Harrison Trimble High hosts second annual dance for veterans, seniors

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Times & Transcript Staff

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A group of Harrison Trimble High School students is not only hosting a swing dance next week for seniors, but plans to participate.

Principal Steve Mitton says several students have been taking swing dancing classes after school hours so they won't be stuck on the sidelines for the hangar dance at the school on Saturday, Nov. 14. Mitton says if any of the war veterans or seniors in attendance are looking for a dance partner, these students want to oblige them.

"They're getting there," says Mitton, when asked for a progress report on the dance students. "They're about three weeks in and still have a ways to go, but some of them are really good."

Last year's Grade 12 class wanted to do something for the community around Remembrance Day and the students came up with the idea to host an old-style hangar dance for seniors and war veterans. It's based on the war-time parties where the planes were moved aside in the hangar to create enough room for a swing band and a dance floor. Last year's debut event attracted 150 people and Mitton says it was a big success.

"The dance was designed for the veterans in appreciation for everything they've done," says the principal. "It's important to give back to the community and honour the history of the community because heritage is important."

Mitton says it was fun to see different generations get together for the event and those who remember the original hangar dances during the Second World War approved.

"One guy last year said he met his wife at a hangar dance in England and it brought back a lot of memories for him," he says. "My mom was in her late teens around that time and she says the dances were a lot of fun and everyone used to go to them."

The event is free to attend, though Mitton requests that people pick up tickets at the school in advance so they have an idea of how many people will attend and how much food and beverages are required.

The event costs about $4,000 to host, but corporate sponsors have stepped up to help pay for it.

The dance begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 and is expected to last a couple of hours. The Hub City Big Band will provide the music. Mitton says while there will be lots of dancing, those who don't plan on dancing are invited to come and enjoy the music.