Dances in the Fall

Mixed Student Participation in Fall Dances

Middlesex dances have been held for years and are welcomed by most students, especially those new to our community. They are a great opportunity for Middlesex students to socialize with both their friends and strangers while creating the lasting memories that define the Middlesex experience. Each of the dances is unique and fun in its own way. So far, we’ve had the “energetic” square dance, the “chaotic” Random Dance, and the less “popular” Fall Formal. What makes them fun is that each dance always generates unique stories that keep the student body talking for a while. They also help us unwind – perhaps a little bit too much at times.  

Middlesex takes the square dance to a new level. While the seemingly elegant origins of square dancing date back to France and the quadrille made popular during the reign of Louis XV, square dancing is a fun, sweat pit for us today. Most of us would not have known a “do-si-do” if it hit us on the head before the dance. Nevertheless, we made it work with most of the students present giving it a go. A large portion of the credit has to go to the square dance instructor, as while she spent a long time trying to get the dance going, in the end, her efforts paid off as we all left having had a great time. Square dance was a “great way to get to know people as a new student,” Caroline Wolford ’27 noted.

In October, Middlesex hosted Random Dance. The outfits students created were incredibly unique and fashionable, ranging from a variety of neon and pastel colors to glitter and unconventional accessories. Our student DJ, Nailiah Hamilton ’24 also made the night more fun, playing student favorites throughout the dance. We may not be a mosh at an 80s hardcore punk concert but students had a fun time moshing. As a student noted, “The Random Dance was unforgettable.”

With Autumn’s arrival, Middlesex then had its “Fall Formal.” As always, students made a big effort to dress for the occasion – as the photos of the event show. However, perhaps because everyone was dressed so nicely, attendance and participation were not the same as the prior dances. Most people came for pictures and left early, begging the question of whether people should rethink the “formal” next year. It seems that more unstructured and informal dances are more popular. However, there is a lot to be said for dressing and looking good with your friends.  In the end, what makes Middlesex special is coming together as a community to have fun, regardless of the event.    

Marina Sabater