Cowboy boots stepped across the lawn, ferris wheel lights glowed and the sound of country music echoed into the night as students gathered for this year’s Barn Dance. Despite the chilly evening air, the event was packed with students in vibrant outfits ready to dance, laugh and connect.
The event featured country line dancing lessons, which became more difficult as the night continued, but the ferris wheel and a variety of mixed soda drinks kept spirits high. For many students, the highlight wasn’t just the activities, it was being together.
“I’m enjoying being with friends and the dancing,” said Arlynn Armenta, sophomore exercise science and philosophy double major.
Her friend, John Rall, sophomore architecture major, agreed, noting that the energy was as chaotic as it was fun. Rall talked about his favorite part of the Barn Dance. “Being with friends and the dancing,” Rall said, laughing. Armenta quickly added, “[Everyone is] very active and enthusiastic. Chaotic. I almost fell over three times. John stepped on me.”
Although the temperature dropped as the night went on, students said the energy of the crowd made the chill almost unnoticeable. Screams of happiness echoed through the air as the ferris wheel went around, with people getting on and off all evening.
While the night included clumsy moments, Rall pointed out that it also created opportunities to connect. “People get to come together and kind of, like, have fun together, I guess. People bump into each other. It just provides a great opportunity for people to connect, whether that be through talking or through, like, the ferris wheel.”
For sophomore psychology majors Abigail Alfaro and Abigail Abarca, the Barn Dance was all about the music and movement.
“I’m enjoying the dancing,” Alfaro said.
“Yeah, I’m enjoying the dancing and being with friends,” Abarca added.
When asked to describe the mood, the pair summed it up in just a few words. “Fire,” Alfaro said.
“Awesome, good. Electric,” Abarca said, laughing as both of them finished each other’s sentences while they danced in place to the music.
The dance floor buzzed with energy as students showed off their best boots and outfits, blending classic country looks with creative modern spins. Denim jackets, cowboy hats and fringe-lined skirts made the Barn Dance as much a fashion show as a social event.
Abarca reflected on how the event fostered community on campus. “I think it just, like, shows community. So, like, you can just, like, go up and talk to anybody,” Abarca said.
Alfaro added, “I feel like music is universal and, you know, it brings people together.”
By the end of the evening, the ferris wheel slowed and the music softened, but the atmosphere remained warm despite the cold. With boots scuffed from hours of dancing and laughter still echoing across the grass, the Barn Dance reminded students of the joy that comes from gathering, connecting and celebrating together at CBU.
