Inclusive dance entertains at O'Hara Elementary School

A red-carpet event returned after a pandemic-induced hiatus, welcoming more than 600 students and family members to the “Special Someone Dance” Feb. 11 at O’Hara Elementary School.

Each student was invited to bring a special someone as his or her guest. There was no dress code, and people were encouraged to show off their individual style. Partygoers were treated to bubbly ginger ale drinks served in fancy glassware.

“I loved everything—hanging out with my friends and dancing to the music,” said Ella Marlo, a fifth-grader, who said she felt like a celebrity walking the red carpet to enter the dance.

The dance was hosted and organized by the O’Hara PTO and O’Hara Elementary Principal Kristy Batis.

The theme was “Night on the Red Carpet.”

“These kids have been through so much over the last couple of years, and it was amazing to see them have the chance to just be kids again,” PTO president Melissa Marlo, whose two children, Ella and Gavin, attended.

Batis and the goal of the night was to bring joy and unity into the school for students and the school community.

The first Special Someone event was held in 2020, but the pandemic canceled the 2021 and 2022 events.

First-grader Annie Ferry danced up a storm with her friends.

“I loved the ginger ale “champagne,” popcorn and the selfie station,” Ferry said.

Third grader Piya Sabunani described the DJ as amazing.

“The music was fun and I loved the decorations inside the gym and lastly, having a blast with my friends, all dressed up,” Sabunani said.

Courtesy of O’Hara PTO

O’Hara Elementary School students, from left: Annie Ferry and Noa Barto pose during the Special Someone Dance held on Feb. 11 at the school. About 600 students and family members attended. The event was hosted by the O’Hara Elementary PTO.

The event was spearheaded by two district parents who wanted to bring a father-daughter style dance to the school.

“The parents worked with the PTO to make the event more inclusive so that everyone throughout the school could attend,” Melissa Marlo said. “With the return to normalcy (after the pandemic) the PTO was excited to get the green-light to bring the dance back this school year. The PTO strives to be as inclusive as possible—for all families—so any student and family can participate regardless of financial or other restraints,” Marlo said.

Volunteers began planning the dance last September.

Fourth grader Sylvie Blask joined the large Conga dance line.

“I loved taking pictures with my friends and dancing,” Blask said.

Second-grader Gavin Marlo said he liked the cool decorations that included neon lighting and the snacks.

“I liked the D.J., cup stacking challenge game and playing with my friends all night,” Gavin said.

First grader Jacob Malyszka drank a lot of ginger ale and enjoyed the popcorn.

“I loved walking the red carpet, the craft stations and dancing,” Malyszka said.

The PTO plans to host the event again in 2024.