The Snowball Charity Dance was revived this year on Friday, January 10th and was a mix of a classic winter dance theme with special twists. The Commons was decorated with bright winter lights, snowflakes and colorful streamers by Cancer Awareness Club. The dance was from 7-10pm after school and was very popular among all grade levels at East. Cancer Awareness Club and the Senior Class co-sponsored this school-wide event, and proceeds from the dance were divided between Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Senior Class steering committee.
The Snowball Dance had not run for many years due of its unpopularity and ticket sale issues. This year it had a spectacular comeback and was sold out by early Friday morning. Perhaps it became more popular because this year’s especially successful homecoming led to a demand for a “Winter Homecoming.” It also may have been popular because of the charity component of the dance; the Cancer Awareness Club had been advertising the dance as a step towards the cure for cancer. Furthermore, there had been a lot of advertising from the senior class officers, who encouraged students to attend the dance through social media sites.
Seniors, in particular, were especially happy for another chance to enjoy a semiformal dance with their friends before the end of the year. Grace Curatolo said, “I am just so glad that I had the opportunity to spend time with my friends at a school wide event. Plus, I love that the proceeds help support Roswell Park!”
Even though the week of the dance was filled with snow days, spirit day participation was outstanding. Monday was mismatch day, and many people flaunted their clashing colors. Junior Alec Siskar said, “I had a lot of fun dressing in mismatch and showing school spirit.” Thursday was Red and Gold day and many students showed off their vibrant red and flashy gold attire in school spirit. The day of the dance was pajama/dress down day, and many people used it as an opportunity to relax in comfy clothes.
This dance was a good opportunity for freshman to get more involved in their school, and many freshmen were excited for another chance to spend time with friends and get to know more about East. Freshman Afolabi Adelakun said, “I can’t wait for the Snowball. I just love to dance and I love this school.”
The Snowball Charity dance was a great three hours filled with upbeat music, dancing students, and an excited atmosphere. All of the ladies looked stunning in their party dresses and heels while the boys looked fabulous in their shirts and ties. Not only was this dance an opportunity to let loose, but an opportunity to dress to impress. Sophomore Robin Marshall remarked, “This dance is just what I needed—a break from academic stress to enjoy time with my friends. I finally feel relaxed and free.”
Junior Grace Schaefer said, “I really liked this dance because it was a great time to bring together friends who may not have had classes together. The Snowball gave me time to reconnect with people haven’t seen in a while.” Grace not only reconnected with her friends, but she showed off her dance moves along with many other students at East. Senior Megan He said, “I loved the Snowball because I finally got to teach my friends how to dougie!”
The set list was filled with dance floor hits and throwbacks like “Teach Me How to Dougie,” “Bye, Bye, Bye” and “What Makes You Beautiful.” There were also spotlights to transform the commons into a dance scene. There were pink cupcakes with cherries, cookies and punch donated by the parent helpers for the students to snack on while hanging out with their friends.
Overall, the Snowball Charity Dance was a successful night of dancing, friendship, and music. The students of Williamsville East High School had a chance to hang out with friends and let loose, while the proceeds benefitted cancer research and the Senior Class. Some students even suggested having a “Spring Homecoming” due to the Snowball Dance’s popularity.
The future of the Snowball Charity Dance looks promising.
