Barn Dance!

David R.

November 7, 2009 - 11:24 AM

One perk of being a part of Greek life at the University of Oregon is having the ability to attend all of the traditional events that are put on by all the chapters, such as a barn dance. Last night I attended a barn dance for Alpha Chi Omega. Houses have different events from time to time that are significant to that chapter, but everyone has a barn dance. I have been to four barn dances while at the U of O, and each one has been a blast. As I freshman I had no idea what to expect before my first barn dance. I hadn't ever even been to a barn, and I couldn't picture what it would be like to dance in one.

At the beginning of the night of a barn dance, the festivities usually begin around 6 o' clock. The house hosting the barn dance will usually hold a small dinner for all of the dates. From there everyone breaks off to head to their specific live out to hang out and get ready before everyone leaves for the barn. The live outs are split up by age. The juniors go to a house for juniors and so on. It is always fun to see everyone dressed up in barn dance attire. I usually wear a flannel shirt with jeans and a cowboy hat. Those who are the most prepared usually arrive with cowboy boots, or chaps in some cases. The girls wear something similar, usually with jean skirts. Many people, guys and girls, like to further decorate themselves with bandanas and handkerchiefs to fully establish the western mood.

After a good while of socializing at the live outs it becomes time for everyone to get on the buses to go to the barn. For events like barn dance, everyone meets in the PLC parking lot, because this is where the buses pick everyone up. Once everyone is on, the buses leave for the barn. The trip usually takes about 20 minutes or so, unless the bus driver gets lost, and the trip ends up taking an hour. This happened to me freshman year, and it was brutal, but most of the bus drivers know where they are going.

Once the buses arrive at the barn, everyone piles out into the dark and the sound of music can be heard from inside the barn. Those who work and live at the barn are usually in attendance so that they can supervise. It is very generous of them to allow people, especially college students, to hang out and dance in their barn. I wouldn't recommend wearing your favorite pair of shoes, because the inside of the barn is all dirt. There is a d.j. set up in one of the corners, with a large table for all of the d.j. accessories. Everyone dances for a few hours until the fun is forced to end, as it becomes time to head back to campus.

Barn dances are a great time, and one of the highlights of the year for those who are in the Greek system at the University of Oregon.