Dance Clubbing in the 80s

For me, 1987 was probably one of my favorite times. 1986 was pretty good as that’s when I was doing my summer beach thing a lot with friends. But, 1987 opened itself up to something really new. I thought when I found the beach it was this magical land—which it is for sure. But, equally magical were the nightclubs in the 80s. My friend from high school invited me out to a club. The best part is you only had to be sixteen. We were seventeen, which was perfect. I had a job taking phone calls at a pizza place, and after I got off work, I would transform into super 80s club girl. I took my pizza outfit off, hat off and brought tons of hairspray to make my hair big and wild. I slid into a sexy zip up halter type top with thin straps, that showed part of my stomach. I would pair them with bright shorts and put on big earrings and lots of frosty peach lipstick. My friend would pick me up, and off we went to the nightclub.

 This was definitely stepping into something new and exciting. It was a magical cave inside of bright strobe lights, a disco ball, mirrors on the walls, a DJ booth, cages to dance in and lots of guys and girls getting their groove on. The music at that time was full of bass and energy. Some of the bands were Janet Jackson, Afro-Rican, Gucci Crew and many great rap and hip hop bands of the 80s. It was all bass with some awesome cowbell. The 80s knew rap and hip hop for sure. My friend would go right up on these risers and dance in her skin tight leggings and tight zip up top similar to mine. I stayed on the dance floor and watched the guys dance and tried to copy their dance moves. I was so into the music and dancing—it totally took me away. I got lost in the music and suddenly any problems I had, just didn’t matter. The music put us in a good mood, dancing made us sweat and it was a great place to socialize.

1987 was an interesting time as I really started liking boys. It was all so new. I felt young and carefree. It was a time of innocence and experiencing things for the first time. I was pretty innocent and hadn’t really experienced many guys. I had only had one serious boyfriend and other than that—I didn’t know how to talk to guys. When guys approached me, I always thought they were joking they were interested. It was just all so new. I remember slow dancing a few times with guys, and that was really intense The fun dancing was exciting though, and we would go most weekends and lose ourselves in the music. The fashion at that time was fun and it was really exciting to dress up to go out.

The music was so good. There was a lot of Freestyle at that time which was so fun. Some of the bands we danced to and loved were

Trinere

Debbie Deb

Company B

Nu Shooz

Expose

Janet Jackson

Al B. Sure

It was a lot of rap emerging into the scene too—and tons of dance moves which were pretty wild. 1987 was so fun and I miss those days of innocence, being young and carefree and experiencing things for the first time. I think part of it was everything was so new—dancing, socializing in a nightclub and meeting boys. It was so exciting. My friend and I got hooked and we went dancing a lot. This was our new hangout and we had many fun times that made growing up in the 80s really awesome. I miss those fun 80s nights.

Surf Scene in the 1980s

The beach scene in the 80s in California was so awesome. I grew up near the Valley in Southern California and there were tons of mountains surrounding where I grew up. I remember the first time I went to the beach as a teenager and thinking, “Wow, this is amazing!” It was like another land outside of everything of what I knew. I fell in love with the ocean immediately. I started going to the beach often with my friend Giselle. She called us, “Beach Buddies.” We both wanted to escape our boring hometown and try new adventures near the water. When we weren’t at the beach, we rode our bikes to get ice cream and that was the highlight of our day. Going to the beach was something exciting and different for us. We’d catch a ride from my mom to the beach and her mom would pick us up. As soon as we were dropped off, we walked barefoot through the sand to find the perfect spot to soak up some rays. There were tons of guys and girls everywhere with the same purpose—catch a tan and meet someone. We wanted to tan our supple, young bodies, but we usually met guys and would get invited to tons of parties.

We were meeting guys outside of our hometown and getting to experience something more than what we knew. It helped that we wore tiny bikinis and lathered ourselves in Hawaiian tropic oil or baby oil. I remember that Hawaiian Tropic scent to this day. It had the most amazing coconut and Hawaii scented flower smell that lingered on you. My skin was always oiled up and my bikini was bright and bold. Giselle and I laid out most of the day and then we’d take a break and get some snacks at the Food stand. We’d wait in line and then get something cool to drink. We were in relaxation mode and things were pretty awesome.

