“Shout,” the timeless anthem, much like spirited debates with friends or the allure of online deals, truly shines when enjoyed in good company and perhaps with a drink in hand. In the realm of wedding receptions and celebratory gatherings, few songs are as ubiquitous and instantly recognizable as “Shout” by the Isley Brothers. This 1959 classic is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, prompting even the most rhythmically challenged individuals to take to the dance floor.
For many, the infectious energy of “Shout” is irresistible. The song’s simple instructions – raise your hands and jump when you hear “shout” – make it an accessible and joyous experience for dancers of all skill levels. However, even within this seemingly straightforward dance, a moment of potential awkwardness arises: the infamous “a little bit softer now” sequence.
This segment of the song calls for a gradual descent, a slow motion lowering of bodies towards the ground, culminating in a near-squat. As demonstrated in this clip from “Animal House,” featuring Otis Day and the Knights performing “Shout,” the visual is both iconic and, for some, slightly daunting.
Image of Otis Day and the Knights performing Shout
The challenge lies in timing this descent perfectly. Descending too quickly can leave you stranded in an ungainly crouch, while descending too slowly can disrupt the flow of the dance and make you stand out for the wrong reasons. Many find themselves, like the author of the original piece, struggling to find the proper rate of descent, often ending up either too low too early or completely out of sync.
To address this common dance floor dilemma, a data-driven approach can provide a humorous yet practical solution. The key is to determine a rule of thumb for navigating the “a little bit softer now” section with grace and confidence. This involves calculating the ideal incremental descent rate to ensure a smooth transition from standing height to the desired “softest” position by the end of the sequence.
To quantify this, a highly scientific (and admittedly informal) experiment was conducted. Colleagues and willing participants were asked to demonstrate their ideal “softest” position at the end of the “a little bit softer now” segment. Measurements were taken to determine the average reduction in height from their starting stance to their lowest comfortable position.
The results, while not from a peer-reviewed study, were insightful. On average, participants lowered themselves to approximately 60% of their original height when reaching their self-defined “softest” point. This provides a crucial data point for calculating the optimal descent rate.
“Shout” features 17 repetitions of “a little bit softer now.” To achieve a smooth and gradual descent from full height to the “softest” position over these repetitions, a simple calculation is needed. Assuming you begin at your full height on the first repetition and aim to reach your lowest point by the last, you have 15 increments of descent to consider.
Image of person falling during Shout dance
Based on the data gathered, a practical rule of thumb emerges: divide your height in feet by three. The resulting number, in inches, represents the ideal amount you should descend with each “softer now.” For example, if you are 6 feet tall, you should aim to lower yourself by 2 inches with each repetition.
This formula was tested on the participants, and the average difference between their preferred endpoint and the calculated endpoint was a mere 2.4 inches. This suggests that the rule of thumb provides a reasonably accurate and easy-to-remember guideline for navigating the “a little bit softer now” section of “Shout.”
Of course, individual flexibility and dance floor preferences may vary. Those with greater flexibility might choose to descend slightly faster, while those less limber can adjust and descend at a more conservative pace. The most important thing is to avoid the dreaded scenario of misjudging the descent and ending up prematurely on the floor, as humorously depicted.
Ultimately, “Shout” is about joyful participation and letting loose on the dance floor. By understanding the mechanics of the “a little bit softer now” descent and employing this simple rule of thumb, you can approach this iconic wedding song with newfound confidence and ensure your dance moves are perfectly in sync with the music. So, the next time “Shout” plays, you’ll be ready to master the “a little bit softer now” and keep the party going strong, all while staying gracefully on your feet.
