favorite tunes and moves. Don’t believe what they say, they love it! Let them also pick some of their favorite songs, and share in the fun.
- Deck out your “club:”
Dig out your Christmas lights and hang them up around your dance floor/living room to bring color, mood and lighting to the party.
Are you lucky and just plain smart enough to have a mirror ball? Now’s the time to put it to good use.
Leftover Halloween or Carnival glow sticks, colored light bulbs, or anything that brings color and light can set the tone for your party, even if it’s just you and your cat.
- Pick a genre:
Popular themes for music and décor include: 80’s pop, classic disco, bounce, 90’s hip hop. Dig down deep into your old mixed tapes, compilations and high school dance favorites to set a festive mood.
- Keep it cool:
It gets hot on the dance floor, so kick up the A/C or set up some fans so the party can go all. Night. Long. Or until you get tired.
- Refreshments
Chips, whips, chains, dips, you know, the usual party hardy snacks. We love Zapps, Chee Wees, and classic corn chips and dip. Salty treats also make an excellent companion to whatever sweet snacks you have on hand. (It’s ok to break out the Easter candy, shhh, we won’t tell.)
Here’s a recipe for easy sliders that kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy. And here’s a pimento cheese recipe that’s perfect for an indoor party picnic.
Don’t feel like cooking? Try ordering take out salsa, queso, guacamole, sandwiches and pizza from your favorite neighborhood restaurant. They will appreciate your business, and you don’t have to get your kitchen dirty. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
What to drink? You can’t have a dance party without lots of libations, both alcohol and zero-proof. Party punch, beer, wine, lemonade or iced tea all provide refreshment when things get moving and grooving. Here are some fruity fun drink recipes for everyone at the party, from kids to teens and adults.
- Keeping Things Civil
Be sure to be respectful of your neighbors. If you live in an apartment building, consider calling it a night at a reasonable hour.
Here are some songs that get the party started for our staff. What are you go-to dance off songs? Let us know in the comments.
Playlist:
It Takes Two – Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock
Hot In Here – Nelly
In Da Club – 50 Cent
If I Could Turn Back Time – Cher
Do You Believe In Love – Cher
You’ve Got It (The Right Stuff) – New Kids On The Block
I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
Like a Virgin – Madonna
Living On A Prayer- Bon Jovi
All Night Long – Lionel Richie
Kiss – Prince
Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
Sweet Child of Mine – Guns N’ Roses
Welcome To The Jungle – Guns N’ Roses
Faith – George Michael
Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
Wake Me Up Before You Go Go – Wham!
Addicted To Love – Robert Palmer
Jump – Kris Kross
Say My Name – Destiny’s Child
Survivor – Destiny’s Child
Independent Woman – Destiny’s Child
Dancing Queen – Abba
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
All Lizzo
All Big Freedia
You Make My Dreams Come True – Hall and Oates
1999 – Prince
Physical – Dua Lipa
Hopscotch- Tinashe
Dance to This – Troye Sivan & Ariana Grande
Tempo – Lizzo & Missy Elliott
Do it Again – Robyn & Röyksopp
Good Form – Nicki Minaj
Motivation – Normani
Get our Spotify playlist here