Last night I was dancing in Seattle, last Friday I was dancing in LA, and the Sunday before that I was dancing in San Francisco. These three outings have afforded me the excellent opportunity to observe dancers in each city, and compare their distinctive regional movements. From outside the dance music community, it might seem that all dancers have one “robo-raver” style, but to an experienced eye, it’s clear that each area has a particular flavor.

I’ve been keenly aware of regional dancing styles for years, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever had the chance to compare three distinctive city styles in such a short period of time. It made the differences stand out much more starkly.

San Franciscans have this great hoppy, kicky, pretty athletic style. There’s a lot of foot movement that has more than a few hip-hop influences. Head grabbing figures prominently, as well, in that “I’m grabbing my hat as I break it down” kind of way.

Seattleites, meanwhile, are firmly grounded. Their feet stay closer to the ground, and there’s a lot of grindy, fluid arm movements, and side-to-side back/hip/torso movements. There’s a reason that ravers in Seattle used to insist on being called “groovers.”

Angelenos, on the other hand, have less of a regionally-determined style. Maybe it’s just too big and diverse for there to be any recognizable movements or techniques. In my experience, though, people tend to pick a signature movement, and stick with it. The exception to this generalization is, of course, Megasoul Hill, who shakes it however she damn well pleases.

Regardless, I’ve greatly appreciated the chance to dance in these three wonderful cities. I have to admit that San Franscisco dancers are probably my favorite, but that may just be due to the fact that I earned my dancing chops there.