“Dancestasy”: Dance and MDMA Use in Dutch Youth Culture
Contemporary Drug Problems March 1, 2002 Tom Ter Bogt, Rutger C. M. E. Engels, Belinda Hibbel et al. 46 citations
House music was the dominant youth subculture in the Netherlands during the 1980s and 1990s, centered on all-night parties and MDMA (Ecstasy) use. The article reviews the history of the Dutch house scene and examines the psychological effects of dancing while on MDMA, termed "dancestasy." Although MDMA can be physically and cognitively harmful, the dancestasy experience may positively contribute to personal and social identity development in adolescence. Ethnographic studies suggest temporary negative effects on school or work functioning. After several years in the scene, leisure time becomes less important, and young adults resume social responsibilities.