In the beginning of the 20^th Century there were harmonies, melodies, and words of love and devotion in the lyrics…at that time Ballroom Dancing dominated the scene and it was a spectacle to behold. At that time of music people were up and dancing. Mrs. Gunzelman shares some of her favorite music that gets her jamming. “Dancing music for me is generally pop-such as Michael Jackson or Justin Timberlake. The dancing I do is whatever I feel like doing”

People say that music makes the world go round… does it really? Music can impact us in any way even if we are sad, happy, angry, depressed, and even if your falling in love. Each and everyday something about music changes, we may not notice it but that’s how we get from point A to point B. Ever think how music has changed our world?  During the 1920’s, in the prohibition era,  Flappers (dancers) came out with a more progressive fast paced dance pattern like the Fox-Trot.  Flappers in their silk out fits with feathers, stepped high when the saxophone and clarinet played the inspiring music. Today, not many people like this kind of music but Mr. Schilicker is the opposite. “I like fast swing jazz and Latin music, plus that’s what gets my son dancing.” He and his son enjoy this music because they can dance to it and have fun with it.

The 1930’s and 1940’s produced Benny Goodman & other’s the famous “Big-Band” sound musicians which bellowed full orchestra arrangements and a heavy brass & drum sound.  This swinging music produced the “Social Dancing Step” where lovers would embrace as they slide across the dance floor as Frank Sinatra sang.   Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers superbely exhibited this type of dancing which complimented the music of the era.

In the 1950’s the entire world was “All Shook-Up” with the birth of Rock N’ Roll!  Elvis Presley changed the world and it has never been the same since.  Jerry Lee Lewis set the piano on fire with “Great Balls of Fire” and sock-hops and the Cha-Cha  penetrated the dance floors as the Bee-Bop music glided every step.  But everyone was cautious not to step on Elvis’s “Blue Suede Shoes” when they danced.

In the 1960’s Chubby Checkers had the world “Twisting” the night away.  Even President Kennedy was captured doing a slight version of “The Twist” at his inaugural party.  The fast paced music produced the “Shin-Dig” & the “Hulla-Ba-Loo” also and life was jus a big party.

As the 1970’s and 1980’s approached, couples returned into each other’s arms with the beautiful love songs of “The Delphonics”, the “Commodores”, and the “Fifth Dimention”.   Detroit’s Motown sound gave us all songs to remember how to love.  The music made us dance closer, embracing each other again.

Larissa Conrado, sophomore, gave her opinion on music in this generation. “ I approve in some areas, same for my parents we just think that music is going backwards now.  Most of this generation disappoints me with new things ex. ( Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, and some of Katy Perry’s stuff)” So here we are in the 21^st Century 2000-2013 with Lady Ga-Ga,  and rappers like Emimem captivating the airwaves.  The dances are not loving – they are destructive and seductive in nature.  The lyrics of melodies are corrupt & profanity is frequently used.

“ I neither endorse or disapprove of this generation of music,” said Schlicker, “I will say that Pop music has always in every decade been iffy. I mean when it comes to quality.”