Sir, can I dance on the stage?

S: If you know me, then it should not be a surprise that my first post is on the art of the platform dancin. Shocking. However, I found a new high this weekend that I would like to share and pass on to all you platform lovas and hatas. Check out these shenanigans.

A typical Saturday night in DC = nothing special. Same crowd of mildly stylish people mingling and dancing to techno jamz. Let's not forget about the green laser beams that ridiculous clubs like Ultrabar impose on my dancin eye. My expectation and excitement for the night merely centered around my new skinny jeans, at least one dry gin martini (extra olives), and my close circle of friends. Nothing to lose control about. We all know the feeling.

However, this night took a new turn when I was introduced to....The Vegas Lounge. Get serious...if you hate this place then you obviously were either denied entrance or are just..strange. Because this place was awesome for a number of reasons...well-dressed crowd, friendly bartenders, I saw W&L people outside of Glover park / Gtown, and....A MOTOWN BAND ON STAGE. I had stepped back into college...except, as one w&ler stated, the band was better. Now if you have ever seen me "by night", you will know that i always take a quick surveillance of the area to count the number of platforms/potential platforms and the ones that i should take by storm. Literally. There is almost ALWAYS a platform in the place. And if there isnt, I make one. D and I even discussed getting a small wooden box to bring to homecoming and place in the midst of dfloors. Unfortunately, we couldnt make this arrangement since HC was a last minute decision this year. Thankfully, pumptown came to it's senses and built it's own platform this year. Drama avoided.

Anywho, i could tell when I walked into vegas lounge on P that the stage was going to be a bit of an issue. Bring on the challenge! First of all, the 7 member band was kind of overwhelmin the stage with all their instruments and wires. No room for dancin. Second, there were desperadoes lining the front of the stage with hands outreached. I call these "stage clingers." They never actually get on stage...they just thirst for it. Hard. It's okay if you have no desire to get on stage and think it's ridiculous. But it is NOT okay to be a stage clinger. They just get in the way and block the entrance. Third, after a few songs where i was able to push my way to the front of the stage with my group of 5, i saw several girls request to stage dance and get turned down. SHAMEFUL. That could NOT be me.

It was then that i mentioned to my friends that, yes, i would get on stage. how? im not sure. but it was gonna happen.

Just to clarify before going forward, the need to get on stage or be above everyone else in the party, surveying the crowd, is global. If you don't think this is true, look around next time you go out. There will be a girl or two on some couch, platform, raised surface, etc. or some guy fist pumpin. However, not all are worthy to be on stage. Again, it's an art. So no judgin. Don't let the unworthy ruin it for the rest of us.

So to wrap up my babble, i spotted a tambourine...my first contact and attn grabber from the band. Once i had the tambourine, i carefully made eye contact with the lead vocalist and guitarist and pointed to them like "hey, you want this on your stage." and sure enough, the lead guitarist reached out his hand and led me up the steps. BAM! The moment was perfect. Lots of pleading eyes ...sad eyes..watched as i danced appropriately, pointed at various friends in the crowd, shook the tambourine into the mic, and flung matilda (aka tilly, my oversized clutch) around for all to see. After one song, i gracefully left the stage. All it takes. all. it. takes.

In my head, people wanted to meet me after this dance slash were mistaking me for a celeb. Now, i know that ...realistically, they were probs thinkin "who is this girl? how old is she? are we still in college?" etc etc. But those thoughts dont come across my mind and hence, i gots NO shame.

Anyway, so whether or not this is a glowing review of The Vegas Lounge (illll be back!) or an enlightening story about stange dancin...idk. What i DO know is this: if you ever go out with me in any vicininty and a platform presents itself, just know that I'm thinking --> dont mind if "ado"!