Dancing on Campus

5. Optional: Any comments, questions, or suggestions regarding this specific topic or about PoLaRiS in general? (We really want to know what you would consider to be the pros and cons about this change in policy, as it relates to building community, living a consistent Christian life, glorifying God, etc.) Make sure to include your name if you expect a response.

(Please refer to The Houghton Star issue published on the week of March 25, 2007 for more information.)


All 83 responses provided by students of Houghton College:

i say we pull a footloose.

Houghton isn't legalistic about dancing. Students should respect the convictions of even a few who would oppose dancing. We must be careful not to allow our freedom cause our brothers and sisters to stumble.

Honestly dancing is not a big deal. If dances were at Houghton, I can not say with confidence that I would attend, but I don't think that they should be prohibited; just as I do not watch much television but I would never support it being banned. It is past due that this old policy is revised.

I think if there were to be on-campus dances, they would have to be very specific (ballroom, contradancing, etc.). One of the reasons for not having dancing is to avoid dirty dancing and evil thoughts/temptations, correct? So even though I enjoy salsa dancing, something like that probably wouldn't be a good idea. Though I can't see how swing or contradancing could hurt. In short, the music at any on-campus dance would have to be very selective.

I don't think that it's dancing that's the problem but rather the people's desires that are displayed. If the heart is right, the dancing would not be erotic or sensual in inappropriate ways. If that makes sense. To me dancing can be a way to show emotion. But there is a line between what's appropriate and what isn't.

I think having dances on campus would be a exciting and new way to get students involved and having fun. I especially think that having cultural dances, or times where you could learn cultural dances (tango, mamba, etc), would be really fun and I would definitely like to do it. What I wouldn't want to see is 'unstructured' public dances where people are grinding and being really inappropriate--doing the kind of dancing that makes people think dancing is a sin.

It is biblical to glorify God in the form of dance. Not just in a worship setting, either. Using our bodies in a way that physically demonstrates the uniqueness and beauty God is made is glorifying to Him. I don't think it would be a problem at all to have dances on camps. In fact, I think it would help solve the problem of students who go off campus very often to go clubbing or whatever---they're going dancing in places with lots of alcohol, drugs, etc. If Houghton wasn't against dancing, I think a lot more students would stay here. There'd be an increased attendance at the banquets and whatnot as well, which would increase revenue on campus. Rachel East

Rules against social dancing are like the rules against face cards from long ago. Twenty years from now students will look back and say "They weren't allowed to DANCE????"

Dance is an art, and a form of personal expression that should be included in everyone's life to some degree. We should all feel free to dance in the way that we desire, when we want, and for social reasons. However, some "freestyle" forms of dance are inherently provacative, sensual, sexy, seductive...not things for a Christian to be in public. It would take an exercise of restraint on the part of every person in attendance to be a consistent witness, not causing others to stumble by their actions, especially with the current trends in dancing that promote close physical proximity.

This survey makes it unclear as to the type of music and dancing styles that Houghton College would allow.

I would love it if HC allowed dancing on campus, but I think it would be wise to lay out clear guidelines for what is and is not allowed as far as movement, proximity and perhaps even clothing. I hope dancing will be allowed, but that there will also be good decisions on clear boundaries to keep it from becoming promiscuous.

i would strongly disagree with any pop music at these dancing events that was not christian unless the lyrics were very clean or oldies

I think that holding dances on campus would build community. It would also provide an alternative to students going off campus to non-Christian clubs where dancing may be less appropriate.

There is only one negative aspect to this controversial issue: Glorifying God. Im sorry, but there are some types of dances where the hips are moved together in such a motion, that it creats for a repulsive scene. So, dances such as salsa, tango, and other romantic/sexual dances I do not agree with, nor partake in. I think there could be major problems with this issue.

I will admit that dancing is fun, if done with the right mind set and the right motives of the heart. But, whe these mtives turn away from God, it will not be good.

It also depends upon the music that will be played. If dirty, "high school dance" music is going to be played then I assure you many people will not come. So, when thinking long about this issue, the cons far outweigh the pros, in that I would rather glorify God, than defile my body.....that sounds extreme, but by watching some people dance, that is in fact what they are doing.

Only that is the bible we are told to dance in praise to God, but that if they want to make sure that we are not dancing crazy like, we should have ball room dancing classes for those who want to dance.

