Snowball dance brings an old tradition to life

feature photo

Photo Credit: T. Snyder

Seniors Brenna Hattenburg and Casey Bridges groove to the beat provided by the student DJ at the snowball dance.

December 8, 2009 • Caroline Streff, Reporter  
Filed under 2009-2010

On November 20, Chugiak High School held its winter “Snowball” dance, in the hopes of reviving a classic tradition. The theme was appropriately winterish, with blue and silver snowflakes speckling the brick columns about the cafeteria, and white Christmas lights strung along the walls. The DJ’s table was flanked by two tall blue lights and a rather malicious looking set of speakers, and the decorations were, in general, rather simplistic.

The student DJ had eclectic taste in music, which was reflected in his shifting song choice. From the opening theme of Disney’s “The Lion King” to Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” the mix was a haphazard, incoherent mishmash that periodically cut off (thankfully in some cases) popular and at times not so popular songs. Nonetheless there was still a substantial amount of well-chosen songs that entertained the small crowd.

One upside of having a student DJ was that the student government was able to spend less money on dance costs.  This was particularly important for this dance where all the proceeds went to Kid’s Kitchen, a local charity that serves meals to children in the Fairview, Mountain View, Muldoon and Spenard areas. This was the first time the school has used a student DJ,  and it definitely provided a new twist on the dance.

The highlights were no doubt the various freshmen (or otherwise abnormally short upperclassmen) that were lifted into the air, and the uncapped water bottles that sprinkled their contents upon the tight packed students. That, to say the least, failed to endear a good deal of the juvenile attendees to the supervising staff. That is perhaps the most memorable bit of that oh-so-traditional winter gathering. It was enjoyable for most. At least so I gathered. It was a first at a school dance so that could only be expected.

In the end it was entertaining to watch, to participate in, and to write about. Whether the next dance will live up to expectations can only be determined at that time.

Comments

One Response to “Snowball dance brings an old tradition to life”

  1. Brenna Hattenburg on September 23rd, 2011 3:24 pm

    Hey, this is brenna hattenburg i was hoping to contact Mr. Synder, i just saw this picture and i LOVE IT!! If at all possible i would love this picture… so that i can blow it up.. if you happen to find it please email me!! hattenburg_brenna@hotmail.com

    Thank you, Brenna Hattenburg

    [Reply]

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