Northwestern will host its first Raider Soiree Jazz Dance on Saturday, Feb. 16 from 7-10 p.m. at the Prairie Winds Event Center in Orange City. Admission to the dance is $8 for a night filled with dancing, music, snacks and fun.
NW jazz band will be playing live music throughout the night. They will feature a variety of popular jazz songs from the 1930s through the present such as “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, and “Feeling Good” originally performed in the 1960s and which has recently been made popular by Michael Bublé.
Swing dancing is one of the most popular ways to dance to jazz music. Swing dance instructors will be at the dance from 7-8 p.m. to guide and instruct those who are new to swing dancing or for those who need a refresher. Following the instruction, everyone will have a chance to practice their newly learned skills. From 8-10 p.m. the NW jazz band will play live music for the duration of the evening.
Because swing dancing is a partner dance, “the theme for the evening is ‘Get Your Roommate a Date’ as you may have seen in the video played before chapel,” says Izzy Glover, the student activities counsil coordinator for the event. Swing dancing is best when you have a partner to dance with, whether it’s a date or a friend.
In keeping with the jazz theme, “People are encouraged to wear ‘20s style clothing to the dance,” Glover stated.
Think flapper dresses, “The Great Gatsby” and popular ‘20s attire.
There will be a photo booth for all in attendance. Cocktail snacks will also be served throughout the evening.
“We are excited to host this event this year. It will be lots of fun,” Glover said.
In the past, students have brought up how fun a dance like this would be. The SAC heard these comments and is making it happen this year.
A mere two days after Valentine’s Day, the Raider Soiree is the perfect opportunity to grab your date and head out for a night filled with live music, dancing and food. Students are encouraged to come out to the dance whether their roommate finds them a date or not, as there will be a lot to do during the evening. Who knows? You might even pick up a new skill along the way.
