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Students, elderly to dance to 1920s

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It’s easy to get stuck in a rut in college with the constant routine of party, class, work, party, repeat. More often than not, students throw on sweatpants or jeans out of comfort and necessity or because they really don’t want to do laundry. Furthermore, between midterms, papers, group projects and trips to the Terrace, it’s difficult for most of us to make time to volunteer or to put a smile on someone else’s face. But on Sunday afternoon, University of Wisconsin students will have the opportunity to volunteer, dust off their dancing shoes and jazz it up like it’s the “Roaring ’20s” with Madison seniors at the ninth annual Junior-Senior Prom.

“The prom gives students an opportunity to interact with Madison senior citizens,” said the event’s coordinator, Andy Renaud. “It’s important for students to step out of the boundaries that are made with students being on campus all the time, and see other demographics besides their own. It’s also a fun time for students to do something out of the ordinary.”

The Junior-Senior Prom is an annual dance sponsored by the Wisconsin Union Directorate Community Service Committee in collaboration with the Madison Senior Center. The dance will be held at the Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St.

Renaud, who attended last year’s prom as a volunteer, said his past experience with the event motivated him to participate this year.

“Seeing how much fun the seniors had at the Prom inspired me to organize it this year,” he said.

The Junior-Senior Prom is a unique volunteer opportunity for students, and it’s one that helps bridge the generation gap between students and seniors.

“This gives senior citizens a chance to interact with a younger generation,” Renaud said. “The seniors love to dance, and it’s fun for them to have something out of the ordinary every once in a while such as the Junior-Senior Prom.”

According to Renaud, student volunteers will also benefit from the event.

“The Junior-Senior Prom is a great experience that involves doing something good for someone. It just goes to show you can volunteer and learn something about yourself all while giving back.”

The Junior-Senior Prom, whose theme this year is “The Roaring ’20s,” will include door prizes, refreshments and a photographer. The event will also feature live music by the Bill Terry Orchestra, a six-piece swing and big band ensemble. Dancers of all skill levels are encouraged to attend, and attire is semi-formal. There is no charge for this event.

So, it’s time to brush up on those dancing skills, throw on some flapper attire and show the seniors how UW students get down — or, let them show you a thing or two.

The Junior-Senior Prom will be held at the Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St., on Sunday, April 27 from 4 to 6 p.m.