Dancing has long been the ultimate form of expression, a universal language that transcends boundaries. In a world bursting with turmoil and distraction, you'd think music would remain a space of liberation—a place where bodies move instinctively to the rhythm. DJ’s like  Zack Fox , artist like Kelela, and collectives like Soulection are providing the perfect soundtracks for you to move to. Bass lines that groove, beats that command hips to sway, and mixes that beg for uninhibited energy. So why are people not hitting the dance floor like they used to?

The Shift from Physical to Digital

Social media has fundamentally altered how we interact with music. Instead of dancing in the moment, many find themselves eager to document the vibe. This turns a  great DJ set into just another Instagram content opportunity rather than an opportunity to let loose. The dance floor, once a sacred space of collective flow, now doubles as a photo backdrop or a TikTok stage. Instead of giving ourselves over to music, we're curating the perfect FOMO moment for viewers.

Now there is nothing wrong with snapping a few flicks to commemorate the moment but when does the phone get a break?  Whether it’s taking Brohl for their social media or checking social media because “it’s boring” the phones never detach from our hands like an emotional support water bottle.

Cultural Pressures: Cool vs. Free

The dance floor used to be about freedom, but somewhere along the way, it became a place of judgment. The Kaytranada Boiler Room set went viral in 2013 and since then people having been chasing  that main character energy of Shay Lia who has infamously has been dubbed the "Boiler Room Girl".  While that moment introduced the world to one of the best artist of our time,  it unintentionally had an adverse effect. While some have been eternally looking for their “main character moment“ similar collectives to Boiler Room like Apartment Life and Cultur FM are creating pressure to look "cool" or "sexy" while dancing so much so even seasoned partygoers stiffen up.

Cultural shifts in nightlife have also played a role. Bottle service culture and VIP sections create spaces that prioritize looking good over getting sweaty. When club spaces feel like arenas for performance rather than participation, dancing takes a back seat. 

The Pandemic's Lingering Effects

The COVID-19 pandemic forced people out of clubs and onto their couches, replacing dance floors with living rooms. While virtual experience through TikTok live and Instagram live kept music alive, they didn’t replicate the experience of communal dancing.  Now, as live music has returned, many are struggling to reintegrate. The comfort of "dancing alone" has, ironically, made dancing in public feel awkward.

What Can Be Done?

Collectives Like Soulection, dj's like Zack Fox, and artist like Tyler The Creator aren’t the problem—they're the solution. Their music is crafted for movement, with beats that break down barriers of inhibition. But DJs and artists alone can’t revive dance culture. It’s up to the audience to reclaim the floor.

• Leave the Phone Alone: Enjoy being in the moment. Let the beat move you, not your followers.
• Ditch the Judgment: Nobody cares if you're a great dancer—they just want to see you having fun.
• Create Inclusive Spaces: Clubs, event organizers, and even casual party hosts can foster environments where dancing feels natural and safe for everyone.

The antidote to this dance-floor drought lies in the collective. Dancing is a shared language that thrives on connection. If the music isn’t enough to get us moving, maybe we need to examine what we’ve lost in our pursuit of digital validation and hyper-curation. Let’s  put the phones down and rediscover the joy of movement—not just for the artists who work tirelessly to make us dance, but for ourselves.

So the next time “10%” or “Contact” plays, take it as a personal challenge. Don’t hug the wall—dance. The world, and your spirit, will be better for it.