Dirty Dancing Teenagers Bring Homecoming to a Halt at NH School

Students at Concord High School in Concord, NH, are upset with the principal and school officials because student dances are now in jeopardy. Last weekend about 350 students attended the first dance of the school year. Just moments after the music began, the adult chaperones at the dance asked about a dozen students to leave because they were dancing inappropriately. In a show of solidarity and anger, about 150 other students left the school along with the ones who were asked to leave.

The inappropriate dancing in question is a style of dancing known as "grinding," which administrators say mimics a sexual act. Grinding, which students say is common among teens these days, involves one person—usually a girl—standing in front, and another person—usually a boy—standing in the back. The two gyrate against each other, their bodies pressed together closely in rhythm to the music.

Although students are upset about school officials criticizing their grinding, administrators say that the movements are too overtly sexual for a school function. The Concord High School dance policy states, "Acceptable behavior must be demonstrated by all students in attendance. All dance styles must comply with standards of modesty and safety. Dance partners must face each other." The movements in grinding clearly violate school policy.

As a result of the controversy, Principal Gene Connolly said that all of the dances at the school have been canceled, and homecoming has been postponed. Students say the adults are making a big fuss out of nothing, because they dance the way they want to just to have fun. Freshman Jack Parlier told reporters, "I think we should be able to dance how we want. We’re in high school now—not like we’re going to do anything bad." Senior student Cassie Thomas agreed. "I don’t think it’s a big deal, no harm. (We’re) not going any further than just dancing."

But administrators say that grinding is against school policy and is serious business, and children need to comply with school rules. The school met with students and parents Tuesday to see if a compromise could be reached, but so far that hasn’t happened. Principal Connolly told parents that if they had seen the dancing themselves, they would have been offended and concerned. He said that if the opposing sides are able to reach a compromise, the school will reschedule homecoming.

Some students and parents say that grinding is just a sign of the times that parents have to accept, like the jitterbug and disco dancing once were. But Dr. Christine Rath, superintendent of the Concord school system, said that a large part of the district’s education responsibility is teaching children to respect community boundaries.