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Wayland Student Press

The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press

The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press

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An inappropriate way to start the Winter Week

Hiring an amateur youth hip-hop crew for the Student Council sponsored Winter Week opening event was a terrible decision. Amidst speakers blasting remix like a broken radio, the dancers, who shook their butts, shouted obnoxiously, and, at one point, thrust their genitals up close in some students’ faces, were extremely inappropriate, especially when the entire school community was gathered for what was the start of an entertaining, yet educational, week.

Status Quo members’ actual dance moves were impressive for a short period; some of their moves were amazing, and they were entertaining. However, during the majority of the show, when Status Quo clearly showed a lack of preparation, directionless members of the crew attempted to fill the time with random, suggestive acts and saying silly things while behaving in a way to garner select teens’ whistles and screams.

The opening event was not supposed to be a venue for student dancing. It was also not meant to be the free-for-all segment of the week. When interested students came out from the bleachers and joined the Status Quo members, not only did that make the entire show more amateurish, but also the aimlessness of Status Quo’s dancers passed onto the participating students. When the trickle of volunteers died off quickly, members of the dance crew began to call out certain students in a selective manner. Some of these called-out students were indiscreet, as they shook and pointed at their butts for the audience and then feverishly argued about who won the “dance competition.” All of this happened while their teachers and peers were watching.

A professional hip-hop group would not have relied so heavily on the participatory segment of the show. Professionals would have coordinated their show until the end, perhaps calling up one or two volunteers to excite the audience. In Status Quo’s case, calling up volunteers was not a sideshow—it was a major segment of its performance that just didn’t work.

According to the Winter Week coordinators, they hired Status Quo because they wanted an event that was “exciting and different from the past.” The decision was also influenced by the dance crew’s MTV prominence and popularity on the Web. What was expected from the Status Quo members, as part of their contract, was an hour-long performance with two parts: dancing and then an interactive session with the audience talking about their origins and rise in the popular culture.

When Status Quo’s short-lived dancing session ended abruptly and the chaotic and directionless session began, it was apparent that members of Status Quo had not planned out the event, even though specifics had been indicated in the contract and members were aware of how much time had been given to them. The free-for-all session just dragged along until one of the Status Quo members said, “I guess it’s time for us to leave.” As soon as Status Quo started its unorganized and dysfunctional show, the school community really did not have much control over how its actions could affect the school population.

Next time, perhaps we need a more definitive oversight during major school events. We must think ahead and consider multiple effects of such prominent school-wide events before they actually happen.

Inappropriate photos were excluded.
All photos were taken by Eilif Mikkelsen.

View Comments (32)
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Comments (32)

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  • M

    MikegFeb 6, 2009 at 12:16 AM

    This was my first winter week as well. All I can really say us that the Student Counsil just tried. This wasn’t my favorite performance nor was it my friends’ but I am not throwing a fit on the internet especially if people from my school will see this. People are allowed to have opinions- I prefer rock over rap, but I thought some of the moves were good (Soulja boy). I thought the majority of the show was inapropriate, but I really didn’t jump to conclusions from the beginning that day. My advice: keep opinions generally off the internet. Pretty epic debate like the youtube wars I am in.

    Reply
  • W

    whateverFeb 5, 2009 at 11:59 PM

    don’t be so negative man, we weren’t forced to watch it.

    personally i think that its awesome that the school planned this kind of thing and we got out early.

    Reply
  • S

    status quo+dancing=failureFeb 5, 2009 at 10:35 PM

    I felt embarrassed when I was watching status quo they were terrible. I think Ting was a better break dancer than the status quo. I cant believe these guys are on TV. They were just flapping their arms the whole time, where were the head spins. Basically, I would rather see the Lincoln impersonator from about three years ago than status quo.

    Reply
  • E

    EricaFeb 5, 2009 at 9:09 PM

    Nobody ever complains about our school dances and they are a lot worse. Also, there were a few inappropriate instances, but the comedian last year was way worse. I loved it, it was awesome. and i really think it made winter week.

    Reply
  • B

    BobbyFeb 5, 2009 at 8:51 PM

    I agree with most of this article. Sure, Status Quo had 10 minutes or so of fantastic, choreographed dancing, but as the article said, the performance quickly devolved into an awkward, non-entertaining, and somewhat embarrassing fiasco.
    To everyone who criticizes this article: aren’t we all entitled to our opinions? This piece is simply the expression of the author’s opinion on the performance, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Accordingly, I think it’s fine for people to express their disagreement with the opinion presented, but that does not justify criticizing WSPN or the author of this piece simply for expressing saying what he thinks. I think it’s great that WSPN has posted an opinion article on the performance – and even another for the opposing side.
    And to everyone who defends the performance by saying it’s an accurate representation for our popular culture: that justifies nothing. Do you really think that there is nothing wrong with our 21st century American pop culture? Because if you don’t, there’s something seriously wrong. Just because the performers kept in tune with themes of our over-sexed society doesn’t make it any more appropriate.

