On Saturday, February 7, decorative masks, glamorous attire, and upbeat music will fill the gym from 6-9 p.m. for the winter formal which has a theme this year of a Winter Masquerade.
The dance is being organized by the school’s Associated Student Body (ASB), who have been planning this dance since Homecoming, in order to provide the students of UC High with a formal social experience. “The overall goal for this year’s ball is to bring everyone together for a fun night and create memories,” said ASB President Senior Perla Salceda.
“This dance supports school spirit and student engagement by giving everyone a chance to hang out, dance, and bond,” said Salceda.
The masquerade theme serves as a unique theme compared to previous school dance themes. “It stood out more than the other themes and it gives students the chance to get creative and wear their masks,” said Salceda. She also said that they hope the event leaves a lasting warm feeling for people who attend.
“I hope students will remember the music, decorations, and overall vibe of the night,” said Salceda. Planning for the dance began after the Homecoming dance was completed, according to the ASB Special Events Leader Senior Sarah Velazquez.
ASB Advisor and CCTE Teacher David West stated that the dance has something for everybody to enjoy. “If you’re not much of a dancer, but want to be social, the activity room that’s connected to the gym is going to have a set up with video games, movies, couches, and hangout areas,” said West.
“If students need a break, just go to the activity room,” said West. The setup is to help students, with different interests and comfort levels, to all have a good time.
According to Velazquez, to be eligible to attend the dance, students have to have a 2.0 GPA and 2.5 citizenship GPA plus no incidents, but if students have multiple absences they will be able to attend Saturday School to make up days. When students enter the dance, they will have to pass through bag checkers and there will be security around the premises of the dance.
ASB has been spreading awareness of the dance through the hard work of ASB Publicity Lead Junior Olivia Aguilar. “We have been spreading the word about the dance through all of our social media,” said Aguilar.
ASB has been putting up Instagram posts and posters up around the school to spread the news faster, and they also included information on the Monday ASB video that is shown to period three classes. “I found out about the dance when I was just going through Instagram stories and the ASB page popped up,” said Freshman Aaliyah Colmenares.
According to Britannica, masquerade balls began in the European Renaissance as elegant social parties where attendees would wear costumes and masks to celebrate, while there is a mystery about who is who (britannica.com).
Traditionally, masks were worn to allow people to interact with one another freely without revealing their identities. According to a website that shares wise sayings, Writer Oscar Wilde explained the power of wearing a mask when he said, “Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell the truth” (wisesayings.com).