The thing I miss most about high school are the organized dances... it would thrill me if we brought that to Houghton.

Dance is the art of motion of the human body. You cannot deny the arts.

Allowing dance on campus would be fun... however, it could run the risk of things going too far... ex. dancing becoming too provocative or sensual, etc. Maybe allowing certain types of dance would be a good idea...

I don't see anything wrong with social dancing and i think it is silly that the college has rules that band us from it

I wouldn't mind seeing dancing here, but one of the things that attracted me to Houghton in the first place was the lack of secular dances, like "clubbing". I never really felt comfortable at my last college with what they called dancing. Houghton is so culturally diverse, and prides itself on being so, maybe an answer would be to introduce various ethnic dances, or dances that are strongly tied to a culture or culture's history.

Let's dig ourselves out of the 1800's mentality and have a little fun. Theirs nothing wrong with dance. God gave us bodies that move well and we might as well move it!

I personally see no need to hold dances on campus since students can freely dance elsewhere. The Wesleyan Church as a denomination does not approve and as a part of the Wesleyan Church Houghton should uphold the values of the whole and/or go through the proper channels.

Also, I do not feel that a social dance on campus would be something the student body should push for. Do we really want something else for Student Life to closely watch and regulate?

*Lots of spanish*
Heeeee~eeey Macarena!

I think atleast that dances should allowd if they are not sponsord by the school. We shouldnt have to go off campus. If it offends people then they can leave the room where the dancing is happening. Its rediculous to shelter people for "dancing" especially if its something like the YMCA. there is nothing wrong with friends having fun. Come on, its not like we drink alcohol or do drugs. Also...Jesus wouldnt get stuck up on something stupid like weather or not to let dancing occur.

If you really think about it, almost all of the modern-day, freestyle/improv dancing is sexual or sensual in some manner. Our culture is so deeply permeated with sex it has gotten to the point where we do not even recognize it. Do we want to facilitate that type of atmosphere. I know for myself at least, being a guy, I have to try hard to discipline my mind to the things of Christ and not of this world. Sexual temptation is hard enough without having this added opponent. Granted I am absolutely not against all dancing. There are many forms that i find very enjoyable. My parents dance formally and it is quite classy. I have just found that when it is found in the college setting it most likely will facilitate thoughts of sex because of the stage of life that we are all at.

I don't think the sort of dancing that would be happening here at Houghton is the sort of dancing that Christians need to be worried about.

moderation in all things.

I think it would be a nice change, but I also do not feel it absolutely necessary to fight over this issue. Being able to go to a dance would be nice, but it will not make or break my college career. I don't find it a big deal that we may not dance on campus.

I think that dancing is great, as long it is done chastly and modestly.

I think that as the situation currently stands, there are basically no ENFORCED regulations on social dancing at Houghton. Students dance in mixed-gender groups within the resident halls frequently, sometimes at gatherings sponsored by RAs themselves. Having rules but not having anyone enforcing them is frustrating for some of us who love to dance but feel obligated to obey the rules of the community of which we are a part. I feel like I'm missing out when others go to dance parties on campus and I stay behind, but I don't feel right about doing what I see as knowingly going against a rule of the community I agreed to be a part of. Since no-social-dancing rules don't seem to be enforced anyway, I think it would be better if the rules were eliminated so that those of us with sensitive consciences could enjoy dancing guilt-free.

I think that as long as the lyrics are clean, and there is some sort of supervision to keep things from going to far, dancing would be fun and acceptable to have. People might actually be more inclined to not "dance dirty" (or whatever) if the school allowed it and gave guidelines instead of just saying that we aren't allowed to do it

I don't really think that changing the policy now is necessary. The college has survived into the 21st century without having dancing on campus and I think it will continue to survive. Let it be known that I have no real qualms about dancing on campus, I just think that the possible repercussions (with the Wesylan Church) are not worth being able to dance on campus. And to some extent, there are certain things that are avoided by not having on dancing on campus. Oh, I think this reply here pertains more to just having general 'dances', not specific dance types (contra, line, etc). The specific dances I see of being less of a problem with regards to the church, but once you start making exceptions things get out of hand.
Tristan McCray