    Reply
  • S

    SUga SUga Feeeel GooodFeb 5, 2009 at 6:59 PM

    META CRITIC GIVES THEIR PERFORMANCE A 57, IT WASNT GOOOOOD ENOUGH, THEY SHOULDV”E EAAAAARNED IT

    Reply
  • A

    anonymousFeb 5, 2009 at 5:34 PM

    i disagree with this article…
    while at some points, it was a bit unorganized, the dancing was amazing and very enjoyable. as another person mentioned, it was the volunteers’ unwillingness to dance that slowed down the show. most of the unorganization was due to the fact that the volunteers couldn’t compose themselves and actually dance. if they had, the show would have run more smoothly and we would not have had to spend time waiting for them and attempting to encourage them. because of this, it was not entirely status quo’s fault. they were trying their best, and speaking as a dancer, it would have been near impossible for them to dance for an entire hour. the volunteering section was necessary, and when it was done in the right way, like when de cooper or richard ting danced, it was entertaining.
    student council should not be held responsible for the lack or organization or deemed “inappropriate” actions. what were they supposed to do? they couldn’t stop the performance or plan it any better than it had been planned. i, for one, know that a majority of the school enjoyed the performance. a lot of people i know were very excited to see status quo, including myself. for many students, it was a highlight of their week to meet the dancers they had supported on television.
    also, as whit says, “inappropriate photos were excluded”? what inappropriate photos? the most “inappropriate” they got is displayed on the posted pictures.

    Reply
  • :

    :)Feb 5, 2009 at 5:09 PM

    i loved them
    and so did everyone else i talked to
    they were great!
    they did have some minor planning problems but i didnt think that they took away from the show much

    Reply
  • K

    KayteeFeb 5, 2009 at 4:13 PM

    I thought they were really amazing dancers, and that the article was written from the point of view of someone who is not into their style…I completely respect that, but the article was kind of a rant. The majority of our culture DOES enjoy this kind of performance. Everyone I talked to liked it, as did I, and like Whit said, we’re in high school! Anything innapropriate that they did is no worse than dances or TV.
    Good performance, Status Quo.

    Reply
  • F

    froshFeb 5, 2009 at 4:10 PM

    i personally thought that it was a pretty good show. Sure statues quo shook their butts and stuff but that’s part of dancing..and when i looked around the gym, a majority of thestudents looked happy. I think that you should have focused on the positive things that happened.

    Reply
  • S

    SkippyFeb 5, 2009 at 3:16 PM

    I agree with Whit about the “Inappropriate photos were excluded” line. In fact the pictures posted are more reflective of the inappropriate behavior. However this is to emphasize their “inappropriate” actions which is after all the objective of the article.

    -Skypr

    Reply
  • A

    AnonFeb 5, 2009 at 1:04 PM

    Very true and observant article. A public school is not the place for this.

    Reply
  • W

    WhitFeb 5, 2009 at 9:23 AM

    Don’t get me wrong, what WSPN has done for the school community is very impressive and commendable. However, I think that writing articles that seem to be controversial for the sake of being controversial is unnecessary. Opinions should be taken into account, but Student Council’s planning methods should not be questioned. James, Stef, and company obviously worked hard to plan something new and exciting, and to bash them to this extent is a bit over the top. Sure, Status Quo did use some “risky” entertainment techniques, but we’re all big boys and girls here. What we saw on stage is exponentially less graphic than what we witness at every prom, semi, and school sponsored dance. It is also completely unnecessary and disrespectful to include the line “Inappropriate photos were excluded.” Low blow. Low blow.

    Reply
  • V

    Vanessa and TatianaFeb 5, 2009 at 8:38 AM

    HI! We just wanted to say that we think this show was great and it wasn’t inappropriate. We thought it was a great show and the way the added the students showed how our school can dance and it was funny and entertaining to us. I also think that you should have made this your opinion not the whole schools. We thought it was GREAT!!! and FUN!!!

