Silent Disco

I went to the St. John’s College Ball at the University of Oxford this past weekend and discovered something awesome.

More than 600 glamourous revellers invaded the centuries-old college to spin in tea cups, jump on an inflated castle, take in a hot air ballon ride, have wine and cheese tastings, drink, gamble and beyond in the most elaborate display of splendor I’ve witnessed.

I was still picking my jaw off the cobblestone when at 3am, the dance party started.

You could have heard a pin drop.

I was witness to the most bizarre, yet smart and incredibly fun, party favour. The headphones came out and everyone headed to the dance floor. With either the blue light of one live DJ playing through the headphones, or the red light of the other, a giant silent stir began. We danced and sang along and saw the sun rise, but I doubt a neighbour stirred in their sleep at all.

It’s the silent disco - and it’s amazing. According to the History Channel on Foursquare, this college is known for its silence. With headphones, dancing won’t alter that reputation.

Silent disco is kind of brilliant from the considerate standpoint. It’s also brilliant for visual entertainment. Who wouldn’t laugh at at an arrhythmic crowd singing their own mash-up of songs in silence? Next time I’ll take a video.