For over a century, UP students have been busting moves on dance floor
By Kyle Cape-Lindelin
From the formal waltz to the twist to students trying to break dance or moonwalk, the history of dance and fashion has come a long way since dances first started at the University of Portland over 100 years ago.
UP students are already gearing up for the upcoming annual Dance of the Decades on Jan. 30, such as freshman Nichole Valva.
"I'm ready to dance around the clock and show off my moves," Valva said.
The dance both recognizes and pokes fun at the past music and fashion fads, so it's worth a look at the history of how dances gradually evolved at UP.
Back one century ago before UP was even called UP (University of Portland was called Columbia University before 1935) came the first dance ever on April 20, 1908: the "Columbia Hop." Music was played by a professional orchestra, and students dressed in their formal clothes and danced from the slow songs for lovers to the more active waltz dance of the day.
Dances continued to be an annual fun activity for students as the years continued but they didn't quite take a serious turn until the Senior Ball of 1929 with students dressed in tuxedos and evening dresses. Joe Dardis, a local bandleader, preformed with his band and it was this event that really made dances a tradition at UP as a result of the reviews it got from seniors.
As UP expanded its ROTC program at the time, they also got their own Military Ball in 1952 where recruits wore their traditional military attire and danced to a live orchestra. It became an annual dance where they would crown the "Little Colonel" and his "Five Little Captains" in a popularity vote.
During the 1950s and early 60s, dances started taking a more diverse direction than just the balls and proms of the past. Specifically-themed formal dances started up, such as the Twirp Dance, where guests dressed like nerds, Biologist Ball for biology majors only, Sweetheart Dance around Valentine's Day, and, of course, Homecoming.
Informal dances also started up, such as the Engineers Barn dance which had students dress like farmers and used bales of hay for seats. The almost too informal Upsilon Speakeasy also started up in the late 50s, though it was generally an excuse for students to drink.
By the beginning of the 1970s, and in the response to the laid-back and changing times, dances got more informal than ever with students simply showing up in The Commons and danced to student-formed rock bands. Some band names were "Boones Farm," "Crazy Horse," "Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kids" and the hilariously-named "Johnny Golden and the Family Jewels."
UP alumnus from the class of Marc Covert remembers dances during that era, particularly when Lionel Richie and The Commodores made a guest visit in 1978. He also remembers local punk-rocker Billy Rancher and his band The Malchicks perform in 1979.
"(It) got out of control and turned into a problem," Covert said, as so many non-university youths showed up and started fights.
The first themed Dance of the Decades was started in 1975 under the moniker "50s Night" where students dressed and danced like Elvis while listening to popular 50s musicians like Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper.
Dances in the 80s put more emphasis on fashion as students would dress like Madonna, Michael Jackson and Don Johnson from "Miami Vice." During the 90s, dances went more informal again as students would go for a laid-back social atmosphere, except for the special annual formal dances like Homecoming, Senior Ball and Prom.
Dance of the Decades is on Jan. 30 as buses leave for the Crystal Ballroom at 1332 W. Burnside at 8:30 p.m. in front of BC Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now at the Student Activities room in St. Mary's for $10, tickets go up to $15 at the door, bags are not allowed and ID's are required for students as alcohol will be served to 21 and older students. Students are allowed to invite one guest from off campus to join but they also need an ID and a ticket.
Doors close at midnight and the dance will go until 1 a.m. as students take a step back in time.
