Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

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Swing dance pairs up young, young at heart

Mike Tomkins likes the ladies. The elder ladies, that is.

“Dancing with the elderly is one of my favorite pastimes,” said Tomkins, a Weinberg freshman.

Tomkins was one of about 120 students and senior citizens to attend the third annual Senior Citizens Gala Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Louis Room at Norris University Center. Seniors conversed with students over dinner, participated in raffles and learned to swing dance with their young new friends.

“I’ll hopefully pick up some older ladies in the process,” Tomkins joked.

The Gala was sponsored by Northwestern Community Development Corps, and was intended to bring the senior citizen and Northwestern student communities closer together.

“It’s a good opportunity for the seniors to be around Northwestern students,” said Monica Ko, co-chairwoman of NCDC special events. She said it also helped provide a fun evening for the seniors.

“A lot of them don’t have many places to go for a night out. Tonight they’re reliving a lot of things they used to enjoy,” Ko said.

The North Shore Senior Center Stompers, a Dixieland band, greeted the dancers as they entered the Louis Room. Angelfish decorations dangled from the ceiling, and tables were sprinkled with seashells to follow the “Under the Sea” theme. Students and seniors sat down at the tables to chat and eat pasta, pitas and cookies.

“We get to see another side of life instead of being caught up in the Northwestern bubble,” said Nandita Batra, a Weinberg sophomore and NCDC webmaster. “And they get a different perspective of life from us. They get to see what the college kids of today are like.”

Students and seniors talked about a variety of topics, ranging from political issues to homesickness. One student entertained his table with card tricks.

“This is something different,” said Emily Lipowicz, an Evanston resident. “In church the young people stay away. I see the students here are eager to talk to us.”

Lipowicz won a gift certificate to Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium in the raffle. Other prizes included gift certificates to Kafein, Lulu’s restaurant and Champs All Sports.

“I’ve been to Shedd a billion times, but I’m still excited,” Lipowicz said.

Purple Haze, a student a cappella group, performed for the crowd, during which senior Theresa Ingram exclaimed, “That is so cute!”

The crowning event of the evening, swing dancing, began with a demonstration from Blast’s swing dancing instructors. The crowd gasped as the female dancer was flipped over her partner’s head and landed safely. Luckily for the intimidated beginners, they were taught more basic swing dancing moves.

“I used to dance a lot, but I haven’t done it in a long time,” said Brian Pendelton of Evanston. “I’m out of breath.”

Seniors paired off with students. Some students had trouble keeping up with their older, more energetic partners.

“She’s got way more experience than I do,” said Tom Pichert, a Weinberg junior, of his partner, Ingram. “She’s running me in circles.”

Ingram, a Skokie resident, added, “Once the music gets started, I’m just going to drag him along.”

Seniors and students alike said they enjoyed the evening of dancing.

“I love to party and I love to dance,” Lipowicz said. “I’m glad I discovered this.”

Reach Rebecca Huval at [email protected].

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Swing dance pairs up young, young at heart