The music video for Bruce Springsteen’s hit single “Dancing in the Dark” is iconic, instantly recognizable for its raw concert energy and the surprise moment when Bruce pulls a young Courteney Cox from the audience to dance with him on stage. What many don’t know is the full story behind the making of this legendary video, especially the perspective of a fan who was actually there, not as an extra, but as one of the lucky few chosen to be up close and personal with The Boss during the filming. Sandi Pederson, a lifelong Springsteen devotee, shares her firsthand account of those exhilarating days in June 1984 when “Dancing in the Dark” came to life, and reveals what it was truly like to be part of music history alongside a then-unknown Courteney Cox.
It was Thursday, June 28, 1984, a date etched forever in Sandi’s memory. She found herself inside the St. Paul Civic Center, witnessing Bruce Springsteen perform his electrifying new track, “Dancing in the Dark.” But this wasn’t a typical concert; the cavernous venue was mostly empty, save for a film crew, director Brian De Palma, a group of extras positioned behind the stage, and a select handful of devoted fans like Sandi, positioned right in front of the stage. Among them were Donna, Dave, Ken, another fan, and three models hired for the shoot, one of whom was Courteney Cox. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation, the promise of something extraordinary unfolding.
For Sandi and her fellow fans, this was a dream come true. They were front and center for a private Bruce Springsteen performance. In stark contrast, Sandi recalls the models, including Courteney Cox, exhibiting a palpable lack of enthusiasm. Far from being awestruck by Springsteen’s presence, they reportedly complained about the long hours and expressed their dislike for his music. Even Courteney, the woman destined to become synonymous with the “Dancing in the Dark” video, seemed detached and impatient. Sandi remembers her being particularly unimpressed, especially after De Palma instructed the models to observe and emulate the genuine excitement of the actual fans. Adding to the disconnect, according to Sandi, Courteney Cox wasn’t a natural dancer, further highlighting the difference between the hired talent and the genuinely thrilled fans.
Despite the models’ apparent indifference, the small group of fans radiated pure gratitude. Bruce Springsteen clearly recognized and appreciated their authentic enthusiasm. As a thank you for their patience and energy throughout the long day of filming, he treated them to an exclusive, impromptu concert. Sandi vividly recalls Bruce and the E Street Band launching into an hour-long set just for them, culminating in a rousing rendition of “Detroit Medley.” It was a private show, a hidden gem within the larger Born in the U.S.A. story, witnessed by only a handful of people. Sandi captured a photo that day, a tangible piece of this incredible memory. In it, she stands on the left, beaming, with Donna beside her, and Bruce in the background, wearing the same shirt he sports in the official “Dancing in the Dark” video.
Sandi and Bruce Springsteen on set with Donna visible, capturing a moment from the 'Dancing in the Dark' video shoot
The following day, Friday, June 29th, brought another unforgettable experience. It was the opening night of the Born in the U.S.A. Tour, and Sandi, along with the same group from the video shoot, was back at the Civic Center, again securing a prime spot near the stage. They even wore the same clothes as the previous day to maintain continuity for the filming. This time, however, the Civic Center was packed, buzzing with the energy of a sold-out concert crowd. The purpose of the previous day’s filming with extras became clear: the footage would be interwoven with live performance shots from the actual concert.
During the first part of the concert, Sandi and her friends remained in their seats, later moving to the soundboard area for the second set. As the setlist progressed, they strategically made their way back to their positions from the previous day, ready for the final filming of “Dancing in the Dark.” As Bruce launched into the song to close the set, cameras rolled, capturing the raw energy of a live Springsteen performance intercut with the more controlled takes from the day before.
For the second set encore, the band returned to the stage and, to ensure they had ample footage, performed “Dancing in the Dark” once more. This second performance guaranteed they had captured every angle and energy level needed for the final music video. The result, as Sandi knew, would be iconic. The “Dancing in the Dark” video went on to become one of Bruce Springsteen’s biggest hits and a defining visual of the 1980s music scene. And if you look closely at the final cut, especially around the 3:16 mark, you can spot Sandi herself, a testament to her unforgettable experience as a fan who was right there where it happened, dancing in the light, and sometimes, in the dark, with Bruce and Courteney Cox, in a way she could never have imagined.
Frame from the 'Dancing in the Dark' video highlighting Sandi in the crowd, a lucky fan in an iconic music moment
But Sandi’s story doesn’t end with being an extra in the “Dancing in the Dark” video. Just a few days later, on Monday, July 2nd, at yet another Springsteen concert, something even more extraordinary happened. During the show, Bruce spontaneously invited Donna’s younger sister onto the stage to dance with him, a heartwarming moment that proved you didn’t need to be a model to share the stage with The Boss.
That night, Sandi had front-row seats. During intermission, a friend playfully asked her, “Now that you’ve met him, what will you dream about next?” Without missing a beat, Sandi replied, “I guess dancing with him?” It was a whimsical thought, not a serious expectation, especially as Bruce began the second set by singing directly to her. Typically, Bruce never danced with the girl he serenaded. Her hopes dwindled as he moved to the other side of the stage. But then, unexpectedly, he turned back.
Bruce Springsteen walked directly to Sandi, extended his hand, looked her in the eyes, and uttered the now legendary words, “Heeeeeyyyyy there, baby!” In an instant, Sandi was on stage, dancing with Bruce Springsteen. The whirlwind of emotions, the roar of the crowd, the sheer surrealism of the moment – it was overwhelming.
Sandi dancing on stage with Bruce Springsteen at a 1984 concert, a dream come true for a devoted fan
As the song concluded, Bruce leaned in and whispered, “Okay, here we go!” Before Sandi could process his words, he playfully fell backward onto the stage, gently pulling her down with him. Looking into her eyes, he then said, “Kiss me, baby!” And in that moment, she did.
The night culminated backstage, where Bruce signed an autograph for Sandi. She also encountered Max Weinberg, who remembered her from a book signing a few days prior. Max, known for drawing drum kits on autographs, playfully added a stick figure of himself behind the drums on Sandi’s book, acknowledging her special request. Before she left, Max offered a memorable compliment: “Great dancing out there kiddo!”
These four nights, intertwined with the filming of “Dancing in the Dark” and culminating in a dance and a kiss on stage with Bruce Springsteen, became the highlight of Sandi’s summer of ’84, her own personal “Glory Days” sparked by a chance to be part of an iconic music video featuring Courteney Cox, and a dream realized under the lights of a Springsteen stage.
