Hardcore Dancing

A form of dancing often seen at hardcore shows (hence the name "hardcore dancing.") It features rather violent, frenetic moves emphasizng punching, kicking, and spinning. Originating in the Boston scene of the mid-1990s, hardcore dancing is an evolution of the punk/ska dance called skanking. After a while, hardcore kids decided that two-stepping around in a circle was stupid, especially if the person in front of you was going really slow. Thus, they began to form a pit around a few individual dancers, who would proceed with said acrobatics for 30 seconds or so, before rejoining the crowd (hardcore dancing is only possible in short bursts, if it's done right). Hardcore dancers often form crews that frequent shows together. Crew dancers are often fiercely competitive and rather elitist. In scenes such as New York, the dancing is very style-based and exclusive, and the kids look after each other (i.e. when somebody falls or gets hit). In scenes like Philly and Jersey, the dancing is also very exclusive, but the dancing is extremely violent, and injuries and fights are more common. On the West Coast, the dancing is style-based as in NYC, but not nearly as exclusionary. Hardcore dancing is often looked down upon by certain punks and hardcore purists, who think its silly, and favor more communal dancing. However, they are full of shit and should be spin-kicked in the face, just so they know how silly it is. It takes more skill, anyway.