If there is one activity that brings community together, it is dancing. From small town hoedowns to clubs in cities, dancing has the opportunity to bring people together. Wayne State College’s Drama Club fully embraced this idea with their annual stoplight dance. The dance took place in the Black Box Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 21. The theme this year was “Dancing through the Decades.”
“Since I was a part of the drama club, I got to help pick the dance theme,” student Taylor Kleinschmit said. “I’ve wanted to do the decades theme since high school, and when I saw that was the theme, I was excited.”
The dance was reminiscent of a high school one with fun lights, refreshments and songs everyone can bop to. The added twist of a spotlight dance, for those unaware, is the attire. While there was no restrictive dress code on Saturday, the concept of the spotlight dance was to come dressed in one of four colors based on relationship status. Red was taken, yellow was complicated, green was single and purple was “vibing” which means “there for fun.” The idea was to connect people with others like them via outfits.
As a fun little addition, the stoplight dance was a chance to dress up. With a theme like “Dancing through the Decades,” options are open.
“The phrase ‘Dancing through the Decades’ usually includes the 1920s to today,” Drama Club treasurer Hunter Peardon said. “We wanted to encompass that entire time frame, not just the 60s to 80s which is what most people think of.”
Several students dressed in the theme. Across the black box, flappers could be spotted talking to 90s kids, and 50s girls conversed with 80s pop stars. Creativity was on full display.
“I spent a long time trying to figure out my outfit,” Kleinschmit said. “It was a bunch of different pieces I had. Then I put them together, and I was happy with how it turned out.”
As the night wore on, students could participate in games to win prizes. This year’s games were freeze dance, musical chairs and guess the song. There was also a raffle for attendants. Prizes ranged from Legos to a card game. Food and water were also provided. If dancing was not their thing, students could at least get a solid meal out of the event.
The stoplight dance brought in crowds from all over campus, not just the Drama Club members. This tradition is beloved and a fun night to be held by all of Wayne State.
“We also love putting on the dance to spread outreach throughout more of the community,” Drama Club secretary Madison Dvorak said. “This is an event where we meet a lot of new people, reconnect with old friends, the occasional matchmaking, and above all, a fun event to escape from the stresses of college life.”