I remember making another friend and she and I would cruise to Huntington beach to check out the surf scene and the guys of course. She had bleached out, big teased hair, and I had my wild curly teased hair, with big bangs hair sprayed. We were totally 80s and we’d cruise the beaches looking for guys, parties and fun. Huntington Beach is one of the best surf places and when we showed up, it was practically a huge party. There were so many surfers in one place. It was sunny, nice weather, good waves and just a total beach, party vibe. Guys wore lots of surfer brand clothes to show they’d been sponsored –or if someone made their surfboard. Non surfer guys wore surf clothes too, because it was the surf scene. Girls wore surfer brand clothes too, even if they didn’t surf. It was this Southern California vibe. The brands that were most often seen were the big surf companies of the 80s.

O.P. or Ocean Pacific

Gotcha

Stussy

Jimmy’z

Pac Sun

Hang Ten

O’Neill

Mr. Zogs Original Sex Wax

Quiksilver

Those were some of the popular ones that were often sported. I had many quiksilver and other surfer brand tops. Cruising the beach in the 80s was fun and something unlike anything I had experienced prior to going as a teenager. Growing up in the 80s in Southern California and enjoying the surf scene was really totally awesome—like for sure. 

Magical Malls in the 1980s

When I go to the malls now—I’m honestly bored. The stores are overpriced name brands of things I’m not interested in. I find it’s mostly just trendy high designer shops that I can’t afford. But, it’s also that the stores all seem the same. There is a generic feeling when walking in the mall as I window shop. Nothing really strikes me as interesting. Sure, the stores try to set themselves apart from each other, but somehow they all blend in to one another. Even the food court seems boring. They have a train for kids that runs through the mall and that is the only interesting thing I’ve seen. I used to ride on it with my friend’s son and it was pretty fun. Other than that—malls today are not like that of the 1980s. For one thing—the malls today are super bright, and have a pristine feel to them. Everything is structured in this orderly manner that feels stifling.

When I used to go the malls in the 1980s it was primarily the Northridge Mall, Topanga Plaza or The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks. Two of these malls were right in the Valley which was popular in the 80s. I had also frequented the Sherman Oaks Galleria , which was really fun. I remember taking a ‘ditch day’ in high school and heading to the beach and then to the Sherman Oaks Galleria with some friends. We had a blast. The Galleria was known for three levels, and rows and rows of stores. The food court was bright, lively and many places to choose to eat. There was an arcade that looked like a mini amusement park. The arcades in the malls during the 80s were great, because you felt like you were transported someplace else. It was very dark inside, with neon lights all around, which gave it a secret cave kind of feel. You’d put your dollar into the change machine and get your ‘tokens’ out. The sound of the clinking tokens as they slid out into the metal tray sounded as if you’d won money in a casino. You’d then take your tokens and slip them into numerous arcade games such as Donkey Kong, Frogger, Dig Dug, Centipede and Tempest. You’d play on colorful joysticks and just hear the amazing sound effects while playing games.

When you were done with the arcade, you could go sip some fountain drinks and have something to eat in the food court. The food court was the place to socialize and gossip while enjoying some delicious pizza. Shopping was equally fun as each store was unique and the storefronts were really interesting. Each storefront had its own appeal that was colorful, bold and bright. There was a lot of wood on the signs or storefronts of the clothing stores, which made it seem you had stepped into a brightly lit mineshaft of some sort. The letters of the signs were structured boldly and artistically. I think the designs of the stores was as interesting as the stores themselves. The colors were on the dark side in the malls—browns, woods, oranges, and forest greens. There was something comforting and homelike about those colors that made you feel you were at home. There were usually tons of fake trees and plants placed randomly in the mall, along with fountains. This gave it a lush, tropical feel.

