You’re the best around
When conflict arises there’s a time to respond in a sensible, logical manner, and there’s a time to meet that conflict head-on in a glorious blaze of angst and hyperbolic fury. ’80s teens know that the best way to deal with problems is to punch dance your way through them. We’re going to figure out how, starting with the ultimate…
Step 1: Know that you are epic
Take a deep breath. Imagine you are the center of the universe, because you definitely are. You are special and everything you do from this moment forward will have an everlasting impact on the human race. For your skills in fighting, driving, riding, piloting, and sportsball are unprecedented. Exhale. Imagine each cell in your body is a mini-you—sprinting up a mountain to drop-kick a kung-fu master into the ocean. You are ready.
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REN McCORMACK
The Legend
Swayed a fanatical preacher and taught an entire town how to dance their asses off
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DANIEL LaRUSSO
The New Kid
Won a regional karate tournament by beating up multiple blonde kids while standing on one foot
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Cru Jones
The Contender
Dominated Hell Track and romanced Lori Loughlin in the world’s only BMX dance-off
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Scott Howard
The Underdog
Gained an unprecedented level of popularity by embracing his inner-werewolf and van surfing
Step 2: Identify The Opposition
Punch dancing is easier when you can find someone to blame for all your personal problems. It’s nice if that person is actually bad, but not essential. Just imagine that they’re the physical manifestation of everything that bothers you, and direct all your angst and anger at them. With a little bit of luck, you’ll find yourself in a self-fulfilling prophecy bound for a climactic duel.
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REV. SHAW MOORE
The Fanatic
Rigid and domineering, Rev. Moore influenced the entire town of Bomont to ban dancing. This, coupled with Ren’s interest in his daughter, Ariel, put them at odds immediately.
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JOHNNY
The not-so-bad guy
Johnny is arguably just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He’s pressured by his peers and encouraged by his misguided sensei to behave ruthlessly toward Daniel.
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BART TAYLOR
The Pro
Bart Taylor, a spoiled, cocky BMX pro, develops a personal vendetta against Cru. It becomes an obsession, and ultimately leads to self-sabotage when racing HellTrack.
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MICK
The Jealous Ex
Blessed with one of cinema’s best stone-faced scowls, Mick is the last-nameless setpiece opposite Scott Howard. Mick proves not all bullies have to be blond.
Step 3: Dress the part
Chuck: “I thought only pansies wore neckties.”
Ren: “See that? I thought only assholes used the word ‘pansy’.”
Chuck: “SHUT UP! Son of a bitch is gonna pay for that!”
There’s only one rule: stand out. If you wear sweats, layer them and cut off the sleeves so people know how intense you are. Wanna wear a jumpsuit? Great! Find one that makes you look like an extra from a knockoff StarTrek movie. DIY uniforms, costumes, and statement tees are your friends. Wear protective sporting equipment for no reason. Tie a bandanna around your leg. Tightroll your jeans. And if all else fails, dress up like a gang member from Michael Jackson’s Bad music video.
Step 4: Find the right tunes
You need a song that puts the raw, elemental emotion you feel into lyrics and soaring melody. John Farnham, Bill Conti, Bonnie Tyler, and Joe ‘Bean’ Esposito won’t steer you wrong. If you’re unsure, be sure the song has words like thunder, lightning, ice, glory, passion, fire, burning, nothing, everything, and danger.
Listen to the epic punch dancing song clips below, and see if you can guess the next lyric.
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It’s the power you feel when you get your…Taste of the glory!
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It’s time for tearing free, You will come, come… Running straight to me!
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Listen to that sound! A little bit of all you got…Can never bring you down!
Step 5: PunchDance!
Now is the time! Focus all your energy and imagine the entire universe is watching your every move. Feel free to use this YouTube playlist below as your very own punch dancing aid (also available on Spotify)…
Recommended Watching
Here are a few more films to inspire future punchdancing sessions. Enjoy, and happy punchdancing!
“I needed to think about last night. So I galloped into a wooded glen, and after punch-dancing out my rage and suffering an extremely long and very painful fall, I realized what has to be done.”
—Rod Kimble in the ultimate punchdancing homage, Hot Rod