Students gasped as they walked into the venue, their eyes panning across the lobby. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and in the center of the lobby was an ice sculpture with the logo for Student Life at Montclair (SLAM). Beyond the lobby was a formal dining room with a dance floor in the middle, and a DJ booth at the head of the room. As soon as one walked into the venue, they could tell that it was going to be a good night.
Students celebrate as music plays on the dance floor.
Sal DiMaggio | The Montclarion
SLAM hosted its annual Winter Gala on Thursday, Nov. 16 at The Royal Manor in Garfield, New Jersey. The location of the event was kept secret from students until they arrived, and the event lasted from around 8 p.m. to midnight.
Two students pose for a 360-degree video at SLAM’s Winter Gala at The Royal Manor in Garfield, N.J.
Sal DiMaggio | The Montclarion
Ashon Lanada, Montclair State alumni and former SGA executive president, emcees SLAM’s Winter Gala at The Royal Manor in Garfield, N.J.
Sal DiMaggio | The Montclarion
The event kicked off with the officers of both SLAM and the Student Government Association (SGA) introducing the organizers of the event.
Richard Steiner-Otoo, SGA President, announces members of the SLAM e-board. – Photo by Victoria Howell
Then, students were entertained by a dancer who used torches and fire to perform as they ate. Students were able to hold the torches themselves as well.
Students watch as a performer uses fire to entertain at The Royal Manor for SLAM’s Winter Gala.
Sal DiMaggio | The Montclarion
A professional fire dancer performs at the gala as students gather around.
Photo by Victoria Howell
The fire dancer passes torch to an audience member.
Photo by Victoria Howell
Then, it was finally time to get the party started. The music turned on, and students spent the rest of the night on the dance floor.
Joe Lepinski, also known as “Jersey Joe” on social media for his dancing videos, dances at SLAM’s Winter Gala with other students.
Sal DiMaggio | The Montclarion
Students dance in a conga line at SLAM’s Winter Gala.
Sal DiMaggio | The Montclarion
Students dance in a circle during SLAM’s Winter Gala at The Royal Manor in Garfield, N.J.
Sal DiMaggio | The Montclarion
Two students share a moment together on the dance floor.
Sal DiMaggio | The Montclarion
Students gather in a circle in the center of the dance floor to watch people dance. Photo by Victoria Howell
The event wrapped up around midnight, but not before students had tired themselves out from dancing all night.
Students dance together during SLAM’s Winter Gala at The Royal Manor in Garfield, N.J.
Sal DiMaggio | The Montclarion
Two people among many dance during winter gala. Victoria Howell | The Montclarion
