When dancing becomes a grind

By GARY DEMUTH

Salina Journal

Allison Yaple was freaked out the first time she saw a group of kids freak dancing at a freshman dance.

"I thought, 'What is this?'¬ " said Yaple, 18, a senior at Salina Central High School. "The first time I saw it, I was scared. I didn't know what to do."

Freak dancing, also known as grinding, is a sexually suggestive dance style where the girl rubs her rear end against the lower half of her male partner standing behind her. It often is done to the beat of rap or hip hop music, some of which might feature overtly sexual lyrics.

Grinding is popular with students but less so with parents and school administrators, some of whom have discouraged or tried to ban it from school dances.

"Some people get quite intimate on the dance floor," said Kelbi Meier, 18, a senior at Central.

Several Salina students who planned to attend their spring proms this weekend said they don't have a problem with grinding -- as long as they grind with someone they are comfortable with.

"I haven't danced with someone that wasn't a boyfriend," said Salina South High School senior Ashley Vidricksen, 18. "It would be more uncomfortable with someone who was just an acquaintance."

Saturday was prom night for Central and South and Sacred Heart Jr.-Sr. High School.

According to local students who spoke to the Journal, prom attendees are divided into three categories: those who stand on the sidelines and talk or watch others dance; those who hit the dance floor most of the night and either grind, slow dance or just sway back and forth with a partner; and those who wait until fun songs or group dances are played (the "Macarena" or "Y.M.C.A." for example), sending them to the dance floor with friends.

Grinding is popular

Salina South senior Callie Vandegrift, 18, prefers fun pop music and group dancing to grinding with someone she hardly knows.

"Near the end of the dance, they usually start playing more oldies and fun songs," she said. "They once played 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' and we were out there in a humongous circle singing because everyone knows the lyrics. I like goofy dancing, acting like fools."

That's also the kind of dancing Salina South senior Ethan Young prefers.

"The fun, lighthearted stuff is what I like, like the slide and 'Macarena,' " said Young, 17.

Grinding, he said, is more fun to watch than it is to do.

"Sometimes when you look across the dance floor, you want to tell the people to go get a room," he said.

Despite their love for group dances and "fun" music, Vandegrift and Young concede that grinding overwhelmingly is the most popular dance style at today's youth dances.

Had to cancel Sadies

That's mainly because rap and hip hop music, from which grinding developed, is the music of choice for young people today, said Gabe Grant, 18, a senior at Salina Central.

Grant said if grinding were banned from school dances, no one would show up.

"For the Sadie Hawkins dance (in February), they weren't going to have grinding allowed," said Grant, 18. "They sold about 40 tickets and had to cancel Sadies."

Choosing to grind or not to grind generally is about peer pressure, according to Salina Central senior Karissa Spohn, 17. That is, if everyone's doing it, it must be all right.

"If kids see others do it, then they think it's OK," she said. "They don't care if parents or teachers are there. They just go and do their own thing."

Vidricksen has a more philosophical attitude towards grinding.

"If we were the only ones out there doing it, we'd be the skanks (a sexually promiscuous person) of the school. But everyone out there looks like skanks, so we're all right," she said.

But even Vidricksen admitted there's a fine line between everyday grinding and something more graphic.

"When a girl bends down and touches her toes while a guy is behind them, that goes too far," she said.

We know dirty lyrics

The sexually graphic atmosphere often is supplemented by the music. Many rap and hip hop songs are filled with rough language and overtly sexual imagery, and even though censored versions of such songs (known as the "radio" version) are played at most school dances, prom-goers are quick to fill in the "missing words."

In one hip hop song, for example, a lyric states "I want to love you." The word that "love" replaces is much more graphic, a word that kids are not shy about shouting from the dance floor.

"They do take words out and censor them, but people on the dance floor will scream out the censored words," Vandegrift said.

And the chaperones?

And what about chaperones at the dances -- parents and school administrators and teachers? Do they just turn a blind eye to the graphic goings-on on the dance floor?

Yes, most of the time, said Salina South senior Kirsten Keller, 17.

"We get freedom to do the dances that we want," she said. "But there's not a lot of rap and hip hop played while the parents are there. We keep it cleaner while the parents are there, then when they leave it's kicked up a notch."

