On Sunday, May 4, USA Dance North Coast, Ohio, Chapter #2063 took a trip down memory lane with a delightful “Senior Prom”-themed dance held at the Don Umberly Center in Rocky River, Ohio. The event, hosted by member Chris Ralls, saw attendees dress in styles reminiscent of their teenage years—teased hairdos, classic suits, and vintage prom dresses filled the ballroom. Many participants brought photos from their high school days, especially of their old cars, which sparked laughter and lively storytelling.
One standout story, which won a prize, came from Amy Mushinski. She had planned to arrive at her prom on the back of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. To make this dream a reality, she asked her cousin to sew her a special outfit that was both stylish and practical for a motorcycle ride. However, fate had other plans. On prom day, rain poured down, making her unable to ride the bike. In need of an alternative, Amy turned to her father for help. Without hesitation, he handed her the keys to his brand-new Ford tractor, complete with a cab. Amy and her date made a memorable entrance at prom in one of the shiniest and loudest vehicles in town. The room erupted in applause and laughter as she shared her story, a moment that felt straight out of a comedy film.
The evening was filled with music and nostalgia, thanks to DJ Ed Stelmach, who kept the dance floor vibrant with classic hits from the 1950s and 1960s. One standout was the iconic “Stroll,” with dancers lining up and grooving down memory lane, reminiscent of what some of us witnessed on American Bandstand in the late 1950s.
Before the main event, from 6:00 to 6:45 PM, Tim Brown from La Danse Studio led a thorough Hustle lesson. The Hustle revived partnered dancing in the late 1970s after a long era of solo and freestyle. This energetic warm-up set an upbeat tone for the rest of the evening.
From 7:00 to 9:30 PM, couples danced everything from the Foxtrot to the Swing, bringing elegance, fun, and youthful spirit to the dance floor. The “Senior Prom” theme was not just a nostalgic nod; it served as a tribute to our shared history, filled with camaraderie, music, and moments that reminded us why we dance.
We weren’t just seniors for that special evening—we were seventeen again.
