Truett McConnell holds some of the best Student Life events. Every year, we get to spend the weeks leading up to the annual Hoedown learning line dances and polishing boots – it is easily one of the year’s biggest social events on campus. When I showed up for my campus tour as a senior in high school wearing jeans and boots, the student giving the tour wisely hinted at the upcoming Hoedown. Three years later, I laugh because it is one of the highlights of my fall semester!
Last spring, Student Life hosted a “Bad 80’s Prom.” It was one of my favorite events that TMU has held. I borrowed one of my mom’s (late 90s) prom dresses and crimped and teased my hair to high heaven. The event was a silent disco, which made it so much more fun!
This year, I looked forward with great anticipation to the Roaring ‘20s Party. I was able to attend swing dancing lessons hosted by Student Life and led by an alum of TMU. The lessons were beneficial and fun – we learned basic steps, spins, and dips, as well as some that didn’t seem quite so basic.
I slipped into a black and gold 20s dress, complete with fringes and dazzling embellishments—and I’m so glad I did because everyone went all out! Everywhere you looked, men sported vests with Newsboy caps or Fedoras, while the women gleamed in sparkling, fringed dresses, dark eyeshadow, and feathers in their hair.
TMU’s Jazz Band performed a number of songs, adding to the evening’s aura. Couples took to the dance floor to try the new skills they had learned in the lessons. I decided to try my hand at Blackjack (with plastic coins of course, no real betting here), which turned out to be so fun! While I’ve got some learning to do, it was interesting to try.
By the time I finished Blackjack, the Jazz Band had retired for the evening and a DJ was playing. I taught a friend to swing, and we danced to The Andrews Sisters “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and Bill Haley’s “Rock Around the Clock,” as well as newer favorites. By 10:30, we were worn out and called it a night.
I can easily say that this was the best Student Life event that TMU has ever held. Getting to learn new skills leading up to the dance and then getting to use them on the floor gave the night extra flair and authenticity.
I think that Jay Gatsby would be proud.
Return to Blog Archive