Disco isn't Dead: the Upcoming 1970s Prom

Benedetto Maniscalco | March 24, 2022


Giulia Sabatino, a junior psychology major on the Verner Crew at Warren Wilson College (WWC), and Alli Harpell, sophomore psychology major on the Admissions Crew, are in the beginning stages of planning a 1970s-themed prom to be held in the Ballfields courtyard Friday, April 22. Great news for many dance-starved students.

They were set on hosting the event outside to allow people to go maskless while also focusing on COVID-19 safety.

“I know some events outside have been masked; (we’re) hoping that by the end of April things will calm down a little bit,” Sabatino said. “And either way, we're hosting it at the Ballfield's courtyard. It's a big, outdoor space so we're hoping that with all the fresh air, we'll be able to respect social-distancing.”

Some important information to note is that this event will be free — there is no need to pre-purchase tickets or worry about spending on anything more than a killer outfit. 

The event is strictly alcohol free, and the organizers wanted to express the importance of keeping all alcohol off of the premises.

“We’re going to have party monitors. This is a school-run event, so we want to make sure everyone is being safe and being responsible, and that people are not drinking on the premises,” Sabatino said. “We want this to be fun. We don’t want this to get shut down.”

As for the theme, Sabatino feels tied to the era, having grown up with parents who introduced them to music from the ‘70s.

“My parents got me into a lot of classic rock and psychedelic rock, and I really enjoy the fashion,” Sabatino said. “I enjoy the art and it's fun that a lot of people here share that interest.” 

With fashion being an iconic theme of the decade, the organizers are hoping for students to dress up in all manner of ‘70s styles. They’re hoping to give awards to a few people showing off their ‘70’s fashion prowess, but a ‘70s-themed outfit is not a requirement. 

“People should certainly dress up,” Sabatino said, “Instead of doing prom king (and) prom queen, we're hoping to do an award for best dressed. … Wear whatever you're comfortable in, but it should be pretty fun to find something that fits the era.”

Sabatino and Harpell had reached out to Tacci Smith, interim dean of students at WWC, to assist them with the preparation of the event.

Smith, also excited for the fashion possibilities, wanted students to make sure that they are also being thoughtful and conscious while planning their outfits, as to not appropriate any cultures’ dress or hairstyles. 

“We don't wanna be offensive,” Smith said. “We don't want to have (any) cultural appropriation.”

Smith shared the excitement for the theme. She mentioned that it would be a new event theme for WWC, and one that seems to fit the culture on campus well.

“It's definitely not a theme that we've honed in on,” Smith said. “I think the ‘80s has been played and maybe overplayed in some ways as we've done theme pieces. I think that the ‘70s provide a neat vibe.”

They are hoping that beyond the ability to spread out and be COVID-conscious outside, the Ballfields courtyard will provide an especially welcoming environment for students looking to unwind and dance as the semester comes to a close.

Sabatino also touched on some of the steps that they are currently taking in the planning stages for this event.

“Our first step right now is really budgeting,” Sabatino said. “We're gonna figure out what it is that we need; what it is that we already have — the sound systems already provided by the school — we have some fairy lights we can set up; we're thinking of having like a projector and a sheet up to play music videos when people aren't playing (music).”

The organizers are all very open to ideas and feedback from people interested in the event, especially now before all of the planning is finalized. 

“This is definitely the biggest event that I've worked on, and I'm pretty excited about it,” Sabatino said. “We've got a lot of student support, and we're totally open to feedback and ideas and other people getting in on this. It's not an exclusive thing that I'm running. I'm excited to get other people involved.”

Be on the lookout for more information as the organizers continue their work setting up the ‘70s prom.

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