"I think it can get kind of awkward for the teachers or faculty that has to be there," Yaple said. "They're really there more to make sure no one gets in a fight or anything."

Salina Central principal Stan Vaughn said that while some parents have expressed concern about conduct at dances, there really are no hard or fast rules for dance floor behavior.

"There are times we've had to step in and ask someone to tone it down," he said. "But dances seem to change every year. Things are dealt with as they come up."

Not at Sacred Heart

Grinding is banned altogether at Salina's Sacred Heart Jr.-Sr. High School, a Catholic school. Dancing is monitored, and music with graphic lyrics are avoided, said John Krajicek, Sacred Heart principal.

"We try to do more group dancing and avoid music that may encourage (grinding)," he said. "We think there's enough quality music out there that kids can enjoy and have a good time with."

Each year at Sacred Heart, a student government committee is formed to write a series of guidelines for proper conduct at the spring prom.

"They're checked by the faculty, get approved, and then we announce it to the school," said Sacred Heart senior Ashley Laas, 18, a committee member.

Likewise, the disc jockey at the prom is instructed to select music appropriate for a high school dance rather than play censored songs, said Sacred Heart senior Katelyn Schmidtberger, 17.

"We still play songs that are popular now, that everyone can enjoy," she said.

In the end, everyone goes to prom knowing the rules of conduct, or they don't go at all, said Mo Mikinski, 18, a Sacred Heart senior.

"Prom is what you make of it," she said. "It's supposed to be fun for everyone. You really go to prom to dress up and to be with your friends."

Paradoxically, a lot of kids choose to grind to avoid intimacy with their dance partners.

"It's awkward to slow dance with someone and not talk, and if you don't know each other well, you can run out of things to talk about," Vandegrift said. "Or if you have to stand there and gaze into each other's eyes, it can be uncomfortable."

Boys won't bust a move

For Salina dance teacher Audrey Umekubo, it's a shame that so many kids are afraid of facing each other to dance a classic swing or waltz.

"In today's industrial society, they're missing that touch of two partners dancing together in a creative way," she said.

And touch doesn't mean rubbing nether regions against each other, either.

"It's such a human need to be touched, but in an appropriate way," she said.

Umekubo, who teaches private ballroom dancing as well as swing, tango, waltzes and other standard dance techniques, believes many kids today -- especially guys -- are afraid to try classic dances because they think they're too difficult to learn.

"If you have to move with a partner, instead of dancing by yourself, it's more challenging and takes more thought," she said. "But if the dances are taught in a simple way, I think people would be surprised at their own abilities."

Umekubo also is an Art Infusion instructor through the Salina Arts and Humanities Commission. Periodically, Umekubo goes into Salina public schools to teach fourth- and fifth-grade students classic dance moves. At some point, she would like to offer dance instruction to junior high and high school students for proms and other student dances.

"There has been an interest shown," she said. "Guys are beginning to see that it's not a wimpy thing to do."

Central senior Meier believes it would be really cool if, during a prom, a couple broke out a swing move or a tango on the dance floor.

"If you're grinding, you really don't have to do anything -- you just move back and forth," she said. "Girls would be so flattered if guys would bust out a dance move. I know I would be impressed."

nReporter Gary Demuth can be reached at 822-1405 or by e-mail at gdemuth@salina.com.

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A product of the 70's says....
This all goes back to "no respect" for others,parents, teachers,and etc. but more importantly GOD. HE is missing from society! The world is going to heck in a basket and right here in Salina, KS the middle of the U.S. of A. Show some respect and things will change.
10/9/2009

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miss senior girl says....
ok you guys are so wrong this is the way we dance if you don't like it im sorry. but we gonna keep doing and truthfully there not a thing you can do. so get over yourself stop judgin us. thats what all the parents do im a senior in high school and i wont let this whole dancin rule stop me we will just keep going on. we will throw our own party and there not a thing you or anyone can do. the rave was amazing and pretty sure that will keep going. sorry for you parents who are wayy to up tight and are gonna protect your children from whats out there. your kids not gonna be there forever and you can protect them all you want but when they leave they are gonna wanna do it more. i would think you would rather them do it while your around but whatever parents your welcomed to come see how it really works. its not like we are havin sex.?? and you guys are saying that its going to make us want sex more. people wake up teens are gonna have sex no matter what you say. so get over yourself. and let kids be kids
10/8/2009

