Two Internet stars-turned-love gurus visited Bradley to teach students about college dating last Friday night in the Student Center Ballroom.
Dave Ahdoot and Ethan Fixell, two friends and self-proclaimed college dating coaches, put up a YouTube video in 2008 advertising themselves for a double date. To their surprise, thousands of viewers responded. With the experience of over more than dates, Dave and Ethan decided to travel across college campuses nation-wide with their show Dave and Ethan, College Dating Coaches, to give dating advice, but while keeping audiences laughing throughout the show.
“The original video was really to just date girls,” Ethan said. “We didn’t intend it as a comedy. We always wanted to go into comedy together, but we didn’t know this would be it. With the experience from our dates we hope we can help [students].”
The show started with the guys showing a typical night out at Bradley, pretending to be two freshman girls. They poked fun at Heitz Hall’s lack of air conditioning or an elevator, leggings being acceptable in place of pants, the Lydia statue, the “Hun” lady at Center Court and Bacci’s as the perfect late night place to eat.
Dave and Ethan shared a few hilarious scenarios that also gave advice to Bradley students.
“Men should always be gentlemanly,” said Ethan. “Be prepared for anything on the first date.”
In addition, the guys gave a few tips on dancing and demonstrated dancing with each other.
“Make sure your body language is visually appealing,” said Dave. “[While slow dancing, girls] should interlock their fingers behind their date’s head to show that he isn’t going anywhere [while slow dancing].”
The pair also gave some tips on kissing.
“The perfect first kiss is preceded by deep and meaningful conversation,” said Ethan.
Dave said he agreed, and jokingly suggested students prepare beforehand.
“It’s important to practice on something, like a kiwi,” he said.
Audience participation was important for the show. They set up a blind-date style game in which a female participant chose a Bradley bachelor.
“It was really good, I enjoyed the show,” said junior sports communication major Montel Hardy. “I found it helpful. The guys were experienced in dating, and it showed throughout the show.”
After the show, Dave and Ethan met with students to converse and autograph postcards, signing each with a flirtatiously unique poem based on the student’s name.
“I loved it,” said freshman elementary education major Nicole Carey. “I think they should come back next year.”
