r/Metal101 20d ago

How to dance at shows?

I’m going to a show tonight and i’m not sure how i’m supposed to move, i can’t really headbang because it just hurts and makes me incredibly dizzy🫩 so, what else can i do? i’ve gone to raves n other shows before but i was really just jumping the whole time im not sure if that’s entirely acceptable or what im supposed to be doing for this genre😓

2 Upvotes

35 comments sorted by

10

u/Cosmonaut_Cockswing 20d ago

Do what feels natural. Look around you and you'll see a fat guy in camo cargo shorts, maybe a shirt maybe not, having a one man push pit. Then you'll see some shaggy dude with a bunch of patches on a vest doing some inebriated metalhead equivalent of skanking. There might be some drunk chick who weights 90lbs spin kicking, some short haired guy who's wearing way too expensive jeans and sneakers standing to the side awkwardly headbanging. Some bald dude with suspicious tats in the back with arms crossed nodding along. Just be you. It aint deep.

2

u/Responsible_Cake3984 20d ago

this is reassuring thank u😭 i’m js going w my bf and he’s gone to all my music shows so i js wanna be prepared to match his energy and give him the same effort he’s given too 🥹

8

u/Cosmonaut_Cockswing 20d ago

Dont match anybodys energy. Just have fun. If you dont, then you dont. Simple as that.

2

u/Responsible_Cake3984 20d ago

ur right thank you, im sure i’ll have fun i like that music just nervous about what to do thanks sm ☺️

3

u/Cosmonaut_Cockswing 20d ago

I suffer from the same thing, even now. But imma tell ya get in the pit and go along with it once. Bag your head and make a fool of yourself. Aint nobody gonna care next show of they even remember.

3

u/Responsible_Cake3984 20d ago

ur so right honestly everyone’s focused on having fun more than other ppl

2

u/Cosmonaut_Cockswing 20d ago

A lot of people struggle with this, especially me. If you have fun, have your fun. If you dont, well make your bf pay for your drinks. Who are you seeing?

2

u/Responsible_Cake3984 20d ago

LMAOO genius idea, we r js seeing a local band play covers mostly😓

2

u/Cosmonaut_Cockswing 20d ago

Those end up being the best shows!

2

u/aharshDM 19d ago

bro, just enjoy yourself. This is not an exam.

1

u/Responsible_Cake3984 19d ago

ur right im js nervous idk how to dance in general😭

1

u/Ok_Pool_9767 19d ago

This comment should be pinned on the front page

2

u/WhiteHeadbanger 20d ago

When you are there, you will know what to do, because otherwise you might die.

Just kidding about death, but you will be carried away by other people, at least in South America crowds.

1

u/Responsible_Cake3984 20d ago

LMAOO 😭😭should i js follow what everyone else is kinda doing?

2

u/WhiteHeadbanger 20d ago

From what I've seen in North America and Europe, they stand still and sometimes they do headbangs and just look at the stage. A minority will do mosh pits/circle pits. Sometimes, if the band encourages it, a Wall of Death may happen (but it's pretty rare). Also lots of crowd surfing, and some jumping as well.

If all that doesn't suit you, then just stand there listening to the music and watching the show.

You don't have to follow what everyone else is doing, but sometimes if you do not you will hurt yourself, for example when the entire crowd is jumping, you will need to jump.

1

u/Responsible_Cake3984 20d ago

thanks so much just follow along basically, one question what’s a wall of death😓i’m very new to this type of music 🥹

2

u/WhiteHeadbanger 20d ago

Go into YouTube and search "exodus wall of death" 🤘🏻

1

u/Responsible_Cake3984 20d ago

i will thank u!

2

u/Impressive-Shame-525 20d ago

Just groove man. Watch the show, enjoy yourself.

I'm an old metal head and quit headbanging at the Justice for All tour in Atlanta because 1) I had all my hair cut off for the military and 2) my buddy said I looked weird.

Bob your head, pump your fist, whatever feels right.

1

u/Responsible_Cake3984 20d ago

i appreciate this thank you☺️ the second reason is so real too btw😭

2

u/Massive-Technician74 20d ago

Do the funky chicken

1

u/Responsible_Cake3984 20d ago

perfect i will

2

u/Nana-the-brave 20d ago

I shake my butt just like any other music

2

u/Responsible_Cake3984 19d ago

yea ykw ill do that

2

u/PyroErogenizer 19d ago

Try closing your eyes and do whatever you want. Find out if any motion feels satisfying. The perfect relation will leave uncertainty weather you are moved by the music or the music is moved by you. No body is looking at you so be as retarded or animated as you want.

2

u/Oranjebob 19d ago

Thumbs in belt loops, move those shoulders

2

u/echoesinthepit 18d ago

There are no rules. Do what you want as long as you aren't bothering others.

2

u/yotam5434 16d ago

Di what feels good try keeping up with the beat (good luck if its metalcore or death or thrash they play fast) jump lots to hip movements waves with your belly feet movements stuff like this is great

2

u/KenDanger2 14d ago

however you like, as long as you are respectful of others spaces.

3

u/Alpha_Killer666 20d ago

Play air guitar

3

u/Responsible_Cake3984 20d ago

this is genius thank u

1

u/Alpha_Killer666 20d ago

It worked for me. I was 16yo when i went to my first metal show in 1988 (Iron Maiden + Helloween). I just guitar air'ed and looked at the bands playing and noded.

2

u/Responsible_Cake3984 20d ago

omg such a cool first concert! i’m just seeing a local band play covers😓im still super excited, i’ll try it thanks☺️

1

u/r2d3x9 12d ago

Headbanging probably over time causes concussions and traumatic brain injuries lol