The Red & White

The Fall Ball, formerly “First Dance”, has been a St. George’s tradition for many years. This dance is a great way to kick off the new year. Every grade has a specific theme. For Freshmen, the theme is tie-dye T-shirts; for Sophomores, it is metallic; juniors wear neon; and Seniors, wear black. Grades come together to dance and listen to music played by a DJ in the Great Room. 

This year, First Dance has undergone numerous changes, including a title update and new rules. Many faculty members have explained that these rules are intended to ensure the safety of students and prevent harassment. For example, there has been a tradition for the seniors to rip the Tie-Dye shirts of the freshmen as a way of playful “hazing”. However, this became very controversial. The faculty has decided to ban the ripping of these T-shirts and has also removed the use of water guns. These are all precautions to protect the safety of the students. However, another banned tradition that has led to some confusion is the prohibition on whistles that seniors would bring to the dance. In the past, whistles were part of the seniors’ theme, but some faculty members have mentioned that they have been taken “too far” recently. Instead of using them as a fun accessory to complement the music and general vibe of the dance, our faculty have mentioned that some seniors used them to “haze” underclassmen, bothering many students. Another significant change from “First Dance” to “Fall Ball” is its timing. In previous years, First Dance was always held on the second weekend of school, making it feel like the start of the school year. Now, Fall Ball is held after a month of school, shifting the energy of the dance. 

I asked some students their personal opinions on these changes. Lilly Bostwick ‘27, said, “I think that it is a really fun and great way to bond all the grades and to kick off the beginning of the year”. Bostwick explains that she has always loved First Dance for this reason; however, she also stated, “I think that it makes sense for the teachers to want to get rid of the ripping of the tie-dye shirts, but it’s hard for teachers to understand how that is what makes it fun.” Some other students have agreed with Bostwick that, although there are justifiable reasons for these new rules, it is hard because they have always been traditions that have given people of each grade something to look forward to. 

I also spoke to Annie O’Connor ’27 about her opinions on the name change. “I think the reason I liked the name First Dance was because it was unique, but Fall Ball could be something any school could have,” she said. O’Connor also reflected on the timing of the event, adding, “It really felt like the start of the school year.” She admitted, “I get why they made the changes how they did, but it takes away some things that made First Dance unique to St. George’s.”

Overall, whether itis “First Dance” or “Fall Ball,” the student body remains excited and ready for the dance. There is excitement from every grade, as the freshmen get to experience their first-ever dance at St. George’s, while the seniors are happy to be the oldest at a dance, finally. The faculty have explained that they are less worried about “hazing” at Fall Ball due to their new rules, and students continue to appreciate the tradition as a way to come together as a community. While some may miss the aspects that made First Dance unique, Fall Ball remains one of the most anticipated events of the year, symbolizing both school spirit and the shared energy that marks the beginning of the year at St. George’s.