Numerous sixth-form dates perfect their dance routines for the Last Hurrah on the Tartan Court of the Worthington Johnson Athletic Center. Photo by Pinn Chirathivat/The Choate News
With graduation only weeks away, sixth formers have begun to congregate at the Worthington Johnson Athletic Center (WJAC) each Tuesday night. On the Tartan court, Ms. Amy Foster, Ms. Alex Long, Mr. Georges Chahwan, and other faculty members have been helping sixth formers prepare for the dance competition at Last Hurrah. The three-decade-long tradition of Senior Dance Lessons is not only a chance for the seniors to improve their dance skills, but also an excellent time to reminisce with their classmates.
For many Choate sixth formers, one of the most anticipated events of their high school career is imminent. As senior spring comes to a close, many students are preparing for the School’s annual sixth form formal: Last Hurrah. Last Hurrah first commenced on May 10, 1980 and has continued to be a major Choate tradition. The Senior Dance Lessons are a key stepping stone for sixth formers in their final days at the School.
“At Last Hurrah, they have a band that plays ’40s and ’50s music. So, we teach the sixth formers three different styles of dances: the Fox Trot, the Waltz, and the Swing,” Ms. Foster said. “We had a great turnout. I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from students who went and also faculty members who have spoken to the students.” Because Last Hurrah is more formal, it is recommended for students to learn how to properly ballroom dance.
For Max Patel ’19, the dance lessons have been enjoyable so far. He said, “Everybody is dancing with each other. It is a lot of fun, but it’s important: otherwise, many seniors wouldn’t know how to [ballroom] dance. Other than that, it is a great time to bond with the senior class.”
The tradition of the Senior Dance Lessons at Choate began in the months leading up to the first Last Hurrah in 1981. These lessons are taught on the indoor courts of the Worthington Johnson Athletic Center to accommodate the large number of sixth formers who participate. Ms. Foster said, “I think it’s long lasting because it’s something new, it’s something fun, and it’s a time where you can bond with your classmates. Everybody can learn how to dance.”
As one of the organizers of the Senior Dance Lessons, Ms. Foster has been involved with this event for more than twenty years. “When we first started teaching it, there was a very clear boy’s role and girl’s role,” she said. “Now, we don’t associate gender with either of roles, whether you are learning to lead or whether you are learning to be the partner.”
A huge effort is made to ensure the lessons run smoothly. The faculty volunteers have the responsibility of teaching hundreds of sixth formers at the WJAC. “I think the biggest challenge is being able to get a large group of people following our directions and teachings. We try to break it down and make it as simple as possible,” Ms. Foster said. On the other hand, unlike thirty years ago, speakers and microphones are used during the lessons.
“I felt so good after the dance lessons and my afterschool practice. I am absolutely going to be the dancing king. Promise,” Patel said. During Last Hurrah, there is a dance contest in which students perform their ballroom dance routines on the dance floor. The winner of this competition is crowned the king or queen of Last Hurrah. Hoping to acquire the Last Hurrah crown, many sixth formers are practicing their dance moves during their free periods along with the time spent attending the lessons.
“Going to the dining hall for lunch, I saw many sixth formers practicing their ballroom dance moves near the benches outside of Steele Hall. It looks really fun, and I’m looking forward to the time when I finally reach senior spring,” Tigo Ponce de Leon ’22 said.
With less than a month until the seniors say their final goodbyes, the playful tradition is a well-deserved opportunity for them to celebrate their journey at Choate.
