Students Embrace Russian Theme for Candlemas Dance

As a young campus, Thomas Aquinas College, New England shares many traditions with its California counterpart, but it has also established a few of its own. Every year, for instance, the East Coast campus hosts an Epiphany Dance instead of the traditional Christmas formal. This year, however, it deviated from its still-young tradition: On Saturday, the Senior Class invited fellow students, faculty, and their families to Tracy Student Center for a Russian-themed Candlemas Dance in celebration of the Epiphany of Our Lord and Candlemas this coming Wednesday. 

“It was unfortunate that we could not host our traditional Epiphany Dance on Epiphany weekend because of the March for Life,” said senior Peter Duchow, who helped with decorations. “But with Candlemas Day coming up and the seniors reading Brothers Karamazov, we felt in the Russian mood and wanted that for our theme this year.”

Students marveled over the warm Christmas lights along with the draped cerulean and white gossamer above their heads. Spirits were high as many could hear classmates sing from afar and see the joyful children weaving through the crowds. While the decorations were wondrous, the students' attention drew toward the homemade confectionary, consisting of truffles and even chocolate — all from scratch. 

“I remember seeing a couple of the seniors for the past three days in the kitchen, hard at work on our desserts,” observed sophomore Megan Conrad. “The treats were so good and went way too fast.” The senior confectioners also prepared meatballs and sausages for the students. 

Before the dancing commenced, attendees gathered round as senior Clotilde Cecchi led all in singing “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night,” and “Jingle Bells.” Next, junior Sara Langseth taught a traditional Russian dance. Afterward, the evening erupted into swing-dancing and waltzing with students laughing and smiling in joy, glad to be back for the second semester.