The 1980s are having a major comeback, and nothing screams the decade quite like “Dance Party USA.” Recently, a clip from the iconic show popped up on my TikTok “For You Page,” and suddenly, all the memories came flooding back. It reminded me of a time when big hair, bright colors, and Aqua Net were king, and when “Dance Party USA” was the hottest show on TV. For many, hearing stories about being on the show, especially meeting a young Kelly Ripa before she became a household name, is fascinating. So, after this TikTok clip sparked my nostalgia, I thought it was the perfect time to share my own story of being a guest dancer on “Dance Party USA.”
Stepping Back in Time: My Day as a “Dance Party USA” Guest in the 80s
Alt text: Vintage “Dance Party USA” guest pass featuring show logo and dated information, a nostalgic memento from the 1980s dance television program.
Let’s address the elephant in the room right away: no, the phone number on that guest pass is definitely out of service! And secondly, photographic evidence of my dance moves from that day is unfortunately scarce. In today’s world of constant smartphone photos, it’s hard to imagine documenting an experience without them. But remember, this was the late 80s. Cell phones were a thing of science fiction, and disposable cameras ruled. We relied on friends to take photos, waited days for film to develop, and hoped for the best. While I know photos from my “Dance Party USA” day existed, a thorough search only unearthed pictures of other people from the show.
But let’s rewind to the beginning. Growing up as an only child with a busy single mom, television became my companion. MTV, game shows, talk shows, and especially “Dance Party USA” filled my afternoons. I was completely obsessed with “Dance Party USA,” glued to the screen six days a week. Looking back, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why it captivated me so much, but it did.
Alt text: Christina and Lillian, popular regular dancers on “Dance Party USA,” smiling and posing in vibrant 80s fashion, showcasing the energetic spirit of the Philadelphia-based dance show.
Hailing from New Jersey, when the opportunity arose to be a guest on “Dance Party USA,” which filmed near Philadelphia, I jumped at the chance. I even convinced a high school friend to join me for the adventure. The day was long, starting early and ending late, but excitement kept us going. That single Saturday in 1988 was packed with filming enough segments for an entire week of episodes. If my memory serves me correctly (and the 80s are a bit of a blur!), I think I appeared in five or six episodes that aired a few weeks later.
The coveted guest pass that arrived in the mail wasn’t just a ticket to the show; it came with instructions. A phone number was provided for general information, and crucially, there were dress code rules. “Dress to impress in bright colors” was the mantra, with a strict ban on solid black, white, or grey clothing. Tank tops, t-shirts, and dirty sneakers were also on the “no-go” list. Finally, a reminder that guests had to be at least 15 years old to be part of the “Dance Party USA” experience.
Meeting Kelly Ripa: A Teen Star in the Making at “Dance Party USA”
Alt text: Young Kelly Ripa energetically dancing on “Dance Party USA,” showcasing her early career on the popular 1980s music and dance television program.
Whenever I mention being on “Dance Party USA,” the question that inevitably follows is, “Did you meet Kelly Ripa?” Yes, Kelly Ripa was indeed there the day I was on set. During one of the many breaks throughout the long filming day, I even had the chance to meet her. I happened to be sitting near her during a pause in filming. As a teenager herself at the time, she wasn’t overly chatty or particularly outgoing, at least from what I recall. However, I do remember her offering chocolate to everyone around, including me.
And honestly, that’s the extent of my Kelly Ripa story. No dramatic tales, no profound conversations, just a brief, very 80s encounter. I know it might not sound incredibly exciting, but for my teenage self, being in the same room as Kelly Ripa and being part of “Dance Party USA” was a huge thrill.
Alt text: Holly, a smiling “Dance Party USA” regular dancer with iconic 80s hairstyle and fashion, captured on set of the popular Philadelphia-based TV show.
My episodes of “Dance Party USA” were recorded on VHS tapes (yes, VHS was the only option back then!), but those tapes are sadly long gone. Moving frequently in my late teens and early twenties meant things got lost along the way, and those tapes likely ended up in a trash bin at some point. Am I truly upset about it? Probably not as much as you might think. I was, to put it mildly, a terrible dancer. I was there purely out of love for the show, so maybe some things are best left unseen! My kids would have had a field day with that footage, so perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise.
Melanie VanDerveer – Contributed Photo
During my recent photo search, I did manage to unearth a “Dance Party USA” poster. I honestly have no recollection of how I acquired it. It’s aged and wrinkled from being stored in a box, but the memories it evokes are vivid. I also distinctly remember owning a “Dance Party USA” jacket during my teenage years. It was white with the show’s logo emblazoned across the entire back. I often wonder what became of that jacket.
“Dance Party USA” Lives On Through TikTok and 80s Nostalgia
A quick search for “Dance Party USA” on TikTok reveals a treasure trove of videos. Many of the show’s popular regular dancers have embraced TikTok, sharing their memories and clips from the show’s heyday.
@rickbrindle Replying to @Kali Bonoz I couldn’t help myself. I remember Kelly Ripa from WAY back. #dance #saltnpepa #kellyripa #fypシ #genx #dancpartyusa #danceparty ♬ Push It – Salt-N-Pepa
While today’s generation might scratch their heads at a show featuring teenagers simply dancing and occasionally lip-syncing, it was a cultural phenomenon in its time. “Dance Party USA” even hosted popular musicians and bands, filmed episodes on the beach during summer, and its regular dancers became pen pals with fans, sending out photos and notes to those who wrote in. It was an unforgettable experience for anyone who watched or danced on the show, and it’s wonderful to see those memories continue to thrive on TikTok and social media, keeping the spirit of “Dance Party USA” alive.
Were you a regular or guest dancer on “Dance Party USA”? If you have your own story to share, please reach out to me via Instagram or email.
