More than 1,500 students in pajamas. The new “dream” theme makes most of the dancers look like they’ve just rolled out of bed, albeit with a lot of energy. In fact, this could be an over-caffeinated De Neve Plaza breakfast scene.
Morale and energy is back up in the Ackerman Grand Ballroom after speeches and performances. High-energy chart hip-hop is keeping these students pumping.
Screens on either side of the dance floor, usually showing music videos, switched to show a humorous video sketch made by the Pediatric AIDS Coalition. The screen then showed a countdown before dozens of “moralers” (PAC volunteers working to keep energy up) burst in from a side door of the ballroom. These constant breaks and features keep the dancers’ attentions on the dance floor.
Dancers looking for a change of pace can wander to the entrance of the ballroom, where there are various stands. There is a Camp Heartland stand, where students can sign up for e-mail newsletters and pick up some free candy. There is also a silent auction, where dancers can bid on eBay items such as iPhones and a cabin in Big Bear.
However, most dancers appear to be maintaining their stamina; most of them, it seems, are staying on the densely packed dance floor.
“I am having fun so far,” said Caroline Morgan, a third-year political science student. “It feels better to keep moving than to stand still.”