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Our View says....
Well I know this may shock all of you but I am a 13 year old girl and I grind at my school dances. So does everyone else in my middle school. But its not like a guy walks up to a girl and says "hey, you wanna grind". Me and my friends just go out on the dance floor to dance and have fun. All of us dance by swinging our hips like you would see when a guy and a girl dance. Then sometimes a guy comes behind you and starts dancing.. so you notice and just do the same thing you were doing earlier with a guy behind you. I seriously dont see the sexuality in it. Yes we are "grinding" body parts together but we're just doing it for fun. Its our form of dancing. NOT to be suggestive. Teachers do watch and are sometimes surprised but even teachers sometimes come out on the dance floor and grind (not with the students.. with other teachers). And also just because Im younger, dont assume that I dont realize what I am doing.
6/20/2009

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Informed Individual says....
To the poster who called me blind...I see a womans rear-end touching the thighs of the man in the pic..what can you see...do you see a man's private area being touched..can't tell from the pic can you...You assume..without learning the dance.
6/18/2009

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Informed Individual says....
Im not promoting teenage sex..simply pointing out that it is legal and you are worried about a dance. Many dances can get you aroused..not just grind..many dances are very sensual...which leads to arousal..they are just not as blatant about it. SO ARE you saying we need to outlaw dancing? Dancing..nor grind necessarily leads to sex..or do you sterotype everything?
6/18/2009

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says....
YES THEY CAN HAVE SEX LEGALLY AND WE ALL GET TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR KIDS THAT THEY ARE HAVING...when they should be in school and not have sex and babies for society to support...sounds like your an idiot promoting teenage sex...and you claim to be so INFORMED...get over yourself and stop promoting teenage sex and babies for for society to support..they sure aren't working going to school and having sex ..and taking full support of the babies...society is is paying the dr bills and feeding the babies ..so they can do the grinddddddd...after all they are 16 and old enough to have sex as you say INFORMED...so why should adults care what they do ...
6/17/2009

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says....
look at the photo ...you are the blind one ..the womens behind is grinding his front...why the heck do you think its called the grind...daugh and yes I see the dancing all to much ..and its sick so called dance ...if you want to get aroused go behind closed doors pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee
6/17/2009

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Informed Individual says....
Grinding does not necassarily mean that a woman is rubbing the back side against a man's private area -- just the general area. You would know this if you took the time to actually learn the dance -- Yes it is a dance, plain and simple -- days of kids doing the waltz, two-step or many other types of dance are gone. Second -- There is a difference between using a boy touching the back-side of a girl getting in trouble elsewhere but not in the dance is not a double standard -- It is called two consenting individuals. You all do realize that the legal age of consent in the state of Kansas is 16. So why are you making a big deal about a dance when legally they could/can go out and have sexual relations -- Now who is being hypocritical?
6/17/2009

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says....
yes its UNCALLED FOR...kids should not be rubbing any of their private parts on each other ..theres no call for it and thats not called dancing get real people ..and than parents complain when they have sexual contact ...well they have sexual contact on the dance floors at school why not in private also ...its sick..that should not be allowed..if the teenager was at the park and touch a girl on the behind he would get into trouble but its ok if they are dancing ..double standards
6/16/2009

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Informed Individual says....
Grinding has been going on for at least 20 years -- and people are complaining now -- that is a little idiotic. I graduate in 1992 from central and we were doing it then. Grinding involves more moves than just rubbing your backside into the front side of a person. Doing the dance correctly can/does require coordination just like most other dances. Those that are complaining about grind..catch up with times -- don't stay isolated out of your children's lives -- talk with them openly about what they are doing, with an open mind... You will complain alot less if you do.
6/16/2009

