HHS Can’t Wait to Dance the Night Away

Get ready to jive at what’s believed to be Huntington High School’s first ever dance-a-thon. The big event is set for Thursday from 5-9 p.m. in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium. Since students and faculty have the next day off from school for Eid al-Fitr, the night will be full of fun-filled festivities without the stress of a school night.

The theme of the night is “70s Disco” and attendees are encouraged to dress up in groovy, dance-ready attire. A variety of fun decorations will be in place to allow the gym atmosphere to emulate parties of the era, including a vintage-inspired photo corner.

All proceeds from the event will be joined together with those raised at the K-Factor talent show and later donated to support children and families utilizing Stony Brook Hospital’s pediatric oncology unit. “The dance-a-thon is the perfect opportunity to have an absolute blast while supporting a phenomenal cause,” said junior Charlotte Gordon, who is among the organizers of the event.

English teacher Aimee Antorino has been hard at work coordinating the affair. The occasion holds a special place in her heart. It is being held in collaboration with her charity, Rachel’s Dance for the Cure. The organization was created in memory of Ms. Antorino’s daughter, Rachel, a talented dancer who tragically passed away of AML leukemia in 2018.

Ms. Antorino has been assisted by high school senior Ella Kamenstein and the rest of the dance-a-thon committee, with members eager to provide input in order to allow the event to reach its fullest potential.

Brightly colored t-shirts have been ordered and be available for purchase prior to and during the event. Several clubs and honor societies plan to help with selling concessions. Tickets are available in advance at the high school or at the door for $10.

“The Huntington High School Key Club has been a tremendous help throughout the entire planning process,” Ms. Gordon said.

Huntington’s dance-a-thon is modeled after Penn State’s Thon, a student-run annual 46-hour dance marathon hosted to raise money for those impacted by childhood cancer. Although this week’s version at the high school has a much shorter time frame, the celebration will be no less exciting and worthwhile organizers claim.

Students and teachers have been encouraged to submit playlists featuring their favorite dancing tunes. Live entertainment, including dance groups from the Huntington Highsteppers and United Amigos, will also be performing onstage to get the crowd rallied up.

Students are also able to sign up on RallyUp to start a dance team to participate with their friends and peers. Prizes will be awarded based to those with the best outfits, dancing skills and more.

Not to worry if anyone happens to have been born with a pair of two left feet; they shouldn’t fret! Rather than an intense dance competition, Ms. Antorino herself wants everyone to think of the event as “one big party,” with a chance to make memories that last a lifetime. Given that COVID has impeded the opportunity of many Huntington students to attend a school dance besides prom, the dance-a-thon is a wonderful way to make up for it, the event’s planners said

“The first ever dance-a-thon is on its way to kick off Huntington High School’s Annual K- Factor Talent Show,” Ms. Gordon said. “Get ready to boogie the night away!”