Dance, dance

By Yolanda Douglas
M&M staffer

Dances are part of the weekend tradition at all of the TIP campuses. This year at the new UGA campus that tradition was continued. TIPsters, boys and girls, are always excited about the up and coming dances on the weekend. They see it as a way to relax from the busy weekly class schedule.
It isn’t unusual for the dances to be themed; previous themes include: “Decade Dance”, “Black and White Formal”, “Luau” and “A Night under the Stars”. This year the themes chosen were “Hoedown Throw Down”, “Pirates vs. Ninja” and for the final dance to take place at the Tate Center, “TIP Prom”.
Usually students don’t ask others to the dance because everyone dances with each other; however, many thought since the theme was dubbed “prom”, it was necessary to have a date. On the other hand, some still agree that having a date is pointless.
“I don’t believe in having ‘dates’ for TIP dances because everyone dances with everyone. If you go with one person, you’re stuck with them the whole night, and I want to have fun,” said Lena Ray, a fourth year.
Some students don’t like the fact these dances are themed because they feel they are unprepared. During a press conference with RLC, Kevin Cane, a Media and Message student asked why newsletters aren’t sent out before students come to TIP, so they can prepare costumes for the dances. Kevin responded, “We didn’t have time. Students arrived the day after the Fourth of July holiday.”
Other students like the spontaneity. “I think they announced the themes too early this year. It takes away from the surprise,” a fourth year, Dan Weitzman said.
There are three songs played at every dance that are also TIP tradition: “Save Tonight”, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, and “American Pie”. During these songs, TIPsters gather in a circle and wrap their arms around each other, which would show any onlooker how close TIP people are.
Since tonight is the last dance, when these songs are played, it will signify an end: the end of the last dance, the ending of a term, and the end of TIP for the fourth years.

Yolanda Douglas is a 4th year TIPster from Athens, Alabama.