The malls were not really carpeted in those days. You’d walk down wooden floors, or some kind of tile flooring, and the stores had lots of wood storefronts with bright orange neon signs advertising sales. I always thought the malls in the 80s reminded me of movie sets. Each storefront had an interesting appeal, with some having art deco signs. Some malls have been known for having carousels in them, which makes malls combined with the arcade seem like an amusement park. So between reminding me of movie sets and some fun amusement park—malls were really fun to go to in the 80s. Everything was bright, interesting and fun to look at. Clothes were just as bold in the window and on the racks. The 80s was a time of daring, fun and wild fashion—so shopping was exciting. I would always look for accessories to pair with my outfits, and interesting tops and clothes to wear. When I went shopping, I had a place in mind to go when buying things—pool parties, the beach, house parties, dance clubs or out with friends. This made shopping even more fun. I knew the clothes I bought were going to be used for socializing with friends. Clothes were made so big and bold, it was fun trying things on. Everything was big, colorful and daring—so you could wear extreme styles and make it your own. From big hair to wild make up—it was a fun time to shop at the mall.

Now, I just walk by missing the stores of the 80s. I walk in the mall now hoping to feel something—a spark of some sort—but it’s mostly just walk in buy something and leave. There isn’t really a thrill like there was in the 80s. I really miss the malls of the 80s. I miss the fun, free wild times. Maybe part of it is because I was younger and carefree, but I really think things were big, bold and a lot more interesting back then. The 80s had a way of defining things, and made simple things really fun—such as shopping at the mall. The 80s were so awesome—like totally.

80s Music Rocks

I love 80s music. I think the music was so ground breaking for its time. The beats were peppy, fun, and upbeat. How could you be sad in the 80s with such great music? I listen to a lot of 80s music and its a wonderful treat and a way to sort of take you back to a simpler time. There were lots of one hit wonders, but there were also bands who had many great songs. Here are some of my favorite bands that to this day are worth listening to. There are a lot more bands I love not mentioned, but these are just some of the bands I really love.


THOMPSON TWINS
NAKED EYES
WHAM!
RICHARD MARX
DEF LEPPARD
PET SHOP BOYS
UB40
LEVEL 42
NU SHOOZ
BILLY IDOL
SIMPLY RED
DEVO
FLOCK OF SEAGULLS
DURAN DURAN
ABC
BERLIN
KAJAGOOGOO
CULTURE CLUB
SIMPLE MINDS

AS FAR AS NEW WAVE I LOVE

NEW ORDER
DEPECHE MODE
THE FIXX
SOFT CELL
YAZ
THE CURE
THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS
GENE LOVES JEZEBEL

These bands made some great music. I remember dancing in the clubs to this kind of music in the 80s. The clubs were so fun. The music was loud, entertaining and had a lot of bass, keyboards, cowbell and interesting sounds.

Concerts were visually exciting and you could dance while staying upbeat and you felt energetic. The lyrics were interesting and sometimes you listened to it trying to figure it out. Sometimes it didn't make sense, but with a funky beat, it didn't matter. 80s music is perfect for movie soundtracks, pool parties, listening to at the beach, dancing at clubs, getting ready to go out and to put you in a good mood. When you're down and need to be uplifted, turn on some 80s music and clean the house, do chores, wash dishes, and boring things like that may seem a little fun. The 80s were like totally awesome and the music was like so tubular. For sure. Like you know what I mean. It was so totally rad. For sure.

I Miss the 80s

 I miss the 80s something fierce. Like totally. I have been going through a separation after being with someone I love and been feeling sad. The only sensible thing lately seems to indulge myself in 80s movies. Digging in to these treasures is as satisfying as an ice cream sundae, only with less calories. The movies are of teenage angst, love stories and the classic yearning for someone so badly. Most of these gems have sweet endings. Some of my favorites are the greats.

