<p>There are sort of middle-school-like dances in Sayles-Hill at least every other weekend. Those are pretty popular, though they’re just one aspect of the social scene and I’ve never been one for them. I don’t think there are ever appetizers out and there isn’t alcohol, but there used to be free little cans of soda and water. I haven’t been to a Sayles dance in a long time, so I don’t know if that’s still routine. Most people in attendance are fairly drunk, and if a Sayles dance is part of your evening plan, you’ll probably be pregaming it by drinking with friends at a small gathering. Some dances have themes (bar mitzvah, anything but clothes come to mind), some don’t. The one formal event that happens every year is Midwinter Ball, and people do all kinds of things before the dance, prom-style but on a much smaller budget (no limos, no expensive clothes). People will throw their own theme parties all the time, too, so you’re not limited to just college-sponsored ones.</p>