Last Friday was EMU’s first Masquerade Ball, hosted by Housing and Residence Life and CAC.

The event started by providing students the opportunity to create their own masks out of crafting supplies provided by Residence Life. The doors to the dance opened shortly after at 9 p.m., with few people in attendance.

As theater practice ended right across the hall, the University Commons Black Box filled with more students, adding to the energy.

Junior Capril Mirarchi noticed this shift in energy and stated, “The theater people made the event come alive.” Students came dressed in a variety of different styles from formal to casual to post-play practice outfits, due to the varying groups of people attending the dance.

The Black Box, a common space often used for university dances, was decorated with an assortments of strobe lights and speakers to encourage energy for dancing.

Josh Gomez, a senior, who DJ’d for the event, said, “The sound- sensitive lights created a great atmosphere inside. The Black Box is the perfect space to have events like these. Overall, a good night and very motivated people on the dance floor.”

First-year Sarah Rittenhouse commented on Gomez, saying, “The DJ did a great job taking requests.” Mirarchi furthered Rittenhouse’s sentiments and said, “The DJ was great at feeling out which songs were enjoyed and taking requests.”

As the night continued, students became more comfortable and a large dance circle began to form. Dances of all kinds were seen that night, from salsa to breakdancing to doing backflips on the dance floor.

On-duty C.A., Junior Jakya Jones, said, “It was a fun, high-energy experience that I was happy to do with my hall.”

Both students and on duty staff enjoyed the event and had nothing but positive things to say about the first Masquerade Ball. Rittenhouse ended by saying, “I had a great time getting goofy on the dance floor with my friends.”

First-year Julie Crouse added, “It was fun to make masks and get to hang out with my friends for the night.”

Although the masquerade had a lower student attendance than expected, Crouse stated, “I know that a lot of planning went into it, and I definitely think that it would have been cool if more students had come out. But I think those of us who did go had a good time together.”

Overall, students seemed to enjoy the dance-filled evening, spending time with friends and listening to music.

Students have expressed interest in having the Masquerade Ball return to EMU for further years.