The average human being would scowl at the idea of being packed into an unfamiliar vehicle and transported to an unidentified location. Many would run away at the proposition.
However, combined with cash-only booze, a decent banquet, Brooklyn drill music and a Moulin Rouge-themed dress code, one may receive several hundred enthusiastic nods of approval instead.
Revelers danced throughout the entire night, right up to 1 AM when the ball was declared over.
Julian Rigg | The Montclarion
This was precisely the case at Montclair State University last Wednesday, April 27, when Student Life at Montclair (SLAM) held its 2022 edition of the Spring Bash.
Two attendees — with a third passing through — pose for a photo prior to the festivities beginning at the 2022 Spring Ball.
Julian Rigg | The Montclarion
March into University Hall with a CDC-approved vaccination card or a negative test and a legal ID, sign your rights away to SLAM and you can be herded into a coach bus to be driven two minutes down to Valley Regency in Clifton.
Dances of all sorts — to all sorts of music — could be seen and heard throughout the night.
Julian Rigg | The Montclarion
Located conveniently on Valley Road, the Valley Regency is the event space and banquet hall that was selected as the site for SLAM’s Spring Bash.
Two men on the dance floor at the SLAM’s Spring Ball.
Julian Rigg | The Montclarion
Upon passing through a red balloon arch, one would find themselves in a massive banquet hall dotted with black tuxedo-donned servers dashing throughout the room. With the words “MOULIN ROUGE” spelled out in massive, illuminated lettering.
Jayde Worthen (left) and Matt Ternsten (right), both juniors, share a romantic moment in front of the massive “Moulin Rouge” sign situated at the back of the ballroom. The couple has been together for 8 months.
Julian Rigg | The Montclarion
For the banquet, there was a modest salad with a balsamic vinaigrette as the appetizer. Followed by an attempt to appease the event’s carnivores by serving both grilled chicken and roasted steak with a side of assorted veggies.
For dessert, there was a grab-bag of Italian cookies that seemed to go untouched by most throughout the night.
An attendee dances with her friends on the Valley Regency dance floor.
Julian Rigg | The Montclarion
From dancers with tasseled dresses and feathers perched atop their heads to the slip-n-slide-spilled-drink dance floor, the night remained at a classy and lavish level. And between couples sharing publicly intimate moments and testosterone-fueled mosh-pits, the night seemed to be a success as well for most.
An employee at Valley Regency mops up a spill as people stop dancing.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
A couple share a drink near the dance floor.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
A man leans in for a kiss as a woman makes a face.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
A crowd of people party on the dance floor.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
It was a time for revelers to celebrate the end of the spring semester and a sluggish return to their regularly-scheduled academic careers.
Women wearing elaborate tasseled dresses and large feathered headdresses made their way onto the dance floor at the height of the night. The dance floor became a carnival setting for some time.
Julian Rigg | The Montclarion
Evan Joseph (center) a Montclair State senior dances as a crowd of people watch.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
A man and a woman wearing sunglasses share a drink off of the dance floor.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Twerking was a very common dance at this year’s Spring Ball. Many showed very enthusiastic support for their friends twerking.
Julian Rigg | The Montclarion
A group of women smile for a group photo.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
A woman twerks in another woman’s face on the dance floor.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
At the night’s climax, the DJ came from behind his table and blasted the crowd with a CO2 canon while balloons were handed out as well.
Julian Rigg | The Montclarion
Seniors Amanda Sandy (left) and Kharisma Boyd (right) exit the main ballroom at the Valley Regency in Clifton, New Jersey.
Julian Rigg | The Montclarion