1. SIXTEEN CANDLES
2. PRETTY IN PINK
3. BREAKFAST CLUB
4. SAY ANYTHING
5.VALLEY GIRL

These movies make me smile and as I reminisce about the good old days. Some say the 1980s were the last days of innocence. I believe that to be partly true. There was something really exciting about growing up during that time- as I was a teenager in the 80s. I can like totally relate to those movies considering that fact. I loved how the malls were a staple in these movies along with arcades and bright neon lights. Malls were the mecca of socializing with friends or a great way to try and meet a guy or girl you were interested in. The food court was the place to see and be seen. The wood structures and bright colored store fronts made for visually interesting places to shop. I always thought the mall was like an amusement park and each store was like a ride to have fun on.

Prices were much cheaper ,clothes were bright, colorful and daring. You could pretty much wear just about any wild outfit and it would be socially acceptable. From big shoulder pads in jackets to zip up sexy tops for girls, to leggings and neon lace tights was the highlight of fashion. I think the lace leggings, straight skirts, ankle booties and long shirts with vests was the major look for girls. Guys would look so suave in their pegged pants, long shirts, vests and big hair. The look for gals was big hair and I mean really high hair with bangs teased in such a way, it was almost windproof. Aqua Net was something in most gals bags. The more hairspray the better. Make up was bold, colorful and you could pack it on and get creative and color outside the lines, and it was noted as wild. From New Wave to 80s pop music, the clothing went along with the music. If you grew up in the 80s, you wanted to emulate your favorite musicians fashion sense, as they set trends.

Going to high school in the 1980s was fun, as you could dress as wild as you wanted pretty much. You could have big hair, and wear ridiculously huge earrings and big bangle bracelets. Getting ready for school was like a fashion show. It took time to get ready, but it was fun. I used to perfect my hair just right and spray it until it was perfect. I would slide on frosty light lipstick with lots of bold eyeshadow and eyeliner. Coloring your hair was considered acceptable as bleach was the big thing during the 80s. Highlights or streaks of blonde to make your hair fun and sassy was it. If you didn't want to use bleach, then we used peroxide or lemon and sat in the sun to lighten our tresses more naturally.

There is something so awesome and tubular about the 80s. Like for sure how can you not miss those days? I definitely miss the 80s. I think that the over saturation of technology now has changed the social scene so much since those days. We didn't have cell phones, social media or high tech tools to connect with friends back then. We went outside, took walks, went to the mall, and going to the beach was a big social activity. The 80s were a time of being upbeat, happy, having fun, being social and going to parties, the beach, and meeting friends at the mall. It was a time of dancing at clubs to your favorite songs and laughing while your hair stayed perfectly in place. It was a time when if you met someone you liked, you exchanged numbers on a napkin or piece of paper. You hoped you would not lose that number and fold it perfectly and place it in your pocket. You would wait for the phone call and when it finally arrived, you talked by rotary phone or a push button phone with big buttons. When you wanted to hear music, you listened to the radio or a tape. In the 80s, we made mixed tapes of our favorite songs and loved it. I can't think of a more fun time than the 1980s.

The 80s movies make me long for those days again. Simpler times with great music and an air of innocence before technology changed so many things. There was something so exciting about going to the mall or beach or a dance club and hoping you would meet someone. I think dating and romance were better in the 80s, because you waited for the guy to call, and he usually picked you up and took you someplace fun. Romance was pretty good in the 80s. Love was big in the 80s. Music and fashion were big in the 80s. Sometimes I long for a revival of those days, but everythings changed. You can't wear those clothes in a lightened up, pristine mall, or cruise the beach with sprayed hair and wild make up. It would seem odd to dress in 80s style and go out to a club now,

Everything has changed since the 80s. Finding happiness and feeling nostalgic while watching 80s movies is one way to feel good. I often listen to 80s music and each song has a memory that plays along like a story of memories that make me smile. The 80s will still be appreciated through the movies, music and fashion. The malls may have changed, fashion, make up and hairstyles are tamed down, but you can still dress up every now and again and go dancing on an 80s night. The 80s totally rocked like for sure.

