Three dances from the now-infamous decision on grinding (not including last year’s cancelled Winter Formal), dances have become fun again. Prom, which took place on March 31st, included casino games, television screens on which to watch the Final Four games, and, unlike other dances since “the decision,” students dancing.
The most obvious change in the format of this year’s Prom was the shift from a dance-centered evening to shared-spaces for various activities. The Ohio Theater proved to be a perfect venue as different floors separated areas for check in, lounge space to view basketball, casino games, and the dance floor. This model trumped other venues, with students gradually moving from the black jack and poker tables to the dance floor as the night progressed.
In the “casino,” students used paper money to trade in for chips, which they could gamble with until they ran out. As students settled in, the gambling became a thrilling scene. Students cheered each other on as people got on “hot streaks” and laughed together as others “lost everything going all in.” While some might criticize the theme as condoning gambling, the environment was genuinely welcoming: students from all grades and Prom groups mixed easily and enjoyed each other’s company.
Around 9:30, students migrated up to the dance floor. And shockingly, they danced. As Ms. Graan, faculty advisor to the dance, noted, “This was the first time we did song requests that we took from the advisory sheets.” Perhaps students heard the songs they wanted to hear. Perhaps they were tired of going to dances and not dancing. Whatever the cause, students danced, danced in a “school appropriate way,” and danced until after 11.
Later in the evening, students eagerly watched the Ohio State basketball game, hoping for the Buckeyes to pull off a fourth-quarter miracle. Though the Bucks were edged out of a position in the championship, students were at least able to erupt in shouts of protest over controversial calls and cheers for great plays together, softening the pain of defeat.
All things considered, the 200 students who turned up to Prom this year must have been pleasantly surprised with all the dance had to offer. Despite the tough loss for the hometown favorites in the OSU game, students left with broad smiles as they prepared to return home or head to friends’ houses for after-parties.
As Ms. Graan pointed out, the Junior Student Council officers, who planned the dance, deserve enormous credit. In having the courage to change things up, they were extremely successful. Along with Ms. Graan, they planned a tremendous event. As Ms. Graan lamented, “I’m actually sorry it’s all over.” As far as this writer can observe, the student body couldn’t agree more.
Written by Harry Wexner’13