    Reply
  • A

    Alicia WinokurFeb 5, 2009 at 8:05 AM

    I firmly disagree. In every performance, it’s important to make a connection with your audience, and while that doesn’t always mean pulling members out from the audience and having them have a dance off, it’s vital to at least make eye contact. Staring down members of the audience and making them uncomfortable is fun. It really is. It helps the audience to connect with the story, to you, to the performance.

    While I admit that their lack of organization was frustrating at times (there was a period of time where most of us were just sitting there waiting for them to do something), overall, their performance was incredible. People don’t realize how difficult it is to dance like that. In terms of their technique, they were extremely coordinated and looked completely professional on the dance floor.

    To insult their music is merely an opinion. For the style of dance they perform, their choice of music was completely appropriate.

    This isn’t Footloose. Luckily, we’re allowed to dance and listen to whatever music we like (and thank God, because frankly, Kevin Bacon creeps me out). The way Status Quo and the students danced was the way people are dancing these days. Dance in pop culture has changed dramatically over the years. This is the norm right now. It’s what people see everywhere. Had a similar event been coordinated in the 80’s, I guarantee people would have come doing the dances from “Thriller” and the like.

    Status Quo coming to the school was a great way to start of my first Winter Week. They were high energy and fun, and they obviously made the student body excited. Perhaps in retrospect, things could have been executed differently, but all we can do now is keep moving forward and make sure all future performances are something everyone can enjoy.

    Reply
  • C

    Chace1979Feb 5, 2009 at 7:49 AM

    I think this is kind of rediculous. They’re not supposed to be professional, hence why they were on a tv show. They were on there because they were amateurs who WANTED to become professionals. Some people are uncomfortable with the way they may have danced but it IS a part of our culture. I don’t know why you people have such an issue with it when we see that in music videos every day and that’s how majority of teenage girls are dancing. They girls were thirty times worse then Status Quo. They came to give us a good time, and they did.

    And no one was forced to go out there, one of the guys in the group knew the girl from out of school and it was planned before for her to come up. She just got nervous.

    It’s funny because the principal thought it was great, and knew there was going to be criticism about it.

    It can be debated but we have to look at the facts. It’s our culture, it’s what us teens have been raised in, we SHOULDN’T be shocked and we certainly SHOULDN’T be offended by this. Instead of complaining about it, take it as an experience. That’s probably something you won’t see again. A dance crew that was on tv.

    Reply
  • A

    Anon/gif/Feb 5, 2009 at 7:01 AM

    I wonder why they were using the Mortal Kombat theme song in their dance moves, as it has nothing to do with rap or any other type of hip-hop used! Anyways, this performance most defintely recieved an under 9000 on the performance scale, and the majority of it was inappropriate. I find it appalling that people enjoyed others shaking their own genitals in another persons face. I find that as a lack of respsect towards the school, and towards the students who are here. Also, Mortal Kombat was made for a game in which people violently rip your opponents head out of their body, and then proceed to consume the opposing persons spine and all. Why were they playing that song? I really think death metal did not fit in here……………………………

    Reply
  • D

    David WestbomFeb 4, 2009 at 11:56 PM

    if thats responding to my “grow up” I was just saying we’re a little old to be stuck on some pelvic thrusting here and there. They just 1up’d elvis. But i am sorry if you were offended, its just hard for me to think of that being very offensive these days and becoming one of the bigger concerns in our high school life. The dancers were extremely talented no ones arguing that, but the brunt of the inappropriate dancing was not even done by the professionals (yes professionals, not amateurs). Also, I think there was only really one or two people who went up there and didn’t want to go, and i’m pretty sure they just ended up walking off. I’m really not trying to start anything, its just i thought the article was overly harsh and needed some commentary

    Reply
  • J

    James IvkerFeb 4, 2009 at 11:34 PM

    Skippy,
    As a member of Student Government and a big part of the planning of this program I want to know specifically what more we could have done? We booked a performer and expected a dance performance. We could not have forseen what they planned to do? Also, I don’t regret booking them or think it was a failure. Please read my commentary in response to this article which will be posted on WSPN shortly.
    Thanks
    James Ivker

    Reply
  • J

    jFeb 4, 2009 at 11:20 PM

    I have to say I agree with the opinion. The dancers were good when they danced, but I hated the violent parts and the down time, and I also hated that in a high school sanctioned event people were being so explicitly physically sexual – why is doing that “grown up”? And people shouldn’t be forced to get up there.

    Reply
  • S

    SkippyFeb 4, 2009 at 11:19 PM

    Alright one more tonight. After reading what people wrote I would like to slightly change what I said. While I think that the administration should have helped keep the show together and more organized, I do not think the sexual movement or music is at all an issue. That is our modern day pop culture. The only thing inappropriate was the lack of preparedness and professionalism. The dance and music were GREAT!!

