������ý

“I really wanted it to be extravagant and romantic,” said Cecilia Flanders (’26), who co-headed the dance’s planning committee. “I wanted it to be Valentine’s-themed, so I thought ‘A Night in Venice’ was appropriate. It’s been a lot of fun, and I think it looks really beautiful!” 

The juniors’ thoughtful planning and hard work did not go unnoticed. “The juniors did such a good job!” commented Gianna Darr (’28). “The atmosphere is really fun, the decorations are beautiful, and the theme is really good, especially for Valentine’s Day!”

To kick off the dance, the Class of 2026 entertained their fellow students with a short film inspired by Shakespeare’s Othello, which the juniors read this year in their seminar class. Half drama and half comedy, the entertainment poked fun at classroom dynamics among a section of juniors discussing the play, switching between scenes of the classmates analyzing characters’ motivations and playing those same characters in some of the tragedy’s most dramatic scenes.

As well as the usual music, dancing, and fun had at every dance, the Valentine’s Day dance featured a Win-a-Date competition, a fundraiser put on every year by the seniors. In the weeks leading up to the dance, students bought tickets for themselves or friends for a chance to attend a group beach party on a friendly date with a single senior. At the dance, the seniors drew tickets, and students cheered as the winners were announced.

Later in the evening, pairs of dancers took to the floor for a salsa competition and wowed onlookers and judges with their talented performances. To tremendous applause from their peers, competitors Noah Arredondo (’26) and Bella Gutierrez (’27) won first place for their impressive salsa skills. 

Throughout the rest of the night, students spent time in conversation and community, dancing, enjoying live music, and snacking on Italian-inspired refreshments.