Dancing is a social occasion and provides wonderful interaction between college students. It is an act that requires two people to work together to create an art. It is participatory and therefore much more beneficial than something like watching a movie. It also fosters culture. A dance such as salsa broadens our horizons to the beauties of other cultures. And swing-dancing, for example, provides an opportunity for us to grasp onto our own American cultural traditions and roots, providing us with a culture and art of we can be proud - something doesn't happen much in America where culture is nothing more than marketing, and we have little cultural expression in which we can hold as our own to be proud of.
Secondly, having dances on campus will provide a means for students to stay on campus, where the situation can be monitored and controlled, rather than going to a bar or a club, where students may be introduced to illicit substances or be put in precarious sexual pressures.
I also see the current policy as utter foolishness of traditionalism. Dancing is not innately wrong, and it is no longer seen as rebellious by our culture - it hasn't been for years. A no-dancing policy simply appears to be nothing more than strict Christian legalism - it is a policy that serves nothing more than giving Christians a way to feel that they are not acting worldly. Christianity is then being defined to the world - and to us - as a bunch of rules of things we shouldn't do. The world looks at such a rule and sees nothing but a stifling of harmless fun. If dancing was innately wrong, the situation would be different. But it's pointless to ostracize ourselves from the culture over an issue that isn't necessarily sinful. We should be fostering an attitude of wisdom, prudence, and critical thinking, rather than a strict, mindless culture of "don't do this because the world does it." There are many great benefits to dance and we our hindering our own growth, as well as our outreach to the world, by holding on to such legalistic views of Christianity.

Dancing is fun, and a good way to stay in shape. There is in no way what-so-ever that it would cause a person to stumble on their Christian walk.

While I do enjoy different kinds of dancing, I wouldn't want Houghton culture to be a continuation of high school dances - I would be not so much in favor of cliche themed dances like VDay etc, but something a little more cultured like swing nights, contradancing, ballroom etc, perhaps having a night of each style once or twice a semester - THAT would be great.

If we were not fallen creatures, social dancing would be no problem. But we are fallen; Christians too make unwise decisions about entire hosts of things, from finances to dancing. "Structured" social dancing would most likely not be abused, although those who want to abuse a priveledge will most certainly find a way; open-ended social dancing would be abused almost instantly. Four years ago, an off-campus (and non-Houghton-sponsored) school wide dance was held in a nearby club. Some of my friends came back from that dance horrified, reporting that it looked no different than dances in high school, bumping and grinding all over the place, offensive and degrading music, all in all not God-honoring behavior. I would hate to see Houghton sponsor such dances. How can one draw boundaries in "open-ended" social dances? There must be one Bible's width in between a couple fast dancing? Men and women must wear modest clothes? This is not to say that all unstructured social dancing is bad, but how could we promote it to be God-honoring? By allowing and sponsoring unstructured social dances, we'd be tempting people to look for trouble where it just as well might be avoided. Structured social dancing, on the other hand, might provide a place for a variety of people to come together and have fun within a tradition with set boundaries. It might also encourage a sense of community, a venue that might attract those individuals who don't participate in other events offered by the school. Perhaps it would be a way of drawing in those in Houghton who are separated.

--Hilary Brautigam

What exactly is the definition of "social dancing"?

Isn't it a fact that the Wesleyan church, while seeing why some would have a *problem* with social dancing, does not itself condemn it?

I very much like the idea of themed-dances, like contradancing, swing dancing, etc. But, I think having open dances leads to much to the possibility of "gross dancing" (i.e. grinding)

the last question is relative because, personally I don't have too much regard for the Office of Student Life's decisions with stuff like this. I think we should either keep being the college we say we are and used to be (not trying to be "like other schools") or the school should just stop messing around with policies and character and just let people be who they want to be. Thats the issue - let people do whatever or try to direct them to be aliens in this world as followers of Christ were called to be

I do not believe that there is anything morally wrong w/ social dancing as long as the moves are not overtly sensual. I think that school dances would increase community among students because they would offer a social place to have fun and meet new people. I belive that changing the ban on dancing would also help increase enrollment, as it is considered a deterant among many.

I WANT TO DANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i just want to bust a move!: )

Hosting dances on campus gives people an "out" for dancing in a safe environment. It would keep people from going to Rochester or Buffalo to clubs, which are definitely-less-than-wholesome.

I think it would be fun to have dancing on-campus, but I understand why we have the prohibition. I don't want to see sexually-suggestive or explicit dancing. Some types of dancing, however, support community and foster a sense of togetherness, i.e. contra dancing. I'd like to see dancing on campus, but I'm concerned that the hassle of defining acceptable dancing would be more trouble than it's worth.

