‘70s Prom: How Deep is Your Love for Dancing?
Benedetto Maniscalco | April 21, 2022
Special to The Echo
Prom photos from the 1970s featuring Nina Widger, mother of Benedetto Maniscalco.
The first ever Warren Wilson College (WWC) 70s prom is just around the corner. Finish up those assignments, scramble to find a killer outfit and don’t forget to stretch before dancing one’s butt off.
As the prom nears closer, and the initial concepts turn into actual plans, there are a few noteworthy updates about the WWC 70s prom, which will take place from 8-12 p.m. on Friday, April 22.
“We're getting a screen and we're putting up 1970s music videos in between all of the sets of (the) different bands,” said Alli Harpell, sophomore psychology major on Admissions Crew.
There will be food, around seven different live performance sets, projected music videos when there isn’t live music, photo opportunities and of course disco balls.
“We're trying to make some photo spots,” Harpell said. “We're trying to get disco balls (and) we are going to be doing prom royalty.”
In lieu of including a gendered prom king and queen, the organizers will be awarding two individuals the title of prom royalty which will be decided by prom participants based on who shows up in the best outfits.
In the previous article about the 70s prom, the organizers, Tacci Smith, interim dean of students at WWC, Giulia Sabatino, junior psychology major on the Verner Crew and Harpell, wanted to make sure students would be cooperative with two important things.
“Tacci has been mentioning a lot, making sure there's no cultural appropriation,” Harpell said. “Also do not bring alcohol, do not bring anything that can get it canceled.”
With student events in the past having been shut down due to students drinking alcohol, this request to not bring any alcohol or any illicit substances has been reiterated by each of the organizers.
“It is the first dance in a while,” Harpell said. “We don't want to have to end it because someone brought alcohol.”
The organizers have put brainpower, time, money and care into organizing this event and are continuing to do what they can to make sure the night goes off without a hitch.
Harpell gave some input on why exactly this event means so much to the students organizing it.
“I feel like a lot of people at the school either didn't go to prom because of COVID(-19), or they just didn’t want to go to prom or they had a negative experience at prom,” Harpell said.
It was their goal to plan a prom-like dance that would better fit the interests of students on campus, and make up for the missed experiences of students who had no opportunity to attend a prom in highschool due to the ongoing pandemic.
Once Smith was involved in the planning process, she was quick to enthusiastically jump on board and help the students make it all happen.
“I was like, ‘Tacci, I want to throw a prom’ and she's like, ‘we haven't had a dance in so long –– I will help you plan all of it,’” Harpell said. “She was like losing it.”
With all of the enthusiasm given by the organizers, and their goals for a COVID-safe outdoor dance, complete with live performances and well thought-out decorations, the prom may just be a night to remember.