What's up with dance parties at Dartmouth? Temperature control, please.
No successful dance party can be complete without absurdly loud music, gyrating (less than fully-clothed) bodies and (in most cases) free-flowing, stimulating substances. To my (and many other students', to be sure) deep displeasure, Dartmouth dance fests include an additional aspect that make even the most perfect combination of tunes, booze and bodies intolerable. This, of course, is a copious amount of sweat.
Profuse, collective moisture generated purely from body heat may just be a weird pet peeve of mine and mine alone, but I know I'm not the only one complaining when my white T-shirt turns translucent to transparent after a quick 20-minute romp.
From my time spent cavorting in European dance venues last term, I have come to realize that Dartmouth seriously underrates the value of ventilation. Even sub-zero temperatures don't temper the sauna-like quality of a well-attended fraternity basement dance party. Fresh air is probably necessary when steam fogs the stairs leading to a basement, or when the students exiting look as if they just showered if you ignore, of course, the smeared makeup, dirty beads of sweat dotting their upper lips and the overwhelming B.O.
Although Greek houses may lack the structural benefits of air conditioning or ceiling fans characteristic of for-profit clubs, most nights in Hanover are cool enough to provide any gathering with some (much-needed) fresh air. A perpetually propped-open door and/or window along with a few industrial-strength fans would immeasurably improve the Dartmouth dancing experience.
Beyond the valid concerns of hygiene or comfort, 200 percent humidity levels can also adversely affect health. Due to a consistent lack of readily available water (e.g. long bathroom lines, bathroom sink conditions and non-potable basement tap water), dancers are often forced to consume more beer as a form of essential rehydration. This could result in excessive alcohol intake, an obvious health risk. Safety and Security really shouldn't be scanning parties for abandoned cups of Keystone. Rather, they should concern themselves with the (lack) of cooling mechanisms for overheated frats. After all, I'm sure we'd all rather end the night dry and looking fresh rather than smelly and clammy-handed.