I think that the "no dancing" policy of Houghton hurts our image to prospective high school students. This policy "turns" students off when they look at Houghton, as students think Houghton is more rigid in other areas than it really is. A chance in this policy toward allowing controlled dancing on campus would be benefitial in many ways.

In more than one way, I see that the maturity level of the lower classes cannot handel the *PDA* opportunities that are opened by dancing. I would very much love to go with friends and have a christian atmosphere of fun dancing, but so much inside of me says that the "clinging" we see off the dance floor will only be magnified by an experience to 'move on beat.'

Aren't question 2 and 4 the same? Please don't use the word "purview," because I don't know what it means and so I thought it was a typo.
Actually, I think dancing should not be allowed on campus because CAB already provides a number of wonderful events on campus (such as "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton" and "Cool Runnings"). We should have less complaints about dancing (which actually involves social interaction) and more bad movies (because this is Houghton, how else do you spend your Friday night?).
Oh, and please do not spell Polaris "PoLaRiS" because it makes me think of Inti as a 12 year old girl.

I def. see the reasons for not allowing social dancing on campus, and yet personally I can dance with or without a partner just for the fun of dancing. For me, dancing is not about getting close to a member of the opposite gender; it is about practicing a form of art. Yet, I realise that the perspecive I am coming from is not ness. adheared to by an entire campus. Thus dancing may become suggestive and makes others uncomfortable even. Still I believe that dancing could be a college sponsored event. Perhaps it is something that would need to be monitored, the way lounges are. If the policy is ever changed, I would like to say that I (as well as other friends of mine) would love to dance to Christian contemporary and rock music. If we could dance, in addition to secular music, to music that is promoting wholesome things, that would be awesome!

Clubbing-style dancing would probably be not good, but I think other dancing styles would be great! Dancing is a good fun social event!

My comment is in response to the part of the introduction to this survey that states, "Just as sailors can guide themselves by the Polaris star at night, we, as a Christian community, can find our North with the results of this survey." I disagree that the results of a survey can be used as a stable reference point when making decisions about policy. In my view, surveys will only reflect popular opinion, and are not a source of reliable information for making sounds choices.

Organized dances and/or activities witha specific type of dancing in mind are more fun and less likely to cause the problems people worry about with dancing than people going off to clubs for dancing because of on-campus rules.

I think dancing is a great way to build social interaction between students who may not have any and also a great way to spend time with friends outside of watching movies and such things. I feel dances where whatever goes are a bad choice in that most non-structured dancing styles today involve bump and grind or other sexual motions. Organized dancing however, swing, ballroom, step, etc. are great ways to spend time with friends and exercise as well as very useful skills to have in the future.

we need dancing!!!!!

if there happened to be a dance with open-ended types of music allowed, I would think there should be a panel of both students (a wide range) and faculty, and it should all be approached with prayer and discernment

Inti, I think you should hold a dance--Honduran style. That would be kickin', playa.
Peace out.

While I really haven't done much social dancing, I see one huge pro for changing the dancing policy would fall in the category of dance and expression as a worship style. With the present policy I feel almost constrained and ashamed to want to dance before my Lord in a public place where I know other people might disagree. I don't want to offend anyone- I just want to bless my Maker and participate in coorporate worship. I'm not suggesting to cause a scene, just to be allowed a little more movement and freedom. -Hannah Steensma

Dancing can be an art form, a way of worship, and lots of fun! I've danced in chapel, gone contradancing in Olean and Fillmore with friends, and taken ballroom dancing lessons outside of college. I don't think there's anything wrong with a Christian college sponsoring decent social dancing--and while I realize different people have different definitions of decent, what I mean by decent dancing is dancing that does not have any blatantly sexual moves. Basic ballroom dances, such as the waltz, quick step, fox trot, etc., square dances, contradancing, many cultural dances and even some salsa dancing is not inappropriate for Christians to engage in, as these dances do not have to be erotic in order to be fun. I would have a problem with Houghton allowing/sponsoring the kind of erotic dancing popular in clubs. Whether or not this is appropriate for Christian individuals, it is certainly not appropriate for a Christian college for two reasons: 1) this kind of dancing seems inconsistent with our belief as Christians that the body is to glorify God without any hint of sexual immorality and 2) the appearance and possible temptations that would result from such dancing would not reflect well on a Christian college. Other than that, I see no reason why a Christian college student should not be allowed to dance socially (by which of course I mean guys and girls!). Proper dance position in the kinds of dances I mentioned previously leaves no room for "dirty dancing" and there is no reason why Houghton students should not be able to responsibly enjoy an activity that has been a major part of respectable society in nearly every culture on the face of the planet. Let the dancing begin!!!

