By Mila Koleva
The annual Naperville North 40’s Dance celebrated its 24th year this past Sunday, April 7th, at Bobak’s Signature Events in Woodridge.
With live music from NNHS’ award-winning jazz bands, free swing dance lessons, and tables filled with fruits and various pastries, it was a night every one enjoyed.
First-timer Allegra Rosenberg is a Junior at Niles North High School in Skokie, Illinois. Rosenberg said, “[The dance is] really awesome. I wish my school did something like this.”
Juniors Lily Dunk and Fiona Buchanan commented on the atmosphere of this dance compared to Homecoming and Spring.
“It’s really formal. You don’t see a lot of neon green sequin-y things,” said Dunk.
“People actually dance with each other. It’s not a mosh pit,” said Buchanan.
Free swing dance lessons began an hour before the dance, and many enthusiastic guests from varying ages and dance skills put their best foot forward.
Band director Brian Van Kley noted that Jazz is a social music, and the dance perfectly resembled the class and formality of how it should be performed and appreciated – at a lively dance rather than a sit-down concert.
The dance caters to adult as well as student interests.
“[The best thing is] watching the kids all dance in the style of the times,” said Andrea Bruozis, a student performer’s mother. “[The kids] stop and listen to the singers. The singers get as much attention as the band.”
Another parent, Diane Gasteyer, has been going to the 40’s Dance for the past 7 years. Every year, Gasteyer said, “has been exceptional”.
“Parents have as good a time as the kids. There’s good music and its fun. It’s very relaxed,” said Gasteyer. “[The dance] is more personal and everybody does what they want. Kids don’t mind [parents] being here. We coexist.”
At the end of the night, people were sweaty and feet were aching, yet everyone still shouted for an encore. The evening, from In the Mood to the chocolate-covered strawberries, was a night no one will be quick to forget.
Photos by Mila Koleva
