Word on the street is the gala is different this year. And not simply different in location and theme – at this year’s Masquerade Ball, dancing will be permitted. This “minor detail” has completely changed the game of the gala (is it really pronounced gay-la?!). The prospect of officially being allowed to dance at a school function has created mixed feelings. Many of the upperclassmen believe that this freedom is long overdue and are concerned about people taking advantage of the privilegee. Underclassmen are pleased, but do not have the same relief as those who were long awaiting the opportunity. The fact that the night includes dancing makes it a “real” formal event. And so people have been putting on grandiose – and some not so glamorous – “gala-posals” to woo their prospective dates. Some have expressed frustration over these proposals, claiming they are resurrecting the spirit of the “prom-posal” that was left behind in high school. Others feel that gala-posals, along with the new dancing privileges, overemphasize the importance of having a date to the event, leaving single people feeling awkward and left out. In addition, there has been talk of the suggested attire. Masks are recommended to fulfill the true spirit of the masquerade ball. Skeptics find the wearing of this accessory to a formal event childish and unnecessary.

Though needlessly harsh, these criticisms are not entirely baseless. Sanctioned dancing is new territory for Cairn University. It is not unreasonable to be suspicious of the unknown. Frustration over showy proposals and the emphasis being placed on having a date is also understandable. There’s already pressure to be in a relationship in the Christian community of Cairn, and the stress of the gala is simply stabbing the dagger in deeper to the single folks. While I would say I’m not overly concerned by all of these issues, I do have my own hesitations about the gala. I, like many others, would feel awkward attending the event alone. And while I know that they mean well, hearing my friends who are in relationships tell me, “Don’t worry, we can go together” does not make me feel any more confident. What am I supposed to do at a masquerade ball when my friends and their boyfriends go off to have their romantic dance? I refuse to be that girl sitting at a table pretending to be engrossed in the way the salt and pepper shakers are arranged on the table. Despite these concerns, however, I think the gala has potential to be great. We’ll just have to wait and see.