'Freak dancing' at Monta Vista becoming problem

Think of the bumping and grinding moves of a Las Vegas pole dancer. Think of lap dancing standing up. That's "freak dancing," a trend among many high schoolers nationwide, including those at Monta Vista High School.

Freak dancing grew out of the media and Internet culture that confused freedom of speech with freedom from morality. So now when you put 1,000 teenagers in a hot sweaty gym, add music and mix in adults who fear looking authoritative, you turn the traditional high school dance into a freaking spectacle.

I have spoken to numerous Monta Vista students who said it is common knowledge among students that the "Welcome Back Dance" is nicknamed "Freshman Rape Dance." As one student explained to me, we use the word casually like "I raped that test!" When I heard this my level of concern grew exponentially.

At the October PTSA meeting, several parents expressed their concerns about freak dancing. Most of the parents were unaware of this dance style and were surprised to learn that it has been an issue at Monta Vista for more than five years.

Parents shared similar stories about their teenagers going to their first dance and refusing to discuss why they won't attend again. The administration needs to notify all parents about freak dancing so that parents can have an opportunity to discuss it with their sons or daughters.


Monta Vista does have a dance policy and the administrators speak to each class about appropriate behavior. Students attending the dance are given a wristband, which is cut off after one warning, and they are asked to leave after a second. Their parents are then called.

The school also tries to discourage freak dancing by providing brighter lighting, playing music without a pounding beat or stopping it when needed. In addition, other activities are offered, such as ping pong, basketball and photo booths. This would seem to be an effective way to diminish freak dancing.

However, after the last homecoming dance, I spoke with several students who thought that the chaperones were lacking a strong presence and their perception was that most students were freaking. There are up to 1,200 students attending the major dances with 16 chaperones. Parents are not allowed to attend or chaperone dances, so they must rely on conflicting reports from the administration and their students.

Some schools have greatly diminished freak dancing by stopping dances when needed and sending students home. Other times, the dance is cancelled altogether until the administration and student leaders come up with a more effective plan.

Schools have reported success in requiring students and their parents to sign a contract that spells out acceptable behavior and is geared towards eliminating lewd conduct. Other measures include requiring face-to-face dancing exclusively. In addition, some schools hold dances just for freshmen and sophomores.

It is my opinion that the Monta Vista High School administration needs to take bolder steps to address this issue. Communicating with parents would be the first step.

If you are a concerned parent, I would recommend that you contact the administration. An informal parent dance committee is being formed and student leaders are currently brainstorming ideas.

Linda Salmon