Students ‘glamour up’ for Winter Fantasia

SHOES GOT KICKED OFF TO ROCK OUT ON THE DANCE FLOOR — Students enjoyed
music, food, friends and memories in Grand Rapids. (Time Out)

Hope College students kicked off February by leaving their textbooks behind and traveling to Grand Rapids for Winter Fantasia.

This past Friday, buses shuttled eager students to the Amway Grand Hotel for a night of dancing and socializing. Hors d’oeuvres and stations overflowing with grape juice were available all evening.

Jonah Englehardt (’19) commented on the selection, saying; “The cheesecake on a stick was my favorite.” Indeed, the cake pops were a crowd pleaser. A photo booth with props was also available for photos with friends. Large, sparkling chandeliers and an elegant fountain created a backdrop that ensured photos that captured the spirit of the event.

Many enjoy the simple pleasure of a change of pace. Kristen Godwin (’18) commented; “I just love an excuse to get dressed up!” It certainly is a night to pull out the long, sparkly dress and the fancy bowties. The “Great Gatsby” feel of the event allows students the opportunity to feel elegant and makes the night a magical experience for many. Maddie Wabel (’20) described the event, saying; “I thought they did a great job with the dance. I had a lot of fun taking pictures around the gorgeous building and dancing.

The DJ did a great job and it was a really great night with my friends.” The DJ played a music selection ranging from “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers to R. Kelly’s “Ignition.” The dance floor was filled with laughs and shoes were kicked of.

To some students’ dismay, many country songs were also played. Overall, the dance floor was packed with action and eager students showed off their moves close to the speakers. Disco lights shown through the crowd, illuminating faces lipsyncing to songs and dance circles forming around especially confident dancers.

Student Activities Committee (SAC) and those working behind-the-scenes within the hotel work hard every year to pull off this campus favorite. Although many believe this event to be geared mainly towards underclassmen, many seniors attended and enjoyed their final Winter Fantasia with close friends.

With the Amway Grand in the heart of the city, some also opt to enjoy the night life of the city. Close to Valentine’s Day, some find this dance an excuse to grab their sweetheart and enjoy a fancy date night, or perhaps invite that special someone from across their lab bench. However, many appreciate that the event does not require a date. The diversity, lighthearted feel and beautiful decor of this event help to ensure high attendance every year.