Using wireless headphones, partygoers gathered in a section of Brooklyn to party in silence, without hassle from neighbors or authorities
Loud dance parties have always been subject to scrutiny in big cities where people struggle to escape urban chaos. During a recent silent disco in downtown Brooklyn, however, partygoers managed to avoid the negativity by dancing in silence. Rather than using traditional speakers, this party used wireless headphones to broadcast the DJ’s music.
Silent discos have been around since the early 2000’s, but were mainly held at music festivals like Bonnaroo, or at indoor venues on special club nights. Now, these parties are moving into public spaces.
A DJ plays music, but neighbors hear nothing. Photo credit: Vandana Nagaraj
Cities like Paris, London and New York have all held silent discos in the streets this past year, forcing onlookers to experience crowds differently. “Disorderly” or “rambunctious” are no longer terms that are applicable to a crowd if everyone is partying in silence.
People starting to gather for the silent disco. Photo credit: Vandana Nagaraj
DJ and attendee Anthony Sutherland enjoying the music. Photo credit: Vandana Nagaraj
Attendees test the wireless headphones, getting ready for the silent party. Photo credit: Vandana Nagaraj
“People can’t be scared of of big groups with silent parties,” said attendee and DJ Anthony Sutherland. Where noise restrictions would otherwise prohibit collective revelry, silent disco technologies allow large masses to populate public spaces without disturbing the peace.
Crowd dances silently on a downtown Brooklyn street. Photo credit: Vandana Nagaraj
As silent disco technologies become more ubiquitous, what will the future of dance parties general look like? How will outsiders respond to such gatherings?
Photo credits: Vandana Nagaraj