Day 20

JLA Dance Party

As we wind down this three week "life experience," the time has come for the students of JLA to let loose and party the nights away. Actually, just for a few hours, but we take what we can get here. Unlike many of the other events we've taken part in, Tanabata festival, pop culture night, undokai, last night's dance party was something everything could be a part of naturally. Dancing is a universal part of any culture and requires no previous knowledge of Japan to have fun. For many of the people I talked to after we returned to the dorm, the dance party was one of the most exhausting but most exciting events at the Academy. Finally, most people could really let loose and be crazy to their heart's content. No one was there to judge, just to have fun. The dance was held in the same auditorium as the variety show, allowing us plenty of space to dance and socialize in. The music that was played ranged from Shinee's "Lucifer" to Cee Lo Green's "Forget You," and anyone could request songs as they came to mind. Just in case anyone got hungry, Pocky, mini cookies, chips, and strawberries were served, along with water and various fruit drinks that went quickly as people got thirstier and thirstier. The dance may not be considered "normal" by regular standards, but for some of us, the night was one of the best in our lives. Several lives may now be changed for the better, new friendships sealed for good, and as we soon part our separate ways, we wish the best of luck to these people and everyone who took part in that surreal night.

Jillian