Although well-loved, most of our annual school dances carry along with them an air of pretense, more often then not becoming more about formalities than truly having a good time.
“With the cost of tickets, dinner, and my exquisite bow ties, school dances can be quite the expense,” said junior Christopher Jackson. “I love formal occasions almost as much as my formal dress, but oftentimes the overall pretense of school dances ruins the fun of the event.”
Lucky for students who express this concern, however, there is one school dance that does not involve this façade – Tucheze. Originally started as a fundraiser co-sponsored by SHEPH and Hundredth Green-Butterfly, Tucheze is now a benefit dance for SHEPH’s project of the year.
“This year, we decided to divide the money we raise between multiple projects in Uganda, including the Mawagawa Lamp Project and a project to build houses,” said senior SHEPH leader Charlotte Mann. “The idea behind Tucheze was to create a casual dance where people could just have a good time without all the drama and preparation that comes with a regular school dance. If we have to fundraise, we might as well make it fun!”
Although the informality of the dance draws people, many students choose to attend due to the nonprofit nature of the event.
“I always go to Tucheze because I like to have fun and go insane for an evening, but another one of the reasons I go is because the proceeds go to a really great cause,” said junior Carla Beghin. “It’s basically like homecoming, formal, and prom, but without the pretense and with better music.”
Jackson agreed, explaining the reasons that Tucheze is equal to, if not superior to the other school dances. “It doesn’t pretend to have a theme, and the music selection is usually spot-on. The fact that a bow tie would look out of place might be a minus, but it’s well worth it.”
Although wearing a tuxedo to Tucheze may not be the norm, as a casual dance students can come to the event wearing whatever they choose.
“Tucheze is all about having fun dancing your butt off. There is no pressure to look nice or impress a date, so everyone can feel free to make a fool of themselves and have fun dancing crazily,” said Mann. “Last year, senior Ben Tuggle even came in a kilt- really, anything is acceptable!”
In the past, the highlight of Tucheze has been the live music performances from high school bands including both Chaos Saints and Super Robot Baby. Last year, however, all of the members of SRB graduated – leaving the school and the dance without a pop band to call their own. Ames graduate Max Peterson DJed the dance, though, so students still had a great time at the event.
“I whipped my hair back and forth so much my neck was sore the next day,” says Beghin. “It really was a great time!”
Overall the dance raised several hundred dollars for SHEPH, and had an amazing turnout. In the future, SHEPH hopes to increase the attendance numbers even more. Every year, students and teachers make memories at Tucheze that stand out from those made at other events. Although it may be impossible to top the excitement of seeing teacher Tim Mooney and principal Spence Evans show their moves on the dance floor, Tucheze is always a great experience for those who attend.
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