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#76 says....
I dont understand why this is such a big deal. Its just a dance nothing more, put yourself in our shoes for a minute. Honestly if you think you wouldnt have done this at a dance then you just lied almost everyone has. As for switching up dance moves.. we are not afraid they are conmplex, there not that complicated there just not cool now-a-days times have changed people we are taught differnt we all react differnt no one person is the same. Im go to salina south and im seen many things that are way worse than grinding why complain about dancing when you should complain how every winter after the snow melts it comes through the roof? or how things are stolen every year because people cant keep there hands to themselfs and out of peoples stuff.Or our "gangs" just a bunch of kids who think they are cool and hardcore? So why choose grinding when there are better things to be complaining about.
6/15/2009

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Jeremy says....
Welcome to Kansas!
6/14/2009

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Johnny Blaze says....
Good god! What is wrong with you people?! Children and teenagers are being raped and molested everyday (even in Salina) and you people want to complain about them having a little consensual fun? Let's demonize grinding because it's sexual and leads to "other things"? News flash people, teenagers have been having sex long before I was a teenager and have been ever since. I was 13 when I lost my virginity, and that was out of my own curiosity. Grinding and "that dirty sexy rap music" had absolutely nothing to do with it. Kids enjoy sex just as much as "adults" do and while they might not always make the best decisions, most "adults" don't either. Like making this topic something even newsworthy. Times are changing. Ever heard of the old saying, "If you keep telling a kid not to do something, and keep telling them how bad and awful it is, they're going to want to do it even more"? Think about it. Choose your battles and quit encouraging your kid's school to become your own private gestapo. Just don't let the kids get within thirty feet of each other at dances and don't play any music. Problem solved. Please won't somebody think of the children?!
6/13/2009

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Ridiculous says....
Of all the problems going on in the school system now a days, this is seriously the one everyone wants to sit and complain about. What about all the kids dropping out, ditching, test scores falling, or the fact that anymore you can't even make enough money to keep the extra activities going which sends kids to do other things. Seriously people grow up. Its a dance, are world has bigger problems to take care of.
6/13/2009

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Just Me says....
Remember that movie? Oh what was it called? Oh yeah "Dirty Dancing"! Remember how the "women" went crazy about Pat? Not to mention how the "women" acted when Billy Ray came out? Now come on! Most of you on here remember the 80's! Hair Bands! The "women" went nuts! Get a life! If you don't want your kids doing this then put them in private school! Or lock them up in their rooms, home school them! Keep them far away from all the bad things in life, so they can just turn around and be just like you!
6/12/2009

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go says....
This is ridiculous lol if feels good i went to prom and it was allowed just dont have parents come and watch. This is having fun, there have always been dances that have been sexually suggestive
6/12/2009

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As for me and my house.... says....
All I have to say is that the girls that were grinding in high school when I was there, were the same ones in hotels/cars/tents/sleeping bags/bathrooms/ and even behind the bleachers later in the night with the guys that were grinding with them. A girls willingness to grind was directly related to her wilingness to more! Some things never change! And you can bet that my girls do not do whatever they want regardless!!(yadig). Spare the rod, spoil the child!!
5/2/2009

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... says....
This has been going on for YEARS...Tell me how it is a problem? Kids will be kids...
5/2/2009

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AM 17 or something says....
Haha! I agree with Amber!!!! Hahahaha!
4/30/2009

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Amber says....
OMG!!! SALINA NEEDS TO WAKE UP ALREADY! This has been going on for YEARS!!! they are just dancing! This is example number 50987 why kids from Salina feel like they are on a short leash and then wild-out when they go to college. To the parents...you can lead a horse to water but you cant make them drink. I'm 23 years old my high school class danced like this too. And when my kids get to high school they probably will as well, do I like that idea...no. will I write up a article about it in the paper? Heck No!! They will do it whether their parents like it or not so save some grey hairs can get over it!
4/30/2009

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New Generation says....
i honestly believe that this isnt a big issue.kids are going to do what they want...parents who did the twist and all that back in there day..that was your guys generation this is our generation and we are just tryin to have the time of our lifes..no one is doing anything wrong and if we really was tryin to act sexual and what not dont you think we would just got out there and do it....no one is concerned about makin it look sexual it is just the new generation..thats all..
4/30/2009

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Mark L says....
I went to Sacred Heart and if they have allowed sexually explicit lyrics and grinds on their dance floor, then they might as well distribute condoms and Playboy magazines too. They've lost their religion.
4/29/2009

