Maia Somma ’24
If you’ve been on the Mercersburg campus at all this month, there’s a high chance you’ve been caught up in the buzz about the Sadie Hawkins dance. In the dorms, girls flaunt their outfits to their friends; in the dining hall, people inquire about others’ plans; and in Irvine, everyone catches a glimpse of the pink flyers as they make their way to class.
The event may sound unrecognizable to many, as many Mercersburg events were canceled or postponed during the pandemic. Sadie Hawkins is the term for Mercersburg’s Valentines’ Day dance, where girls traditionally ask boys out; however, anyone can ask the partner or friend of their choice. The dance will be held on Friday, February 11 in the Simon Student Center “Fishbowl.”
A team of prefects from the South Cottage and Keil Hall dorms are working diligently alongside Trini Hoffman, student activities director, to revive the Sadie’s tradition. The committee aims to establish an elegant feel for the dance, with plenty of small bite-sized snacks and posh decor. They also emphasize the creation of a varied playlist, and the committee is taking song requests through email.
“The upperclassmen are definitely excited, as this is a dance we remember from pre-COVID. We plan on following a ‘boujee’ or classy theme, with finger food and strawberry smoothies in champagne flutes,” says Julia Mills ‘22, one of the South Hall prefects. “I think some students are a little nervous about asking someone to a dance, but everyone will have a good time even if they come with a group of friends.”
Franklin Williams ‘22, says, “I’m really excited; we haven’t really had many dances in the past couple of years, and most of them are planned by adults, not students. I think that it will be super cool to see a student-run dance.”
“I always enjoy special dances like this one,” Hoffman says. “I pay attention to detail to make them look nice, and I like to see the students appreciate the sponsored activities that come from each dorm. It is always nice to see the excitement of those working to make things happen.”
Numerous students likewise voiced their enthusiasm for a more formal atmosphere and the chance to dress up. This provides a notable change of pace from the ubiquitous Mercersburg sweatshirt or sports uniform, the usual functional couture on campus.
Mel Cort ‘23 said, “I appreciated that the poster advertising the dance said we could ask whoever we wanted. I was asked this year, which was super exciting! Generally, I don’t feel there should be any regulation over who invites who to an event like this. Gender and relationship dynamics are so conceptual and don’t hold any merit in how fun the event is. I vote that people ask whoever they want each time.”
Cecilia Wang ‘25 said, “I am really excited for the Sadie’s dance. First of all, it is not a serious dance, so we can invite our friends to it. In addition, I heard that we have snacks and awesome music, which for me will be a really good place just being chill and hanging out with all my friends.”
A considerable amount of work has been put into organizing the Sadie Hawkins dance, so if you’re looking for a boost of courage to ask out that one person, or are simply looking for a good time and an opportunity to dress up, this is your sign to attend the Sadie’s dance.