    -Skypr

    Reply
  • S

    SkippyFeb 4, 2009 at 10:07 PM

    The more I think about what happened the more i agree with the article… The disaster that occurred is clearly due to lack of planning and monitoring by school staff and student government. I think the only way to avoid this again is to sit down with administration, members of student government and disgruntled students. Together they can pin point what went wrong and formulate a strategy for how to avoid it.

    Reply
  • A

    Anon/gif/Feb 4, 2009 at 9:15 PM

    Agreed. Nice article by the way.

    Reply
  • A

    anonymousFeb 4, 2009 at 9:13 PM

    This article is a ridiculous overreaction. I’m aware that it is an expression of your personal opinion, but I feel that the majority of students would disagree. Status Quo provided WHS with a very fun and exciting performance. Most students enjoyed the music the article deems “garbage,” and were very impressed by the group’s dancing. Though the moves were a bit provocative, they were not, in any way, inappropriate for a high school aged audience. The most risqué moves were actually performed by WHS students, not the members of Status Quo. Admittedly, the performance began to deteriorate towards the end, but this was caused by the volunteers’ unwillingness to participate, not a lack of organization. Most members of the WHS community (students, teachers, administrators) seemed very happy with the show, and to suggest that this performance had negative effects on the student body is absurd. I think it was a great idea for Student Council’s part, and I appreciate their efforts to make Winter Week an enjoyable celebration.

    Reply
  • W

    whhat?Feb 4, 2009 at 9:06 PM

    IT WAS SO GOOD WAHT ARE U TALKING ABOUT

    Reply
  • O

    oliivvviaaa loves status quoFeb 4, 2009 at 8:53 PM

    who are you? they rocked

    Reply
  • A

    apFeb 4, 2009 at 8:37 PM

    i think the performance wasn’t that bad. it was different and cool. i mean its 150% than ballet for instance, but it was creative. people who dance like that have talent. i think it was cool how they got some students up on stage, it was fun and inviting. i do have to agree the last bit was strange and not organized. hey they were still good.

    Reply
  • D

    David WestbomFeb 4, 2009 at 8:27 PM

    Grow up a little bit please. Granted this is your personal opinion, I dont think it is a good one. I admit, for some young children, the dancing may have been a little risque. Some teachers may have been offended, but it was dancing. How i observed it, Ms. Swenson was not at least. The “garbage” mixs may have not been tasteful to you, but i thought they were good, and they danced to them extremely well. The participation from the croud was good until some people got nervous on stage. It would have worked really well if people continued to dance, or if Richard Ting went back up and battled some more. Sure they cut it short, and may not have timed it the best, but it was not all their fault. Maybe dancing just isn’t your thing, it’s not mine for sure, but i’m pretty sure a lot of people liked it. now that i’m done, ima go shake my butt and genitals round my house.

    Reply
  • M

    MayaFeb 4, 2009 at 8:09 PM

    Im sorry but I think you should speak for yourself, i think the majority of the school really enjoyed the performance, and it was an awsome kickoff to winterweek. These guys have had a lot of success and also keep in mind they are our age and a little older and they have been on a tv show as well as gotten in 2nd place in the competition.

    Reply
  • G

    GKjhagkljhFeb 4, 2009 at 7:45 PM

    i disagree. i think it was a good way to get it started. and just beacuse their dancing might be a different way than your used to, its their culture and their extremely gifted at what they do.
    so i don’t think you hsould publish such a bias article when everyone i talked to loved the performance

    Reply
  • N

    n/aFeb 4, 2009 at 7:08 PM

    I think that this is kind of ridiculous. #1 yes they did seem a bit unprepaired and it did slightly fall apart at the end. however the fact that the preformance was inappropriate is slightly hypocritical considering that last year’s opening act (the comeidians) made references to using perscription pills and made sexual references to wrestling. I also dont think that u can blame this on the coordinators considering they didnt know nessicarily how the group was going to preform. I also think it was very inappropriate of the author to insult their music, because everyone has the ability to decide for themselves what is good music or not.

    Reply
  • S

    SkippyFeb 4, 2009 at 6:50 PM

    It is widely held among my friends that the first part of the show was quite good if not great. However as you said it quickly turned in to a mess. And well in to the disaster the Wayland staff was still helping them with their technical difficulties… Anyways my real question is why didn’t the administration do something. Coach P was standing there the entire time doing nothing. Someone please find me an answer!

    Reply