A dance for all generations
Published 6:00 am Tuesday, June 4, 2002
Strains of big band favorites like “Moonlight Serenade” and “Satin Doll” could be heard Friday afternoon coming from theLangley Middle School gym.
Inside, couples with a wide range in ages were dancing to those songs and to many more. Although only half the people in the gym could sing along to numbers like “Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin’ town,” everyone, from age 12 to 80, could dance.
Dubbed the “Senior Prom,” Friday’s event was the second intergenerational dance hosted by sixth graders for South Whidbey senior adults who wanted to enjoy an afternoon of dancing to the Swing Again Jazz Band.
Andy Pringle of Freeland described the dance in one word: “Splendid!”
The prom has become an annual event, thanks to seventh grader Abby Vehorn, who started the event last year. She was on hand this year to make sure this year’s sixth graders kept things hopping and swinging.
“They did a good job, better than I expected,” Vehorn said.
Four classes of sixth graders — 85 students in all — hosted the event as a service learning project. Sixth-grade teachers Sheila McCue, Rose Marie Donnelly, Sandy Gilbert and Tom Sage helped the students get ready for the dance with decorating suggestions and role playing.
Clearly well-trained in social graces prior to the dance, each student greeted the guests as they walked into the gym Friday and immediately offered them punch and snacks.
Marian Lanahan, whose husband Phil is part of the Swing Again Jazz Band along with Buzz Strout and Peggy Foster, said hosting the dance is good preparation for later life.
“It’s a good way for kids to learn to relate with adults other than their parents and to learn how to entertain,” she said.
Not only could they entertain, but they could cut a rug, too. Senior guest Charlie Stromberg said he was impressed with the dancing skills of many of the students.
“I came last year and had so much fun I am here again. It’s just grand to see these young people.”
Other guests had such a good time, they wanted more. Betty and Dennis Lane of Freeland want to see more intergenerational events.
“A very good idea… for kids and adults to get together,” Betty Lane said. “I wish there were more events like this.”
The students had as much fun as the adults. Jane St. Clair said she enjoyed making fun for other people.
“It’s fun to do something for other people and to see them having fun,” she said.
The Senior Prom was funded through a Northwest Service Learning Grant. Entertainment was donated by members of Swing Again.
The festivities included a performance by the LMS jazz band.
