Back in Black

The start of school brings the annual Back in Black dance, hosted by Dunbar Hall. A great way to kick off the new school year, this dance takes place in Grainger Auditorium and greets new and returning Exonians as they begin their year at the Academy. The first out of many dances held at Grainger, Back in Black is, according to senior Agnes Zhu, “casual, crowded, and a great way to break the ice and start a new year.”Students in Dunbar, as well as everywhere else on campus, generally agreed that Back in Black is their favorite dance of the year. “In my opinion this dance is known as being one of the most successful (if not the most) of the Exeter dances,” senior and Dunbar proctor Shanae Dixon said. “This is taking into consideration both attendance and feedback given in the days after the dance.”“I think this is the best dance of the year because the music and food is great, the energy and morale of the entire campus is high, and everyone is having fun,” lower Jordan Bolden said.“For new students, it’s a great time to meet new people and just see other Exeter students,” Zhu said, reflecting on the impact the dance has on new students. “Everyone pretty much comes so it’s a great place for returning students to see friends they haven't met up with yet and just for everyone to have a fun time.”Lower Amelia Stucke agreed. “I think new students like the dance because it lets them meet other kids their age, and helps them get a feel for Exeter,” she said. “Returning students love seeing their friends and showing off their summer tan!”While most of the physical preparations aren’t done until on campus, planning for the dance began long before the arrival of Exonians in September.“We did the majority of planning towards the end of spring term, so most of the logistics are already figured out,” senior Chloe Dubocq said.Preparing for the dance also serves as a good bonding experience for the new girls in the dorm. “You are working next to dorm mates and faculty, so it's an opportunity to get to know them and talk to them,” said lower Lily Friedberg.As for the choice of music, some changes will be made for this year’s dance. “This year, we've decided to cut out ACDC’s Back in Black, which is traditionally played as the final song,” Dixon said. “We're focusing on making the dance about students and what they want to hear. This is why the playlist for the dance was comprised of student requests.”“This year will be a little different than previous years because we booked a new DJ,” Dubocq said. “He's from Atlanta, and I think it'll definitely give the dance a new vibe.”Corresponding to the change of DJ and songs, the Dunbar girls have also decided to provide Exonians with something different at the dance other than the usual party favors. “Instead of the normal beads or glow sticks, we thought it would be cool to give out sunglasses this year,” Dubocq added. “With everyone wearing the sunglasses, it adds that style element, and it'll really embody the ‘Back in Black’ theme.”Many can agree that this year’s dance is one to look forward to. “I think last year’s dance was amazing, so I'm just hoping for this year’s [dance] to be the same or even better if that's possible,” Bolden said.Dubocq concluded, “this dance has always been one to be remembered, and this year will not disappoint.”