Sally Amthor, senior

I, in general would perfer dancing lessons rather than social dancing. Dancing lessons that included any type of ballroom dancing would be fine. To tell you the truth the school has good reasons for not allowing social dancing to occur. In my opinion, people would get out of hand and out of line with their dancing. I didn't come to a secular school but a Christian school.

-Ruth Legentus

*organized social dancing such as contradancing, where people change partners with each dance, provides a unique opportunity for people to actually meet each other and have fun together in a way that doesn't strictly connote Romantic Interest -- as such, it's a wonderful way for community to be built up.

*God created us with bodies and pronounced them good. We should acknowledge the same.

*there should be more freedom for people (from the congregation) to dance in chapel: more time for worship and more acceptance.

Cons:

*people can show off their God-given bodies in unfortunate ways, and some kinds of dancing tends toward that.

Pros: dancing can be a wonderful form of entertainment and excersize. I find no biblical mandate against it, and I really enjoy a good dance every once in awhile.

Cons: Houghton is already dramatic enough with couples getting grossly physical, relationships exploding, and general immature stupidity. While I support the idea of dancing on campus, I do think it will bring with it some unsavory moments where the singles and couples who have sense look away in disgust.

Personally I am not much of a dancer but I do enjoy the occasional contra- or swing- dance. In general I do not have a problem with dancing and feel that it can often be used to glorify God in praise and worship settings as well as being a good form of recreation. The only time I would oppose dancing is if it was very suggestive or overly intimate.

The problem with "openended" things is that they may start out strict but as time goes on, things loosen up and before you know it people are dancing to inappropriate music in inappropriate ways (such as grinding). I don't think that's something Houghton wants to deal with-- that was public high school, this is a private Christian college.

I think that cooperation and compromise between Student Life and the student body are key. Social Dancing can be a lot of fun when coupled with responsible dancers and the right type of music (because the type of music DOES and WILL influence the kind of dancing that goes on). But at the same time Student Life needs to keep an open and willing mind to students' preferences, and students must be willing to respect Student Life's reasons for their decisions - as long as they aren't made in a vacuum. But I think there could be good, clean fun to be had by all (older adults included, especially married staff and faculty) as long as standards are maintained to keep Houghton's reputation from going down the tubes.

Personally, I go swing dancing about once or twice a month and I would love to start an actual Houghton swing club. I've met countless people at the dances I go to in Rochester and at home over the summer and I think that bringing a group of christian students into a "secular" setting with the intention of meeting and dancing with other people, many of whom are not christians, is a fantastic witnessing opportunity. The entire point of dancing is to meet new people and strike up relationships--why not do that in the name of Christ? I would LOVE to have a swing club here, teaching dance basics so other people here can learn about this dance that I have such a passion for. I think that by restricting Houghton's dancing policies (and therefore my ability to teach people dance basics before an actual social dance), many people who would come dancing and be such great ambassadors not just for Houghton College but also for Jesus Christ are afraid to go out and make fools of themselves on the floor. I feel like Houghton is missing out on a really great opportunity by keeping us so sheltered and rhythm-free.
--Bridget Mayo

Sometimes, I think the Wesleyan church is a culturally backwards institution that is inhibited by its social superstitions. It feels like the awkward in-law of a more open Christian community. The fact that it outlaws social dancing highlights the Wesleyan Community as stodgy and unaccepting, traits that Christian love would never be identified with. And while I could be wrong, or others might be able to state this better or more tactfully, it is how I feel.

- Mike Magnotti

i think not allowing social dancing was is one of those laws that needs to change with the time and become more in turn with what is going on in the world today

I am in favor of dancing on campus. However, my thought is that on-campus dances would be a flop because of the music. The music that people dance to off campus and the environment is something that houghton could not duplicate for a number of reasons. Perhaps, the only way that houghton dances would be a sucess is if live bands were brought in... not sure but just a thought.

