With the semester nearing its end, the weight of final papers and exams bogs students down. Students sought relief from these troubles by dancing out their stress at the Snowflake Solstice Ball.
On Wednesday, students enjoyed an evening of dancing, live music, refreshments and crafts in the campus William C. Powers Ballroom. Put on by UT Creative Arts + Theatre, the ball encouraged students to spend time with friends to restore their energy before finals.
Jackson Barlow, chair of UT CA+T, said he first got involved with the organization through their annual Madrigal Dinner. The youth and community studies junior said he enjoys the spirit of the club and the various events they put on each semester.
“I love the ability to have that space to freely be yourself,” Barlow said. “You can come and show your talent and really give back to the student population of UT.”
Barlow said he had hoped to host a ball when thinking of events that could help students manage their stress levels before finals.
“I thought it would be cool if we had an end-of-semester winter dance for everyone to dress up with their friends and come and have a good time in the middle of what’s probably a very stressful week,” said Barlow.
Barlow said he was most excited for the dance lesson taught by Julian Herrera, accounting senior and member of Texas Ballroom and Dance.
“I worked at a dance studio for the better part of my college career, and in other organizations, I’ve had the opportunity to teach,” said Herrera. “So I trusted my experience going into (the lesson).”
Herrera expertly guided students of various skill levels through a waltz. Along with his partner Cady Johnson, Herrera helped students take their first steps into the world of dance.
“It’s finals week and you’re donating your time, so it can be discouraging if people aren’t into it,” Herrera said. “But at the very end of the event … (everyone) starts to get it. It feels really good.”
Arshia Papari, a government sophomore and Texas Ballroom member, said he came to the Ball to dance.
“My favorite part was practicing the waltz, being able to continue that skill,” Papari said. “It was really nice getting new folks to learn how to waltz.”
The evening proved a success as students dressed in their best ball attire waltzed their troubles away.
“I think these sorts of events are undervalued and underappreciated,” Papari said. “We’d love to see more community members come out and be able to pick up some skills and also have a great time.”