Are Selfies the New Accessory?

 Has social media literally turned us into narcissistic and pretentious beings? Long gone are the simplistic days of rotary phones and getting someone’s phone number on a napkin or matchbook. What happened to the times when we actually enjoyed a moment without taking photos or videos of it on our phones? When did we become so self-absorbed that we need so much approval from others? We’re like parking meters that need to be validated. The 1980s were the best. Music was colorful, expressive, as were the clothes and outrageous fashions. If you were lucky enough to grow up in the 80s you know what I mean. Simple times. Great music. Wonderful hair that coiffed into ways that would seem impossible if it weren’t for glorious hair gel and hairspray. I remember my friends and I loved music, bands and going to concerts. Taking photos with each other was key, not of just ourselves modeling our favorite outfit. We didn’t care to make duck faces and wild poses while holding our camera to our face—way too close up. 

When I was growing up my friends and I rode our bikes outside and roller skated. We enjoyed the roller rink and had fun playing outside. Outside was like a big playground. Sure I have wonderful photos of my childhood and even as a teenager, but they are with family and friends. Sure, there’s the occasional photo of myself in some funny thing I’m doing, but it was for a good laugh. Mostly the photos were of me and my friends smiling. Today social media platforms are filled with selfies that are at best sometimes nauseating. We get it. You have a cell phone and know how to take a picture of yourself. Now we get to see your house, your clothes, your room, your many facial expressions that you’ve mastered, your favorite outfits, your favorite foods and the plate full of food that you just cooked, that we get to enjoy vicariously through your photos. Through selfies I can practically taste the sushi, sandwiches and luscious desserts that tempt my palette and tease my senses. I get to see your lipstick really close up, and for men, facial hair that is taken so close up, I can almost get splinters on the really prickly hairs.

I believe selfies cause narcissism and an extreme amount of vanity. It’s photos that say “Look at me,” and “Look how hot I think I look.” That’s the problem as well—selfies probably induce a false sense of hotness most times. Anybody can take a selfie, but most are silly, ridiculously lame and not interesting. It’s rare I see a creative photo of someone. What is it about taking pictures of ourselves has caused so much popularity? We had photographs before—so the concept is not really new. Is it just that you can capture yourself at any minute doing odd things that you think someone might want to see? “Here’s me eating a sandwich at 3 am.” Or “Here’s my morning hair. Don’t I look sexy?” I mean are these photos meant to be funny, cause jealousy, stir up entertainment for others or simply just something to do when bored? I’m not really a fan of taking selfies and if I take one, someone is usually in the photo with me. Why would I want to post a ton of pictures of my clothes, my outfits and food that I’ve made? Some of us are not as privileged or well off monetarily and these things could cause resentment or jealousy. I’m a fan of being humble about things. It’s never good to show off, be vain or narcissistic. I truly believe social media has brought about a need for so much approval of the self. If we don’t get a lot of likes on our page or a photo—this could cause upset or resentment issues. We may get insecure and feel not as liked as others who get lots of likes. We may feel like we don’t matter as much as someone else if we get overlooked or that what we say or sharing isn’t as important. This is a dangerous way to go about things. Sure, it’s fun to chat on social media, share ideas even have healthy debates. But, when we are dependent on likes on posts, statuses and selfies, we’re setting ourselves up to be letdown. I think it’s best to just share things that don’t seem like boasting or bragging about what we have. Sharing is different than self-promotion. This is just my opinion on how I feel social media has turned many of us into narcissists who rely on others to validate self-worth.

We should never forget the simple days like the 80s. Simple things like music, food, talking with friends, laughing, enjoying the moment, and singing to your favorite song—without having the need to video it and post it up on social media. Sometimes it’s fun to share those moments with others, but sometimes it’s nice to have moments just between you and your friends. There is a sacredness that feels pretty awesome when you are able to do that. There is something to be said for being humble and not needing to show off what you did all through the day. There is something to be said for enjoying things simply.