Dance Dance Revolution Ethnography

Introduction

A steady stream of sweat flows down my face and collects in a small puddle beneath me. My feet move as if I were stepping on hot coals. The display with its many flashing colors fastens my eyes in a gaze. My heart races as I attempt to control my breathing. All the while the blaring music envelopes my entire body and forces me into a trance. The intense techno beat pumps my adrenaline to new heights. I fell into my own world as my sense of reality became twisted and mangled. When the stage finally came to an end, I collapsed onto the floor as I struggled to catch my breath. Thus was my experience on the Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) arcade machine.

Dance dance Revolution is a music rhythm based game produced by konami. This game can be found in almost every arcade you go to. The core gameplay involves the player moving his or her feet to a set pattern, stepping in time to the general rhythm or beat of a song. Arrows are divided by 1/4 notes, 1/8 notes, and so on (with differing color schemes for each), up to about 1/32 notes. This game became quite popular and gained a fairly large following. With its large number of fans, there became a certain culture associated with it.

Methodology

On one weekend, I ventured to a local Nickelrama to conduct some research. When I arrived, I found a group of high schoolers tearing it up on the DDR machine. There was also a good sized crowd surrounding them. It was almost as if it were a spectator sport. I talked to the people in the crowd that was watching the player. I was surprised to learn that about half of the people in the crowd were only there to watch and not play. I approached some of the people that had just finished playing. I asked them questions about the game and they were more than happy to share their knowledge. I also played a few songs and successfully made an enormous fool of myself. Nearly all of my data was obtained from this group of kids and from my overall experience on that day.

Interview with DDR Player

After a player (Justin, age 16) had finished a song, I asked him for an interview and he gladly accepted. He too like many others started off as a spectator. He would watch people play, and when someone really good shows up, large crowds usually form. DDR is able to attract so many people because it’s unlike any other video game. You have to move around instead of just standing there, pushing buttons. Because there are so many songs to choose from, there is a reason to come back and play again. It’s not like other games where you can just beat and never touch again. “It’s like a new experience every time I play a different song.” For Justin, the music is one of the main reasons why he continues to play. “If the music was slow and boring, there’d be no point to put my coin in.” The audience also plays a role in the DDR experience. “When a crowd strangers clap and compliment you after you’ve finished a song, it’s one of the best feelings in the world.”

Ideas About Music

Music plays an absolutely huge role in Dance Dance Revolution, both for the player and the spectator. The music that is played is very upbeat and fast-paced. Even if you are not the person playing, you can’t help but move to the rhythm of the music. There is none of that soft slow music you would find when you go out for brunch with Grammy. It’s the type of music a club would play to get the people moving. Because Konami is based in Japan, a lot of the music has influences from Japanese pop music. The aesthetics in this culture include the way you dress and the way you “dance.” When playing in an area with a lot of people, it is important to look presentable and somewhat well dressed. This way, you may be able to attract a crowd.

Activities Involving the Music

The music is not only found in DDR but also around on the internets. Many of the songs can be downloaded from iTunes and sound tracks are floating around. A broad range of people enjoy playing DDR. However, the population of players mainly consists of what the general public would refer to as “nerds.” The music featured in DDR is imported and is exclusively produced by professionals. Like any other arcade game, DDR is open to anyone. Most people who play only do so once in a while when they have free time. On the other hand, there are those who play religiously. Every once in a blue moon, tournaments are held where the winner is awarded with cash prizes and prestige.

Repertoires of Music

The genre associated with DDR is primarily techno and Japanese pop. The series promotes a music library of music produced by Konami’s in-house artists. They also import popular music from many other genres. The beats and melodies of the music are crucial because they are what the steps are based off of. The “dancing” that the player performs is not limited to the set pattern of steps. Some people are able to freestyle and add their own moves into play. There are competitions in which the participants must come up with choreography that matches the step pattern. The players as well as spectators listen to the music and the catchy tunes get stuck in their heads. They then find themselves looking up the songs on the internet and listen to them at home. A passerby may find the music intriguing and end up listening to it too.

Material Culture

The materials used within this culture include the arcade machine itself. The game has also been ported to consoles (Xbox and Playstation) to be used at home. It is possible to buy the pad to play on. The pads can be made out of metal or they can be soft and foldable. A sturdy pair of shoes is recommended while playing so you won’t slip and die. A clean towel is useful for wiping off sweat.

Conclusion

DDR has grown into a popular form of entertainment and has formed its own culture. It attracts people from all walks of life. The fast-paced and upbeat music gets the blood pumping and makes for an exciting experience. Because of its interactive nature, people are able to add their own flavor and styles (freestyle) into the mix. You might see people C-walking, breaking, raving, flipping, and so on. People are able to enjoy DDR even if they don’t wish to play it. Watching others playing and listening to the music is a good way to kill time and socialize with other people that are also interested in the game.

Sources

http://www.ddrfreak.com/
http://www.ddronlinecommunity.com/
http://www.ddrfreak.com/newpress/Youth%20Outlook.htm
Justin from the arcades (Nickelrama)