Dynasty Is Not Your Typical '80s Dance Party

The 1980s refuse to die. Maybe it's because it was the last decade before the internet cordoned us from each other. The last time there was a monoculture was when we all listened to the same music, watched the same television stations, and followed the same fashion trends. Undoubtfully, another reason the second-to-last decade of the twentieth century inspires so much nostalgia is that, unlike if someone were to throw a 2010s party, with an '80s party, you pretty much know what you'll get.

Dynasty: an '80s Dance Party that will hold its second edition at Gramps on Saturday, July 19, hopes to play around with attendees' expectations and memories of the 1980s. "So many people were asking for an '80s dance party," explains Oly Vargas, the venue director of Gramps. "People needed a place to go dance to retro tunes. But we wanted it not to be just Cyndi Lauper's 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun'. We didn't want to play all the songs everyone is sick of."

So she called up DJ Dino Rio to man the turntables. "Dino is old school. He DJ'ed at Fire & Ice back in the day. He does a lot of goth parties and will sneak in all the cool, obscure songs. You haven't heard many songs in a while, and deep cuts. He knows how to keep people dancing." Among the songs that got the crowd moving at the inaugural June edition of Dynasty were tracks by Depeche Mode, Adam Ant, the Violent Femmes, The Smiths, and Erasure. Vargas says she has her fingers crossed that she might get to hear some Psychedelic Furs this time.
Behind the DJ is a screen that broadcasts all kinds of '80s visuals curated by Michelle Rollefson, also known as Digi Chel. "Michelle brings a lot to the vibe. She manipulates all these 1980s videos of Kate Bush, Boy George, and The Eurythmics and messes with the tones and filters to make them abstract."

Although they'd love people to show up in their grandest 1980s gear, whether they're channeling Don Johnson, Michael Jackson, or Madonna, you may come as you are. "I dressed up in '80s colors last time. If people want to dress up in 1980s style, it's welcome, but not necessary. I know it's a little too hot for 1980s make-up," Vargas said.

The first edition drew in a crowd that had no idea what to expect. "There were many people who were just out in Wynwood on a Saturday night who haphazardly bumped into it. They didn't know the party was happening and just stayed for a good time. It starts at 10 and people stay until 3 a.m. There were people of all ages, which was fun."

And although the name of the party is inspired by the cheesy nighttime soap opera, Dynasty, Vargas said the soundtrack and aura are more what she describes as New Wave or New Romantic. "Half the fun of throwing a party is coming up with a fun name. Dynasty is more bougie than what we're going for, but people can dress up in the shoulder pads, hairspray, and strong blush and eyeshadow from the show. Dynasty is a name we thought would get people into the era."

If people keep turning out, she says the party could become dynastic. "We're ready to do it every month. If people keep supporting it, we'll keep throwing it."

Dynasty: An '80s Dance Party. 10 p.m., Saturday, July 19, at Gramps, 176 NW 24th St., Miami; 855-732-8992; gramps.com. Admission is free.