Marlborough’s Junior Class threw an “Old Hollywood Glamour” themed Semi-Formal at the Avalon Hollywood on Saturday, Jan. 12th from 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. 

Class President Avery ’20 and Junior Council moved the location from The Mark, where formal has previously been held, to the Avalon Hollywood. The location change allowed for $65 tickets, instead of $80 or more as in previous years. 

Julia, a junior who attended Semi-Formal, said she thought the venue added to the Old Hollywood theme of the dance. 

“I thought that the venue fit the theme of Old Hollywood really well. I liked how it had the lobby area, the dance floor and the seating separate from each other so that I could choose whether I wanted to be where the music was or not,” Julia said. 

Although many students liked the Avalon’s space, other students like junior Emily thought it was too large for the 200-person formal.

“[The Avalon] is a super creative spot for a dance. I had only ever been there once, for the VGC [Violets Giving Circle] fashion show two years ago. I do think that it was a little bit big for the number of people… we are a small school, and it is a fairly large
venue, but overall it was great!” Emily said. 

Council embraced the “Old Hollywood Glamour” feel by projecting silent movies on the walls and displaying an old-fashioned welcome banner, made by Jess ’19. 

The Avalon created a signature Marlborough mocktail, ombré grapefruit juice, which party-goers could enjoy at cocktail tables and booths. Junior Sophia said she enjoyed many mocktails, even

those offered outside of the ombré grapefruit juice. 

Beyond the drinks, many sophomore and juniors including Lauren ’21 thought dressing up and dancing with friends was the most fun part of being at Semi-Formal. 

“The best part of formal was when the chocolate covered strawberries came out––I really think they were the star of Semi,” Lauren said. “I also enjoyed seeing my friends all dressed up compared to our usual uniforms.”