Late Night Dance Party

A Late Night Dance Party (LNDP) is a form of afterparty. Much like an afterparty, the LNDP is a social gathering that occurs after a party, a music concert, a conference, a premiere or the closure of a bar or nightclub, however contains several distinct differences, namely the element of dancing.
Development and History of the Late Night Dance Party
The LNDP began as an alternative movement to after parties. Because of its well known music scene, the movement began by making its way through students at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia in 2005. LNDPs originally were after concerts performed at local Athens venue, primarily the 40 Watt Club and Georgia Theater. Over time, those aware of the movement eventually moved out of the Athens area and began to spread the movement to other areas. The underground movement has now been spread to Yale University, the University of Arizona, as well as foreign countries including New Zealand and Australia. More recently formal dancing participants, such as members of the Yaledancers organization have participated, as well as been included in the song "Late Night Dance Party" by Ever We Fall . Thought the terminology of the LNDP is becoming more mainstream, these events are not to be confused with the underground movement. Upon the death of Michael Jackson, an impromptu LNDP erupted in Louisville in his honor .
Differences from traditional after parties
Aside from requiring all participants to dance, there are several key differences:
Location
Traditionally, afterparties are at an previously established location, often times on an invitation-only basis. Late night dance parties are not planned prior to their execution, and are developed at the venue (i.e. bar, concert). The notion of the event begins towards the waning minutes of the event. LNDPs require a certain amount of energy and motivation in order to adequately qualify as a LNDP, therefore simply continuing the night at a designated location after the venue has closed does not qualify. The LNDP can take place at any participant's place of residence, however typically takes place at the individual who first initiated the LNDP.
Awareness
LNDPs are not planned, but occur spontaneously . Once the notion of the LNDP is initiated, it is spread throughout the group by a series of discreet, subtle notions such as whispers or head nods. It is this discreet dissemination that plays into the increased anticipation, allowing for the increased energy needed, similar to a runner's second wind. It is also this form of dissemination that creates the aura of the underground notion associated with the LNDP.
Other differences
The LNDP event is typically much more high energy than the standard after party. Once the LNDP winds down, the participants consume typical junk food such as hotdogs and chips. Those associated with the LNDP movement often have specific food items available in the case that a LNDP evolves. Additionally, though continued alcoholic consumption is often continued, it is not always necessary as the overarching goal is to continue the energy of the venue visited previously. Whereas after parties are to wind down while continuing to drink, LNDPs are to allow the continued entertainment from the venue. Also, there is no sense of elitism as with what is common in after parties.

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