Don’t dream it: BE it.
The time for your first Rocky Horror Picture Show Party has finally arrived, but as a Rocky Virgin, you’re most likely a combination of intrigued and terrified by the entire concept. What even is Rocky Horror? What is a party relating to it like? Why do I even care?
As the famous cult movie begins: I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey…
Rocky What?
Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 comedy/musical “dream come true”. The plot is fairly simple- simple and totally insane.
While driving home during a rain filled night, sexually pure lovebirds Brad and Janet somehow end up at the castle of the fabulous transvestite Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his strange and bizarre entourage, and find that he’s having a party for his fellow citizens of the planet Transsexual. To the great fortune of the naïve newlyweds, this is no ordinary party- it is the unveiling of the Dr.’s latest creation: Rocky; a hunky piece of male flesh that’ll make you melt just by looking at him.
What ensues is a satirical spin upon drama, sexual longing, and danger.
Cult classic- performances
Perhaps your Rocky Horror experience is one involving a performance- specifically, a viewing of the cult film with audience participation. Yes, back in the day (and into the present), obsessed fans of Rocky Horror Picture Show don their best costumes and grab their favorite props to act out the film before the large screen. Participation gives members of the audience a greater rise, causing them to feel like they are really living the sexual, riveting experience of Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s bizarre party. That being said…
Clothing, make-up, cross-dressers
The most typical way to dress up for Rocky is to dress down; girls, tonight’s the night when it’s acceptable to dress in lingerie in public and not be called judged! Grab a nice bralette from Victoria’s Secret or a lacy slip, then pair is with some funky leather accessories for some added appeal. Guys, well, that can go a few ways- you can take the Dr. approach by cross-dressing, or you can don a hot pair of underwear and go as the steamy Rocky. Take your pick, and don’t take yourself too seriously- this is Rocky!
Cast
Hey, remember Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Meat Loaf? Well, they once were joined onscreen in this beloved classic. See Susan sing of losing her virginity like you’d never imagine, and dare to watch Tim strut around in a skimpy corset. You won’t be disappointed to see how their careers have thrived since.
Hit songs
The most notable hits off the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack include “Time Warp”, “Sweet Transvestite”, and “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch me.” Gosh, the names alone are enough to make you feel the “dirty” sensations that Susan sings about.
How to Dance the Time Warp Like a True Rocky Horror Fan
And now, for the true test of your Rocky experience: the dancing of the “Time Warp.” This song’s famous routine is a classic moment for all Rocky parties, when guests are expected to participate in the basic number. But, being that it’s your first time, you’ll definitely want some help before you trust the instructions in the song.
1. Jump to your left and land with both feet next to each other. Remain there for about four beats.
2. Bounce on the balls of your feet to help keep time. Then, take a step to the right and bring your feet back together.
3. Put your hands on your hips. Next, clench your knees into each other, bending a bit at the waist and if you need to, moving your feet out a bit for balance.
4. Thrust what your mamma gave you- move your pelvis back and forth, keeping time with the song.
5. Moving counter-clockwise, roll those hips around a couple of times and stretch your arms up way over your head to give the room some jazz hands. If you actually feel “insane” like the lyrics suggest, then you’re doing the dance correctly.
BE it
Rocky Horror parties are infamously provocative and fun for all involved. It’s the perfect kind of insanity for a college campus, and you won’t want to miss out on the fun of it!