Chair reveals details of this year’s annual dance
There are 1,001 reasons to party at the annual Winter Formal dance on Feb. 22.
The “Arabian Nights” themed dance will feature plenty of camels, controlled uplighting and drapery.
Winter Formal Chair senior Ashton Gillespie has been planning the dance since her appointment by the Upper School Student Council in October. Her experience includes working part-time for Mathes & Company, an event planning firm, and organizing two weddings independently.
“I feel like in past Winter Formals, people have come and then gone to their after-parties,” Gillespie said. “I think this one’s going to be a place you stay.”
The venue, Park Lane Event Center, offers a wide open space and tall ceilings. There will be a separate coat check room for attendees to stow away their personal items. DJ André, a local DJ from the Ghost Bar, will provide beats. A texting option will allow guests to request songs via text.
A free arcade center with games such as Pac-Man and air hockey, as well as a full casino and photo booth, will offer entertainment off the dancefloor. Everyone can indulge in the chocolate fountain, cake pops by Crème de la Cookie and candy bar (to make your own candy bag). Party favors will include iced cookies crafted by The Cookie Company.
Freshmen will arrive to the venue at 7 p.m. for a Mediterranean cuisine dinner. The senior lounge will be draped so that it is two stories tall, rising well above the dancefloor. Perks include couches with fun pillows and a special drink exclusive to seniors.
Winter Formal T-shirts are available for purchase at $22 for one and $40 for two in the Bookstore. Proceeds will help fund the dance.
The black tie-attire dance is from 8-11 p.m.; lockout is at 10 p.m. It is open to Hockaday Upper School students, who may choose to invite a date from another school.
– Tiffany Le