Had a ball: Dannevirke students swap uniforms for formal wear

Dannevirke High School held a successful and enjoyable annual ball in the Dannevirke Town Hall last Friday.

About160 beautifully dressed students and staff attended.

Although the Great Gatsby theme did not really catch on with the students some of the staff dressed to the theme. It was a well planned and beautifully set-up event, thanks to the great work of the Ball Committee comprising Year 13 students, art teacher Mackenzie Walding and a number of other staff members.

The night began with a sit-down meal provided by canteen manager Joy Raffaelli and her staff.

All the guests were seated around decorated tables. Toitoi was an interesting addition to the decorations.

There was no DJ nor band, the music was from a playlist but it appealed to the dancers, particularly in the later part of the evening when "throwback" songs were chosen.

As with tradition the head prefects started the dance, followed by Year 13s, who performed a choreographed hoe-down item.

Guests were able to visit two photo booths – one for formal photos and the other with props to make the photos more candid.

Student Tayne Smith (known as Igazi) and his rap group performed items to the enjoyment of his peers.

The time passed quite quickly and was fun, according to comments from the students.

Principal Di Carter said the students' behaviour was exemplary.