Fist pumping after dark

Brightly colored glow sticks, plastic sunglasses and blue bubble chairs were just a small part of the event hosted Sunday at Goldstein Auditorium. Syracuse University students danced the night away at the Orange After Dark sponsored event, “On The Floor” at the "Jersey Shore" Dance Party.

Darya Rotblat, director of the office of off-campus and commuter services, spent a great deal of time planning the event. “It took a lot of work,” she said.

Photo: Alyssa Greenberg

Biology and broadcast journalism freshman Leslie Walters from Atlanta dances at the "On The Floor" Party on Sunday.

Rotblat said this is one of the first in a series of events sponsored by OAD providing alternative ways to have fun that don't involve alcoholic beverages. “We’re really excited because we were able to get DVDJ Biggie to start off the event series.”

Scott Kent, aka DVDJ Biggie, played a variety of songs and videos to keep the dancers moving. The club video DJ from LAVA at the Turning Stone Resort Casino, Kent said he's worked in the music industry for more than 18 years. “I like to play everything,” Kent said. “If I see something that’s not working on the dance floor, I like to switch it up.” 

Beverages ranging from iced tea to punch and lemonade were served at the party. Sociology senior Belinda Nyarlu helped distribute drinks to guests as a member of campus catering.

Student Association president Neal Casey said approximately 250 tickets were sold for the event. Nutrition science and dietetics freshman Julie Lin said she hoped people were arriving fashionably late. “I was expecting more people,” she said. 

The party did begin to pick up as more people braved the dance floor. Circular, colorful lights fluttered across the ground as girls in sequined dresses joined their friends to dance. There was even some fist pumping. The music continued to play until the event ended at 2 a.m. 

A busy dance floor affirmed everyone enjoyed the night, even if the ambiance and attendees didn’t quite resemble "Jersey Shore." “That’s what I love about this job,” Kent said. “Just making people dance and making them have a good time.”