MIT formals..?

<p>I was wondering.. aren't there formal dances organized a couple of times each year? Must you bring a date? Is it common for people (singles) to turn up without a date..? Say, if a girl shows up alone... or a guy, will it be weird?</p>

<p>Also, how often are these formals organized, what's the venue and who are invited? Is it anything obligatory?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>there are a few formal events that happen on a scheduled basis: senior ball (which is this weekend, i believe) and your class ring delivery are the two that spring to mind, although these events are certainly not mandatory. other formal events may be thrown by your class council at their discretion, and tend to be at local hotels, clubs or similar venues; these are open, obviously, to anyone in the class who's willing to pay, of course. fraternities/sororities also often have formal and semiformal events on at least a semesterly basis. and finally, at least one formal a year is sponsored by some coalition of dorms, out of their funds, which gets cheap tickets for residents of those dorms, and are open to all.</p>

<p>as for the social niceties, you don't need to have a date, but most who don't will show up with a group of friends, at least. i recommend having a "date", even if they're just a friend flying solo for the evening*, in order to take advantage of cheaper tickets. especially if it's unlikely that your general social circle will be in attendance, having a few people you know will probably help you have a better time.</p>

<p>admittedly, however, i'm not much of a fan of formals; most of my good friends aren't fans of dressing up in quite that fashion (or rather, would take the time to get tricked out to go to manray, or a florey party, not to a formal), and those that are would rather get dressed up and, well, throw a wine and cheese party. but we're a bit strange.</p>

<p>out of curiosity, why on earth are you asking?
<em>is baffled</em></p>

<p>*this is not as uncommon as it might seem; i've fulfilled this role many a time, myself.</p>

<p>Awesome response! Thanks. :)</p>

<p>"out of curiosity, why on earth are you asking?"
Hahaha.... never mind...</p>

<p>mercury wants to put that funk on :D</p>