Written by: VARAVASA

Dance is one of the most natural forms of self-expression and while we know no two people’s moves are the same we built this list of some of our favorite types of festival dancers. Hope you enjoy it! 

1. Shufflers - To those of you born in the ’90s and beyond, this dance has been around longer than you’ve been alive. Originally the Melbourne Shuffle in the ’80s, it is now more popularly referred to as “cutting shapes,” and is one of the most recognizable EDM dances out there. Shufflers will show you fast heel-toe footwork, with occasional spins, meshed into the heart-pounding tones and bass we all love. This dance emphasizes the individual’s ability to freestyle. We absolutely recommend you check out some of our favorite shufflers in the game… these are the types of dancers that draw crowds for their skilled showmanship. Shout out: @jolieanastasia @savnhale @cici @vansecco @holyshapes @kathryeaddy @marygrace___ @laurencorazza @ciaraloves.u @samantha_dahn @gabbyjdavid @ecruz_n & many more!

1. Headbangers - Where my bass heads at?!?  No festival is complete without bumping into these hype men. Their neglect for CTE, desire to get a “rail spot”, and sole mission of providing the pure energy we all need is truly a thing of beauty. When Busta Rhymes said “Break Ya Fuckin Neck” back in 2001 they not only took it seriously but took it to a whole nother level... and for that we thank them.  

1. Arm Twizzlers - Someone once quoted, life’s a roller coaster, you can either hold on tight or put your hands up and enjoy the ride. These folks are the latter. The Twizzlers are unlike the shuffler whose feet do most of the work.  This dancing style is about the upper body. Waving their arms and hands in their air, they sway like branches in the wind or to those feeling themselves a bit too much, like a blowup doll at your local Honda dealership. If you follow closely though, you will see that they are doing much more than meets the eye. They may believe they are actually conducting the performance in their own mind… To these visionaries, we love you and implore fellow goers to pat them on the back as they perfect their symphony... Just watch out not to spill their molly, I mean vodka, I mean ice water. 

1. Totem Pole Couple - The ultimate duet at any festival comprised of an unsung hero slowly shaking his hips right to left praying his knees don’t buckle and the goddess that rests upon his shoulders waving her hands like Beyonce with all of her single ladies. These two truly are the Yin to the other Yang and while one rises above the crowd and takes in the perfect view the other hopes the deed does not go forgotten when the tent zips up under the stars ;) 

1. Light Performers - Now, the best for last! These are the hoop spinning, poi flowing, space whipping, and glove mesmerizing volunteers that truly give back to the EDM community. Through their vibrant lights, they perform show after show, typically a free spectacle for any passerby. If you are fortunate to meet one of them, you should consider it a gifted from the festival gods. If possible, you must ask one the dancer to blow your mind, and chances are… they will. You will find small crowds circled around these luminescent dancers, sitting in pow wows, just to get a taste of face-melting visuals. We are grateful for the light performers, or “painters of the night” who consistently give back to the scene, elevating everyone’s experiences to a new level. 

Which one are you? Now go dance the night away!