Let's have belly dancing. It'll be loads of fun plus let us show off our sweet skills.

I think as a Christiam community, we could handle the social dancing. Music should not be a problem, because there is a lot of really good Contempory Christian music that would be perfect for dancing. As long as we stay away from bump and grind, I think we're fine.

dancing leads to sex.
-wayne macbeth

I think that there are examples in the Bible of people dancing to glorify God, so I think that the Bible is not against dancing.

I think that dancing is an enjoyable social activityit's fun and it's also good exercise. Yes people can get out of hand but I think that's depends on where you go. There are a lot of safe, wholesome dance clubs and studios that don't serve alcohol and substance abuse isn't really an option. The truth is that this stuff happens on and off campus anyway, dancing or no dancing and people simply make their own choices.

Sometimes it is better to allow dancing in an atmosphere where some things can be regulated, such as the type of music played, the type of drinks provided, who can come, etc. than to force those who wish to dance to leave campus and find a place where these things may not be so strictly controlled.

Dancing should be allowed. You don't have to do 'grinding' or anyhting like that to dance. It's fun way to be social and have fun with friends. God even wants us to dance. David danced naked in a city.

Dancing is a way to glorify God, by expressing your passion about God through moving your body. While private (non-social) dancing is acceptable here at Houghton I think this policy creates an atmosphere where dancing is discouraged in any context. I don't feel free to express my love for God through dance because I feel I am being judged or that I am somehow breaking the policy.

I would support contra/square dancing, but not the typical high school dance.

I absolutely would support dancing on campus, but only if it is not distasteful and explicit. But I am totally game for dances and such!

I think that refusing the simple act of dancing makes houghton out to be an outdated and snobby school to outsiders. As Christians, no we aren't to be like everyone else, but we aren't supposed to look down our noses and say that we are too good to participate in harmless activities. Obviously we don't want grinding to occur in the campus center, but whats wrong with harmless forms of dance??? Refusing it has simply made Houghton a laughing stock among its students and students of comparable schools!

I don't think God dislikes Social Dancing, infact dancing is found throughout the bible, and if Houghton doesn't have a problem with everyone dancing off campus where it is unsupervised, i dont see why they should have a problem having dancing on campus where it would be supervised....then again I come from a church where dancing (among other things) isn't an issue.
Inti, i hope you like this comment. -Rachel

Student life might really water it down to nothing but CCM music, which is not danceable, but we could try. There's always cleaned up dance music and edited stuff. I'm trying to picture Dean Bakerink's response to all this, you know? But I think it would be a great opportunity for students that don't regularly see each other to get together and spend some time, boogie a little. I don't see clean dancing as a problem. I understand the problem with social dancing is it can get totally groudy, but I think with a brief talking-to in chapel (or some campus-wide something or other), maybe even getting a paper signed that says we will not dance like that or we should expect consequences, and with chaperones like Dean Brittain and Dean Bakerink, maybe a few faculty members picked by those two, the dance would just be clean fun for everyone. Just another campus activity. Also, we could charge to get in, and we could raise money for campus. God likes socialization, and if done right, this could be a great opportunity.

I completely oppose allowing dancing to go on at school-sponsored events. Why would we change the no dancing policy? Our events are fun without it. Plus, when dancing is allowed, there is really no way to restrict the way people dance. It is hard enough to keep pure, dancing would just add more temptation. I think it is wrong for Houghton students to participate in dancing even off-campus.

If the proper avenues were taken so that dancing wouldn't be done inappropriately then I would agree with the change in policy. I think themes such as swing dancing, big bands etc would be fun and keep it clean as well.

First of all this response is going to short and not going to emcompass my entire opinion, but I want to write as being opposed to having dancing on campus. Dancing is something that I do from time to time and can have a lot fun doing. I think it would be alot of fun to have dancing on campus, with specific guidlines and only certain music and dancing, however I don't know if it is worth it. There are several moral standards that I hold not because the issue in question is blatantly wrong, but because it could turn wrong easily and cause me or others to stumble. I feel that if we had dancing at Houghton, even if is monitored, it could easily eventually lead to some sketchy events. I love that fact that Houghton, unlike many other schools, has not given into this trend. Plus if people really want to dance they can go off campus. This probably could have been explained better, but due to time this is all I have for now.

Mike Fink