-Isabella Lemus
There’s a new dance coming to Plainwell this spring that won’t require a suit and tie or fancy dress, and its theme?
“Luau,” says Alyssa Waswick ‘20, “Hawaiian gear is encouraged.”
The possibility of an informal dance has been considered for upwards of four years according to student senators.
“We’re going to see how it goes, it could very easily become tradition, but it just depends on the turnout,” says Waswick.
In order to run the dance, 100 or more tickets will need to be sold in advance. Tickets will also come at a cheaper price than they have for other dances, at $5 per person instead of the usual $7 presale cost for Homecoming and Snowcoming. This can be partially credited to some of the bigger changes and budget cuts that come with a more casual dance.
“Instead of the photobooth we’re going to have a backdrop to take pictures in front of; people can take their own pictures or we’ll have someone there to take them,” says Jayley Streeter ‘20.
The student senate is also opting out of hiring a DJ, instead running a set playlist on the app Spotify. This allows the song-list to be more controlled, and may satisfy some of the complaints about the DJs at the formal dances.
“There will be fewer slow songs,” says Streeter, in order to stick with the laid-back theme and encourage people to attend, whether with a date or without.
With fewer expenses, the dance budget will also be able to focus more on decorations and extra “party favors” for the dance, including leis given out on a first come-first serve basis to those who buy their tickets presale.
The dress code will be more relaxed as well. Though “luau”-themed wear is ideal, other casual attire will also be accepted.
“People don’t have to wear dresses; it’s a super casual dress code,” Waswick says.
“Personally I like the formal dances because I like to dress to impress,” says John McMath ‘19, “but I’d go because it sounds fun.”
One thing that will not change is the guest policy, as students will still be able to fill out a guest form to invite friends who do not attend Plainwell.
“I think after Snowcoming being so early it would be good,” says Rebecca Ruimveld ‘18 of the dance.
The dance will be held from 8 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, March 16. Dates for presale tickets will be announced soon by the Student Senate.