A hidden talent...

I realize this may sound weird, but I really enjoy going to the gym! To be honest though, the biggest reason I love going to the gym is to listen to my workout playlist on my ipod! Honestly, the songs I have on my list are stellar and as I was running tonight I had the inspiration for tonights post... to share a hidden talent of mine: D.J-ing (as in disc-jockey). Now, I don't really like to brag... but I do honestly have some mad skills at choosing songs for a party that are sure to please the crowd and get everyone up and dancin'.

Yours truly, and it looks like those around me are enjoying my moves too!

(Disclaimer: please keep in mind that these mad skills have been tested at parties no larger than 20, of my close and personal friends, so by mad skills, I may mean mediocre skills coupled with a group of friends who really love me and choose to humor me rather than stand up to me. However, in my defense, Mike and I planned the playlist for our wedding and the dance floor was packed from start to finish.)

For starters, allow me to share some key factors to a great dance party:

1. Play songs that require little-to-no skill. By skills, I mean dancing and singing. The goal is to make people feel as comforable as possible. (Chicks dig guys with good skills.)

2. Songs chosen with care and consideration are guaranteed to bring out the hidden dance moves and/or lyrical knowledge of those in attendance.

3. Be a gracious dj, provide encouragement and dance partners when needed. Some people just need a little nudge.

Mike here shows a great example of, providing encouragement, for your guests. PS- This is at our wedding.

Now for the good stuff... song lists!

List #1

1. Call On Me- Erc Prydz

2. Jump! For my Love- The Pointer Sisters

3. I Wanna Dance With Somebody- Whitney Houston

*You simply can't go wrong with the 80's, safe and inviting for any dance floor. Need an opening line? Try this, "My running man is totally sweeter than your Roger Rabbit. " Boom, instant dance off.

As I said, never hurts to perform in pairs.

List #2

1. Fat Bottom Girls- Queen

2. Come Sail Away- Styx

3. Old Time Rock and Roll- Bob Seger

4. Don't Stop Believin'- Journey

5. We Didn't Start the Fire- Billy Joel

This list is for the crowd that enjoys more rock than bouncy 80's music. At least one of the above songs is guaranteed to unlock burried treasure within your guests... like the guest that is usually poised and presentable who also happens to know all the words to Fat Bottom Girls.

I can't take all the credit for my outstanding talents, this is my father looking pretty rad doing his impression of Pee-Wee Herman

List #3

1. Footloose- Kenny Loggins

2. Yeah- Usher

3. YMCA- The Village People

4. Canned Heat- Jamiroquai

This list is great for any dance floor beginners because they all connect with a familiar dance scene from a movie or otherwise. #2 comes from the movie Hitch when Kevin James shows off his dance floor skills and #4 is the song Napoleon Dynamite dances to at the end of the movie. All songs listed above give guests a great opportunity to show off their hidden talents.

This is quite possible one of the best pictures ever taken of my lovely husband and I. If you can't tell, we are playing the part of The VIllage People. Another key factor for busting a move- showing the passion on your face

List #4

1. I Gotta Feelin'- Black Eyed Peas

2. All These Things That I've Done- The Killers

3. 500 Miles- The Proclaimers

4. Jump Around- House of Pain

Okay, so this list is just a few of my personal favs. Although, the first one and last one are great because you can just bounce up and down with a fist pump and look as skilled as any dancer in a music video. The 3rd one is always a blast.

*Party Challenge: If you have enough people, divide the room in half and have a yell off during the dadalada, call and response part of the song. You can reward the winners with a song of their choice!

Quite possibly the best case for, Guests with Hidden Talents. This is my brother who, until the night of our wedding, selfishly held back his dancing abilities from everyone in the family. He is now famous for his moves on this night

So, I hope I have provided you with a little inspiration for your next get together. Follow the key factors and try a few songs (although a truly skilled dj always reads the crowd to get the musical vibe) and try a few of the songs mentioned, and you'll be on your way to a great time!