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AM 17 or something says....
Do you really think that all this is going to fix anything.. you people are just sitting at home and complaining but if it is really upsetting you, you would go out and take it to the real authority. So it doesn't really seem to matter what is said here. But the fact that I am writing on here comes after the fact that i had a nice chat with a principal about it. I still believe that its okay to grind, I was grinding at prom and I was doing it with my friends that are girls, it was nothing! It's just a way to dance and is not restricted to girl on guy! We had a whole stinking train of girls grinding! and it was all for fun not for "Sexual Release" please give me a break, the kids that needed/got a sexual release that night were not at prom! get over the dancing you've done it to... In fact on Monday night they grinded on Dancing with the Stars, a PROFESSIONAL dancing show. And if we want to get in on dirty dancing, just watch that show. My mom almost has a heart attack everytime she watches it! And that is condsidered okay! I believe you also missed the fact that if you ban kids from grinding at dances there will be no more dances in the end. Would you rather me at prom grinding with my clothes on or out at some party getting drunk and getting into a wreck causing you to pay tax dollars to clean up my mess. Pick and choose your battles please. And something tells me you weren't an all innocent child who did nothing like grinding or anything at your dances. you stood a good arms length apart right?
4/29/2009

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Chubby Checker says....
I lived thru the twist and the swim and other dances, and there were NO calls to ban those dances. The grind is the sex act with clothing optional and it should be banned from school dances along with the hip hop sex lyrics.
4/28/2009

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Passed Out says....
When I was 17 and if a girl did this to me, I would have passed out in sixty seconds, if you know what I mean. The school principals need to ban the grinding moves from school dances. Take it to the Sleazy Motels.
4/28/2009

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student says....
Some of the people quoted have acctually tought me how to grind....HEHE
4/28/2009

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still classy says....
As a mother of an 8 year I now know what I get to look forward to, NO ONE TAKING ANY RESPONSIBILITY. As a sixteen year old I knew better. I made my own choices with the influences of my peers, parents, and God. You can take this subject to any level you want, but remember it is only you that decides how you act. I could care less if you grind. Just remember years later your peers will remember that and may not give you an oppurtunity because of your character in the past. If you want to have fun, do it. Your actions will always be with you.
4/28/2009

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smsr says....
Anyway you look at it, it is completely inappropriate! It's not just South and Central, Sacred Heart has inappropriate activity going on too! In fact, the homecoming dance last year had music that was nothing but rap like and sexual lyrics and odd dancing going on! So, let's say they aren't all what they say they are over there at Sacred Heart! Also, I think that the administration should do more, but honestly they don't care and some of the teachers are not only watching but participating too! So, when you have adults that participate, whether by watching or doing, then kids think it's okay too! My children are horrified by it and truly I think it took our oldest a week or more to pick his mouth up off the floor, because he said it was unbelievable and disgusting! I believe that if us parents raise our children correctly, which we are truly blessed as parents to have great kids, that by being parents instead of friends, and teaching what is appropriate and not and talking with our children, makes a difference! My children have yet to participate in this type of behavior and have spoken up on behalf of their beliefs, but the administration still hasn't listened! So, it is time to wake up Salina, especially school board and administrators, that you have issues in this school district and you need to address them! When people contact you take the time to listen and/or contact them back!
4/28/2009

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oldngrey says....
wasn't this crap already covered in the movie "Footloose"?
4/27/2009

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Texas Boi says....
we do the same thing over here. u have to know they take cell phones,make dress codes and now this ? really??? what are u gonna take next?
4/27/2009

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Am 17 or something says....
Oh lord people if this is really all you have to do with your life is sit on you tush and complain about things that have absolutely nothing to do with you then you are just sad...
4/27/2009

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YaHeardMe says....
To Yadig: there's no such thing as being prepared for parenthood. WHEN you grow up, you too will realize that you can't possible make yourself ready for what your children will do. Especially when they reach the age that you are at now, because you obviously feel like you are capable of doing whatever you like. Just keep in mind there's a difference between having a good time and acting decent in certain situations (school dances) and letting loose later, saving the grind for the club.
4/27/2009

