Fall Fling Follow Up
By Izyaan Burney, Harry Walker, Jake Creelan, and Lianna Yang
On Saturday, October 8th, the Student Council hosted the Fall Fling. Over the past two years, dances like the Fall Fling have been heavily restricted due to Covid-19. Some dances have been held outside or in the field house to comply with covid restrictions. Because of this, the Fall Fling was the first opportunity for many students on campus to experience what a dance is like at Exeter.
Ms. McGahie, director of student activities, reflects saying, “There were very heightened COVID protocols” over the past few years. She goes on to say, “This is kind of the most normal. We’ve been since the pandemic hit. I think everybody was excited about finally having something that felt like it was going to be a normal event,” Needless to say, the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions surrounding the Fall Fling served as a breath of fresh air for many students.
“Honestly, expectations were pretty low. I thought it was gonna be a pretty uneventful night, but they were surpassed. Performance was good. Energy was there, and overall it was a great time.” commented Senior Sebastain Rebel.
Jayson Tung 23’ agrees, “The Covid dances, the last one they did in the spring was fun, but otherwise they were just sad. This one was better than all of those because there was a lot of adrenaline, a better vibe, and less restrictions.”
Stuco Vice President Grace Puchalski 23’ “I think that it was really successful considering its post covid. It’s gonna take a bit to get people excited for these dances again.”
However, even with the restrictions being lifted, some had contrasting opinions about the Fall Fling.
Prep Tristan Price claimed, “I felt like there could have been more AC definitely around because it was very hot in there.”
Another Prep, Joseph Vicente, couldn’t take it all, he says, “I left because the atmosphere was really loud and kind of intrusive. The music selection was pretty sub optimal”
Tung also commented on the music choice, “You know, I thought there were some bangers. But it was mostly hit or miss.”
Oliver Lui 24’ said, “I talked to some people who left because, you know, [the music] was a little explicit.”
In addition, Prep Bianka Laufer reflected, “It was very overwhelming. I think the flashing lights were a little much. I was a little hesitant to go into the gym, but I ended up going anyway. I think walking into that space, they definitely could have chosen a smaller area for that amount of people.”
Prep Izyan Maredia mentioned, “It was like 70 people and they were patched into like three feet of space, it was a little rough in there.”
Laufer adds to the struggle of navigating through the crowd, “I definitely had more fun saying in my small group of friends than like being a part of the whole mob.”
Despite some negative reviews, many recalled the dance positively.
“It was pretty fun. It relieved a little stress on a Saturday night,” Upper Oliver Liu mentioned.
Prep Celia Valdez commented, “It was my first time going to a school dance. I would rate it a 10 out of 10. It was insanely fun. I can see why people want to go to dances all the time.”
“It was pretty entertaining. It relieved some stress on a Saturday night,” Upper Oliver Liu mentioned.
Jack Breaks 25’ agreed, “It was a lot of fun and a nice way to spend a Saturday night. The music was pretty good too.”
Valdez was excited when they played her favorite song, “They actually played it at the dance. Super freaky girl!”
“I saw kids dancing by the speakers all throughout the event. I hope everyone had a good time,” Chaperone Ms. Lyne comments.
The snack room was another aspect of the dance that many people enjoyed. Izyan Maredia went as far as saying, “The gym kind of was how I thought it would be, but the snack room was the best part.”
Chaperone Mr. Saltman also claims, “There was a lot of energy and it was good to see students having so much fun.”
As students and faculty recalled their experiences at Fall Fling, some looked back on past dances such as Back in Black. Back in Black was a Dunbar hosted event that commenced the start of the new year. It last occured in 2019, right before the Covid-19 pandemic, when the class of 2023 were new preps.
“When we last had it, [back in black] it was definitely a lot more successful. There were loads and loads of people there across all the grades. Everyone was dancing. Everyone showed out,” Keanan Andrews said.
Senior Kate Nixon reflected, “I think back in Black was one of my top six favorite memories at Exeter. The atmosphere surrounding Back in Black, there was so much school spirit and enthusiasm. I think it really just brought the students together.” This feeling of community and excitement was not felt nearly as much during the Fall Fling. “Kids were talking about it for so long, and students haven’t bonded over Fall Fest,” Nixon postulated.
However, some think that Fall Fling and Back in Black are uncomparable due to the circumstances of the pandemic. “I’m not going to compare [Back in Black with Fall Fling], like what we’re doing now to what we had done before. Because I think that’s an unfair comparison,” Ms. McGahie said.
Looking into the future, students and faculty gave their hopes and ideas for upcoming events.
Ms. McGahie said, “I’m working with the student council right now to plan an Exeter Andover dance that will be happening in November.”
She also expresses, “The hope is that, for winter, we can maintain this normal-ish feeling and have dances and indoor gatherings.”
Puchalski affirms, “We are most certainly doing a formal dance in the winter term, right when we get back, and hopefully other dances throughout the winter term. We hope to revive the full school spirit before covid and develop more excitement around these events”
Committee Head of Recreations, Anna Holtz, remains hopeful throughout the planning process, “We’re in the midst of talking with the student council and receiving people’s opinions on things we could improve on for future dances. “Hopefully the winter formal will exceed everyone’s expectations!”
