Winterbash is back and better than ever! After two years of numerous cancellations as a result of COVID, Millbrook administration has approved an indoor school dance. This year Millbrook Executive Board (MEB) will be hosting Winterbash, the annual semi-formal winter dance that will kick off a series of school events including Winter Spirit Week and the traditional Winterfest assembly.

  On Saturday, February 5th, students are encouraged to show up in semi-formal attire ready to dance from 7 to 10 pm. Students should wear semi-formal dresses that are fancier than a casual summer dress, but maybe not quite as formal as a full-length prom dress. Students may also choose to wear a nice button-down shirt with slacks, or even a tuxedo. Typically, students will wear heels, sandals, loafers, or a similar shoe-style. Due to COVID precautions, attendees are required to wear a face mask inside school facilities. 

  However, there is an exciting twist to this all-too-familiar mask expectation because the Winterbash theme is masquerade this year, so attendees are highly encouraged to wear a masquerade mask to the dance as well. Upon arrival, there will be a limited number of black lace masquerade masks provided for students who would like to participate in the masquerade theme. Students also have the opportunity to design their own masquerade masks, allowing them to express their creativity. Junior Mia Claire Vitale describes how she would make her own mask by cutting out a paper plate to fit the shape of her face and attaching shoe string or yarn to wrap it around her head. She also describes that she would paint her mask black and gold and decorate it using feathers, eyeball stickers, and gems.

  For underclassmen, this will be their first high school dance. Sophomore Nadiya Thompson says, “I am most excited to hang out with friends and see what a high school dance will be like.” Speaking with Student Body Vice President Melanie Nassar, she explains that the film Another Cinderella Story serves as the inspiration behind the masquerade theme. Melanie says their vision is “that scene with Romeo and Juliet where they don’t know who the other person is” in order to create a fun and mysterious vibe for the dance. 

  In preparation for the dance set-up, the MEB Arts and Creations Committee has been working hard after school each day over the past couple of weeks to create decorations such as silhouette cut-outs that have been spray-painted gold. Other masquerade decorations include clear balloons with lights, twinkle lights, and tulle streamers to hang from the ceilings. There will be photo opportunities set up around the cafeteria such as the balloon arch and a gold backdrop. On the day before the dance, MEB and Class Council will meet in the cafeteria to put up all of the gold, black, and white decorations. They will also work together to move chairs and tables into the cafeteria for students to take breaks from dancing and to enjoy light refreshments. 

  Students are encouraged to get their tickets soon because MEB is capping the number of attendees at 250 students. Winterbash tickets are currently on sale for $11 and can be purchased here! Make sure to invite some friends, maybe bring a date, and have fun dancing the night away!