It’s time to dance with the seniors at the second annual senior citizen prom put on by Emporia State University’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
The prom, which was started by student athletes last year, will be from 7 to 9 p.m. April 3 in the Memorial Union Ballroom on the ESU campus. Last year, 50 to 60 seniors showed up, along with 40 student athletes, said Carmen Leeds of the ESU athletic department. The event is free and open to area senior citizens.
“It’s more for the seniors, but the athletes help escort them in,” Leeds said. “They dance with them and are table hosts.”
This year there will be an added twist with valet parking provided by the Lions Club. Photos will be taken for keepsakes. This year’s theme is “Dancing with the Seniors,” a spin-off of the television show “Dancing with the Stars,” Leeds said.
The Memorial Union Ballroom will be transformed into a prom-like atmosphere with lights, an archway, a disc jockey and music from the senior citizens’ generation. In the meantime, the student athletes are brushing up on their skills for the dance.
“The student athletes are going out and having dance lessons in preparation,” Leeds said.
Leeds said the Senior Citizen Prom was started as a way to honor the senior citizens who give to their community all year long.
“We want to give back to them,” Leeds said.
To spread the word this year, the athletic department did a mass mailing to voters age 60 and older in the area. However, seniors wishing to attend do not need an invitation, Leeds said. Leeds said the athletes are trying to get the word out about this special event.
“Anybody that is a senior can come,” she said, adding that anybody who knows a senior citizen should spread the word.