BYU students gathered for the Winter Welcome Northern Lights Dance on Jan. 24.
The dance, held by BYUSA in the Wilkinson Student Center, is one of several on-campus events held throughout the academic year to encourage student engagement and provide a space for social interaction.
Throughout the night, students danced with smiles on their faces, dancing to the music with the crowd. Music ranged from trending songs like Sabrina Carpenter’s "Espresso," to early hits like The Killer’s "Mr. Brightside."
DJ Scotty, who provided the music for the evening, praised the energy of BYU students.
“Oh my gosh, you guys are just so fun,” Scotty said. “Every time I come here, you guys pop off, have fun, don’t care much about anyone else and just party. Oh yeah, it’s awesome.”
Alan Carbajal, owner of @hypehub.utah, an Instagram page that promotes social events for young adults, noted how the atmosphere at BYU dances compared to other events he has attended.
“Having been to a million other parties, you don’t have a sense of direction,” he said. “When you come to BYU parties, you always have a sense of being welcome, belonging and you have a sense of direction more than anything.”
He added that BYU events are “the most wholesome and the most edifying things that you can go to socially.”
Jane Terry, a graphic design major, shared her appreciation for the university’s social events.
“I think it’s super fun,” Terry said. “I know it’s very different than other schools to have big events like this, and I love them. To just get to go and do stuff on campus, it’s fun.”
Some students shared suggestions for potential improvements for future dances. Kevin Sheng, a chemical engineering student, commented on the event’s setup and energy level.
“Would have preferred a bit more hype, but it’s a little more youthful energy,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s just a big room, but it’s like the energy is a little more dispersed.”
“We should do it in one of the ballrooms upstairs,” Sheng said. When asked what else he wished for future BYU events, “Better advertising” Sheng said.
The dance went from 7-10:30 p.m. The BYUSA provided a soda bar, nachos, brownies and neon face paint for the students attending the event. Students enjoyed playing nine square under the glowing lights.
Click here to check on upcoming events put on by BYUSA.