Turnabout is the New Trier dance that freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors consistently look forward to every February. This year, built up hype for the dance and a new DJ hired by New Trier proved to be the right formula to get students to attend the dance that sold out tickets. In all of New Trier’s years, Turnabout tickets have never sold out, leaving many students wondering why. “We have come close,” said Moira Gitau, teacher sponsor of Global Exchange Club.
Days before Turnabout, held on Feb. 9, those in charge of the dance announced over the loudspeaker that it had officially sold out of tickets. Days later, Principals Tim Dohrer and Paul Waechtler sent an email to all students and parents explaining that ticket sales were to reopen the night of Turnabout. “The decision to reopen ticket sales at the door was made because we wanted all students to have the opportunity to attend,” said Gitau.
“I think there was such a high demand for tickets this year because there were so many freshmen and sophomores who were excited about Turnabout and wanted to experience it,” said junior Mackenzie Parker.
Turnabout is especially exciting for freshmen because it is the first official high school dance they get to attend. “Turnabout was really popular with freshmen because I think we just wanted the experience of a formal dance where you get ready, go to dinner, and all that ‘fancy’ stuff,” said freshman Georgie Smith. The same draw of a formal dance that appeals to freshmen, also applies to sophomores. “A lot of sophomores I know went this year because it was the first dance of the year where all grades attended, which was really exciting,” added sophomore Hannah Perl. While the freshman and sophomores look forward to a formal dance, dressing up in themes and costumes appeals to juniors and seniors.
Many improvements were made to Turnabout to get students more interested and excited. “We worked hard on finding a new DJ this year and advertising the changes we had made to the dance. We have more improvements for next year. They are still in the works. You will have to wait until next year to find out what they are,” explained Gitau.
Global Exchange heavily advertised Turnabout by making announcements, putting up posters, and playing advertisements on televisions around school.
“I personally didn’t go to the Turnabout dance, but I know a lot of people were relieved that ticket sales were reopened at the door. Global Exchange did a good job of advertising for it because everywhere I went around school, I saw the advertisements for it on the television screens, which for sure got people interested in it,” said junior Justin Kang.
“I went to Turnabout because it is always a fun New Trier event that all my friends go to. There was a lot of hype built up about it, which got people excited…the DJ was supposed to be really good,” said senior Matt Fishman.