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yadig says....
wow i think you parents need to know that us kids are gonna do what we want reguardless.. if grinding is bad, then you arnt prepared to take on the responsibility of a parent. BE PREPARED
4/26/2009

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WHO-- Is In Charge??? says....
TO SouthHighGrad, You are very observant. This is exactly what has happened. The parents and the teachers/administrators have dropped the ball.
4/25/2009

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Granma Sharon says....
In the late fifties and into the sixties when I was in high school the twist hit the dance floor. Some said it was dirty or suggestive but at least with all of the twirling a couple never touched anything more than their hands. I'd never heard of grinding until I read the story in the Salina Journal and I certainly wouldn't like to see teenagers doing that dance. It has to look like a sex act with the two people involved wearing clothes instead of a school dance.
4/24/2009

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says....
The responses here kindof remind me of when parents freaked out over Elvis's pelvic gyrations. Get a grip people. Some dances have always been suggestive.
4/24/2009

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Not shocked at THIS generation. says....
Grinding isn’t the disease it’s only a symptom. How about we make it illegal for parents to discipline their children? Oh yeah, that's already a problem. If you people would quit spoiling your brats they would know better!! Let’s buy them whatever they want and let them act however they want wherever they want. Teachers and administration have no power; the parents will run to the school and throw a hissy because you hurt their feelings or gave them too much homework. Yes, we did the grind when we were younger, but we didn’t talk back to our parents and we were taught there was a time and a place. Yes, this isn’t the moldy oldies, but there are a lot worse things out there these days other than not being allowed to act like a hooker in public. Parents - Have you bought your two-year-old a data capable cell yet? NO?!? You should be ashamed; you’re going to give them a complex!
4/24/2009

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Herr Kommissar says....
It seems like only yesterday that my parents were trying to get the twist and the swim banned. Keep up the good work Salina, if you keep banning stuff at the rate you have been, you will become the first city in the nation to turn communist. I don't believe I have seen such a ban happy group of people for over forty years!!!!
4/24/2009

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SouthHighGrad says....
First of all, this is only a HUGE issue because the Salina Journal has pointed it out. If this really was that big of a deal to parents and teachers, where were you when they were doing this? Did you bother to make your presence known? Did you bother to stop them in the act and make it known that it's inappropriate at a public dance? I'm not putting all the blame on the parents or the teachers, but to just stand there and point fingers and whine and not do anything about it..really? YOU are the TEACHER/PARENT!! You still have some authority to pull the kids aside and stop them when they are doing something wrong. If you have time to whine about kids doing bad things, then you should direct that energy towards correcting the problem.
4/24/2009

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greeneyes64 says....
I think it's disgusting. Nothing is sacred now days. Nothing left to the imagination. That's why there are so many screwed up relationships and divorces.
4/23/2009

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says....
You can't fool Mother Nature. This is called foreplay, plain and simple. And foreplay leads to, yes, PLAY. A young woman grinding her bottom against a young man's crotch is going to rev the ol' engines.
4/23/2009

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Janice says....
I think it's the reality of what teachers and proffessors teach and condone in our education system.A sign of the times.
4/23/2009

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says....
A lot of these adults that have such a problem did the same things or worse when they were in high school. What makes them so self ritious? It's out there weather they like it or not so they need to get over it. If they have such a problem with it the adults need to talk to their kids about it.
4/23/2009

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In Shock says....
I am in utter shock to see so many comments from people that are encouraging this behavior. I understand the parent's perspective that kids are doing the "dirty" already, but is it not sacred anymore? It should be between the two people involved and not displayed for the world to see. Children need to be taught modestness. It seems to me that the children in this situation have all of the control and the parents and school district have thrown up their hands because the children have decided to throw a temper tantrum. I didn't let my kids have their way at age 2 when they threw their temper tantrums and I don't plan on starting now. The behavior by the students, the administration and the parents, is appauling!!
4/23/2009

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Whose to know says....
Personally, coming from a teen, I think this is rather disgusting and vulgar. Its not cute, and does it even get enough credit to be called "dancing" ? I doubt it. It worries me for the future, that this is the generation to lead us on, and I am surely ashamed to be a part of it. Grow up and HAVE SOME CLASS.
4/22/2009

