avatarSherry McGuinn

Summary

Sherry McGuinn humorously proposes a virtual dance party for the Medium community to welcome 2021 and alleviate the quarantine blues.

Abstract

In a lighthearted and playful article, Sherry McGuinn suggests hosting a virtual "Dirty Dance" party for fellow Medium writers and readers, emphasizing the fun and camaraderie it could bring amidst the isolation of quarantine. She envisions a festive event with dressed-up attendees, music curated by a nominated DJ, and BYOB refreshments. McGuinn extends an open invitation to Medium users, including well-known writers and even those she cheekily refers to as "half-assed tipsters," while also addressing practical considerations such as the choice of platform for hosting the event. The article is a call to action for the Medium community to engage in a joyful and physically active social gathering to kick off the new year.

Opinions

  • McGuinn believes that a dance party could be a fun way to engage with the Medium community and relieve the mental and physical stagnation caused by quarantine.
  • She jokingly refers to the event as "dirty" but clarifies that it's in good spirits and not meant to be taken literally.
  • The author expresses a desire to see the "impressive moves" of her Medium peers and is eager to participate in such an event herself.
  • McGuinn playfully warns participants about the risks of vigorous dancing, such as injuring oneself, and suggests that attendees should ensure they are fit to participate.
  • She humorously suggests that partners could be asked to leave the premises during the event to avoid distractions like CNN or other activities.
  • The article implies that McGuinn sees the Medium community as a close-knit group, referring to them as "friends" with whom she wants to "get sweaty."
  • McGuinn lightly criticizes those who offer unsolicited advice on Medium, implying that their presence would still be welcomed at the dance party.
  • She proposes that the event could be a collaborative effort, with attendees submitting their favorite songs and someone volunteering as the DJ.
  • The author hints at the possibility of Ev Williams, the CEO of Medium, supporting the event, jokingly appealing to him for assistance.
  • McGuinn acknowledges the technical and logistical challenges of hosting a virtual dance party and invites input on how to address them.

New Year, New Moves!

Let’s Usher in 2021 With a Twerk

Who’s up for a Medium “Dirty Dance” party?

Is that Tim Denning? Source: Free-Images.Com

Okay, I’m putting you on. I don’t really mean “dirty,” as that would be untoward and we all know I don’t go there, right?

With that said, I couldn’t help but think, when I was letting my fractured brain do its own thing the other day, how much fun it would be to throw a virtual dance fest with our Medium buddies.

Maybe it’s the quarantine and the fact that I love to dance but rarely do it, except for when my hubby vacates the premises, or maybe I’m just in a riled-up mood and need to let off some steam, but think about it. Imagine cutting loose with the likes of Helen Cassidy Page, James Knight, Suzanne V. Tanner, Rasheed Hooda, Sterling Page, Kristi Keller, Robin Klammer, Stephen Sovie, P.G. Barnett, Terry L. Cooper, Gayle Kurtzer-Meyers, Don Feazelle, Kim McKinney, Jezebel Feast, Estacious(Charles White), Dawn Bevier, Tina L. Smith, Greg Prince, or any number of Medium “influencers.” You all know who you are.

We might have to actually dress, you know, put on some decent clothes, or whatever still fits, anyway. But that’s a measly price to pay for getting down with our bad selves with some of the baddest asses on Medium.

Imagine the nostalgia of combing the knots out of our hair, shaving (you guys), slapping on a bit of blush, or a swipe of lipstick (we women). And no masks necessary!

Also, everyone would be invited, even the half-assed tipsters, who probably wouldn’t attend anyway. Too busy conjuring up more useless advice for how we losers can “make it” on Medium. Or dreaming up yet another workshop. Still, they’d be welcome. Or not.

Naturally, this would have to be a BYOB affair. Definitely wine for me as I prefer to remain upright when I dance, yet, I wouldn’t turn down the occasional shot with like-minded imbibers.

Snacks? Totally your call but keep in mind what happens when we drink on an empty stomach. I would hate for Helen to see me purging into my fake ficus.

As for music, I propose that we nominate one lucky person to be our DJ. Of course, your input is not only welcome but needed, here. Maybe we all submit ten of our favorite ass-shaking tunes to whoever is going to do the spinning and let him or her work it out. Unless we turn this into a rage and keep it going for days. But just know that whoever falls out first, gets “unfollowed.”

Kidding. I’m kidding, here.

I’m just feeling so, boxed-up. Aren’t you? Along with mentally constipated and physically…soft. Think of the calories we could burn off from countless bags of Cheetos and loaves of sourdough bread.

Having a “plus one” is up to you but for me, I can’t imagine having my mate watching CNN upstairs while I gyrate in front of my iMac for hours. We could just respectably ask our partners to “get the fuck out, for a while.” But again, that’s your call.

Now, here’s where it gets tough: The technical stuff. How many dancers would we be able to “fit in?” Do some of us take breaks? Drop-in and out? We need to figure out the logistics before we get down.

Also, what’s the vehicle? Do we Zoom? Skype? Or what? Would any of you want to take this essential element on? Perhaps Ev Williams could lend a hand to his loyal Medium minions.

“Ev, what do you think, buddy? Most of us aren’t making squat here so can you help throw us a party?”

I’m getting excited just thinking about a Medium dance party. I’m sure many of you have some pretty impressive moves. And I for one want to see them. Yes, I’m a bit of a perv, but it’s all good. I just want to get sweaty with my friends.

So what do you think? Can we do this?

By the way, twerk and/or floss at your own risk. If you throw your back or hip out, I can’t be held responsible.

© Sherry McGuinn, 2020. All Rights Reserved.

Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.

Thanks for reading!
Humor
Writers On Medium
New Year Party
Music
Dance
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