University of Notre Dame - Dome Yearbook (Notre Dame, IN)

Page 21 text:

Dance All Night When questioned about the Notre Dame dating scene, what dating scene? is a likely response from students. This social dilemma has historically been blamed on such things as un- even male female ratios, years of Catholic school education, indifferent females and intimidated males. More practical excuses include lack of time due to academic rigors, difficulty getting to places, or just plain nothing to do. Whatever the cause, students are enthusiastic about dorm dances as an opportuntiy for dorm fun or a chance to finally meet the mystery man or woman they have had their eye on for weeks. For years SYR (short for Screw Your Roommate) dances have provided an opportunity for socializing, dancing, and partying. Much preparation goes into SYRs, beginning with get- ting a date. Some roommates approach SYR time with dates from hell in mind, others see it as an opportunity to make the perfect match for their friends. Many last minute planners find it neces- sary to resort to the student directory, otherwise known as the dog book to dateless residents. These dances also promote dorm unity, as much planning goes into ticket sales, music choices and decorating. Typically, the day before the big event, in the midst of shirt pressing and manicures, residents gather to decorate their halls according to the dorm theme. As the day approaches, excitement mounts as girls compare dresses and guys buy flowers for their dates. The day of the dance leaves only last minute details to attend to in preparation for a great time for almost everyone. Angie Scalise A Little Crazy. Aimee Butler and her date demonstrate the latest in dance techniques. Kick up your heels! Walsh ' s Blast from the Past dance proved to be a real hit with all who attended. Student Life 17

Page 20 text:

Stnding out in the crowd. Shamus Weiland makes an SYR fashion statement fore- going penny loafers for green high tops. Apple Pie. Rich Toohey and Christine Hurley smile for the photog- rapher at Keenan ' s Conven- tion ' 92 SYR. This is defi- nitely one to send home to mom.

Page 22 text:

ormals Quite an Affair Formals seem to frazzle some people. There is a dress to be bought, tickets to be pur- chased, roses to be ordered, dinner reservations to be made, and a date to be found... and FAST! Yet underneath all this anxiety, the plan- ners face their own challenges. With the help of committees, hall presidents and social commis- sioners begin planning months before the big event. Initial steps include reserving a location and allocating costs. A general practice among dorms is to consolidate two or three dorms for one formals. This cuts down on costs. The baffling question of where to hold the big event, often stumps organizers. Some opt for the Knights of Columbus or Senior Bar. Others venture into South Bend, renting out ball rooms at places like the Marriot or Union Station. For transportation, charter buses are the favored choice and for entertainment, the options include a DJ, a band, or a bolder choice, Karaoke. Other basic expenses include party favors, deco- rations, food and photographers. Still there are more worries... Finding the perfect weekend is particu- larly hard. Football weekends cannot be consid- ered, which leaves few remaining choices for 23 dorms. Thus, the search for an open date is often fruitless. The theme can also be a minor source of headaches for those organizing. While some take the time to dream one up, others discard the notion of having one. But for famous formals like the Grace Christmas formal or Pop Farley, themes are essential. The theme-decorated floors are the main attraction. Finally, the long awaited day arrives. People, groomed and preened, dance the night away. Eat, drink and be merry becomes the universal theme for some. Hours of music and dance pass, and then it is all over. People line up for coats and buses. And underneath all this hustle and bustle, a collective sigh can be heard from the organizers pure relief. -Jeff Cabotaje Do over. Formals provide a variety of entertainment. Here Beth Fehring prepares for the winning serve at PW ' s winter formal. I akin ' a break. Dancing wore out this crowd at a formal at Senior Bar. They take a moment to satisfy their appetites.