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says....
The only reason there isnt grinding at sacred heart is because of where its held at. plus it happens jus like it does at public school. i kno i attended both schools!
4/22/2009

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40something says....
jeez people, give it a break. i swear, some of you folks take a negative view of every thing you can. doesn't seem to even matter what the subject is. Salina is full of whiners that most of which have been involved in far worse things than they whine about. when they actually start stripping on the dance floor then start whining. till then, give em a break.
4/21/2009

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grinder says....
Everybody that is worried about the grinding needs to get a life. This is the reason that parents should not even be allowed into prom to watch for a little while, because they critique the grinding going on. If it is the parents or grandparents that are complaining then they should talk to their OWN kids about grinding. All of the old timers need to realize that we aren't stuck in the olden days and need to catch up or shut up!
4/21/2009

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Parent of a 19, 18, and 16 says....
OMG - it's just a dance. You all don't think that these kids are not out doing the dirty already? They don't need a frickin dance to put ideas in their heads. Geez, get in the real world here.
4/21/2009

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thankfully former Salinan says....
First there are drag queens at the River Festival, now the kids are grinding. Good Lord...what is this world coming to?!??! Come on Salina, it's the 21st century. I'm sure it's just another fad...like that evil rock and roll music and will go away soon. Oh wait, I hate to tell you, but we were grinding back at Chevy's in the late 80's too.
4/21/2009

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grandpa@40 says....
Everythings cool!! We'll just add more daycare space to the high schools. If they're "acting out" on the dance floor, they're probably doing worse in private. This just another example of the animals being in charge of the zoo! There's been WAY too much of the "turning a blind eye" in society these days! Been there, done that, own the t-shirt.
4/21/2009

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Dee says....
who cares
4/20/2009

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dano says....
in the 70's we did this facing each other. it was called "slow dragging" remember that??
4/20/2009

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says....
Agreed...the adults in charge make the rules...why do children believe they have power...get a grip...kids..grow up, pay taxes, contribute..then u can have a say.
4/19/2009

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salina teen says....
Where am I supposed to upload my prom pictures? You're running this ad in the paper that says you can upload prom pictures, but as hard as I look I can't seem to find where to upload them or where to view the pictures others have uploaded. The search function doesn't seem to work. I can't even find the pictures from last year (and there were a LOT of them). If you're trying to get young people like me to use your site you have to make it far, far more user friendly than it is. Seriously, why would anyone bother? I guess I'll just put them on my FB page instead.
4/19/2009

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blueowl90 says....
Grinding has been going on for years at high school dances. It certainly was the primary form of dancing when I was in school. I love how people only get outraged about it when the Salina Journal points it out. Seriously, don't waste your energy. It's not a huge moral crisis that needs to be solved. People that are comfortable dancing that way will and those that aren't won't.
4/19/2009

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says....
The reason why Central canceled the February dance had nothing to do with grinding at all. No one ever said that "grinding" would be prohibited. The dance was canceled purely because there were a lot of other activities going on that weekend. The adults who disaprove of "grinding" did far worse back during their tenure. Also I know for a fact some of the people who disapprove are the same people who cheat on their husbands and wives. Since when did they become the moral authority?
4/19/2009

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Amused says....
One might be tempted to think we've add pole-dancing as a vocational program. Businesses contributing donations and community members supporting fund drives for prom ought to know that it's far worse than the photo depicts. Guy's hands are frequently waaaaay below a girl's belly button. More than a few bimbo-himbo couples will appear in their own prom soft porn on YouTube... and we feign indignity over the Lion's Den sign being visible from the highway!
4/19/2009

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says....
This is ridiculous. Times change. I am not going back to the ages where I, as a woman, can not wear pants out in public or heaven forbid, show my ankles. All I have to say is, get over it.
4/19/2009

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WHO-- Is In Charge??? says....
this is another example of failure by the administrators and parents at SS and SC. You should take charge... It actually sounds like those students have a better concept of managing, they could write policy for their dances. KUDOS to Sacred Heart they see a problem and handle it through their administration and their student body. Grinding is an inappropriate behavior at a public dance and our youth have not been taught that is is.
4/19/2009

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