Kaitlyn Alexander- Titus // Contributing Writer
On rooftops, subways, and cruise ships all over the world, people are now partying in silence.
On Tuesday, October 6, the Student Programming Council, the Homecoming Council, shop FIU and the Residence Hall Association collaborated to bring University students their first ever “Silent Disco Party.” DJ Grahame and DJ Cammy from the company, Headphone Disco, kept the crowd moving with a wide variety of genres. Everything from hip-hop and R&B to EDM and Pop was played.
Originally, the event was set to take place in the Housing Quad, but due to weather conditions it was relocated to the GC Ballrooms. The doors opened at 7:30 p.m. and the event was catered by Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches.
On this night, students had the opportunity to control how they partied. Through the use of wireless headphones and FM transmitters students were able to choose between two different channels that were playing music spun by two DJs. If you didn’t like a song you could switch to the next channel and find out what’s playing. The audience could even control the volume of the music they listened to, which is perfect for people who are conscious of their hearing.
An event such as this one couldn’t have been done without some strategic planning.
“Actually, we started setting up[for this event] in the summer, so this has been planned months in advance.We contacted Degy Dance, which is the company that provides the headphones and [equipment], then after that we booked the GC Ballrooms.We ended up buying glow items for everyone and then contacting the vendors to work out the logistics,” Natalie Sarracino, the SPC director of the event, said.
Before the event, anticipation and excitement was definitely running high.
“I just want to see what it’s like. I’ve heard about them from other places but I’ve never been to one. I’m just excited to see what happens,” said Savannah Currier, a senior studying Liberal Studies and Philosophy.
According to The New York Times, the first huge “Silent Disco Party” was born in Glastonbury, England in 2005 due to noise complaints. From there it eventually made its way to America via the Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tennessee, where it’s now held annually. Currently, the word on these “Silent” parties is spreading and ushering in a new wave of party. Silent Disco companies have been commissioned for weddings and one University even threw a “Silent Disco Party” in their library during finals week.
“My favorite part was when everybody was dancing to whatever music they had and you’d take off your headphones and everybody would dance to their own rhythm. I loved it,” Samantha Amador, a freshman studying biology, said.
If you missed the event, don’t worry, you may see it advertised again.
“I would love to have this event again. I would love to have it bigger and better,” Natalie Sarracino, the SPC Event Director, said.
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