A guide to Global Dance Festival
As Global Dance Festival draws nearer — the festivities start tomorrow — it’s time to wipe off those cha cha heels and prep for a weekend of nonstop EDM music and, as the name suggests, dancing your queer little asses off.
Headliners include Above & Beyond, who ranked 29th on DJ Magazine‘sTop 100 DJs Poll in 2015; Grammy-nominated DJ Snake, who flawlessly merges hip hop and EDM; and Knife Party, who is best known for producing tongue-in-cheek festival anthems including EDM Trend Machine and PLUR Police.
Alongside the headliners this year, GDF has a slew of acts that will have you screaming ‘YAS’ the entire time. Get tickets for all three days to see the likes of 12th Planet, Anna Lunoe, AutoErotique, Boombox Cartel, Bear Grillz, Brillz, Cash Cash, Dash Berlin, Ephwurd, Fransis Derelle, Four Color Zack, Hermitude, Jack Novak, Jackal, Malaa, Phutureprimitive, Skydyed, Slumberjack, Terravita, Tritonal, Troyboi, Unlike Pluto, and W&W.
For those that have never experienced such an event, sit down, grab a pen, and take notes.
Get in drag
No, I’m not talking about sporting a wig, heels, and a tucked penis all weekend. But, if that’s your style then by all means stack those wigs and serve it. Drag is about dressing up, being yourself, and having a good time. Wearing glow bracelets is drag. Sporting temporary tattoos is drag. Hell, rubbing dirt on your face and running around in panties is drag. So take some time to properly prep your outfits for each day. If you want to really impress, wear something that flows to expand your dance repertoire and pull a full Stevie Nicks.
Kiki with strangers
The beauty of Global Dance Festival is the fact that every single person is there to have a good time so it’s easy to make new friends — even if the relationship only lasts a few minutes. The mutual admiration for the music on the stage or the way you move your bodies, a bond is formed. Take advantage of these bonds. Strike up conversation with a stranger. Join a dance circle where you know no one. Be polite to everyone you meet, and the experience will exponentially better for all.
Feel the music
This year’s lineup is filled with talented artists from all over. Not every performance will be your cup of tea, but respect the people on the stage and those that came to see them. This entails snapping a few quick pictures in the beginning, and then storing your phone in your back pocket. How many times are you going to watch an 11 minute video of Above and Beyond. Be in the moment and connect with the people that surround you.
Dance your ass off
Whether your rhythmically challenged, or flawlessly execute Beyonce’s Partition choreo, embrace your body and the moves that spew out of you. Help Global live up to it’s name. If you don’t know how to dance, draw inspiration from these kweens.
