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Introduction
Howdy!
I would like to welcome you to the 73rd Annual Ring Dance Website!
Ring Dance is an opportunity for the Class of 2008 to come together one last time to reflect on the years spent together, our personal growth, the friendships that we cherish, and the achievements we have made since we first stepped foot on campus.
This year's theme, "Wonders of the World," will highlight some of the world's most amazing sites.
The entertainment includes:
- Live music from Drying Off Grandpa, Emory Quinn, and The Jonnie Blanco Band
- A Casino Southwest Casino
- Karaoke by Absolute CS Music
- DJ Ellis Basham
- ...and performances by The Order of Aggie Illusionists
Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Texas A&M University in the form of our class gift. The Class of 2008 class gift is an endowment to Muster and the restoration of the H20 fountain on campus.
Tickets are on sale NOW at the MSC Box Office and on the Ring Dance Website and will be available until midnight on April 5th. Get your tickets early to avoid lines the night of the dance.
I hope you all will take a moment to look around the website and learn more about this year's Ring Dance. Be sure to check back regularly to see what is new!
Thanks and gig'em,
Megan Whiteside '08
Ring Dance 2008 Director
RingDance2008@AggieNetwork.com
About Ring Dance
- When: Saturday, April 5, 2008
- Where: Memorial Student Center/Rudder
- What time: 9pm-1am
- Tickets: $42 Tickets include admission to the dance and a gift. T-shirts are on sale for $5 until the night of the dance. April 5th, t-shirts will be $8.
- Tickets and t-shirts are on-sale NOW and will be on-sale until midnight the night of the dance.
- Tickets can be purchased on-line at and at the MSC Box Office located on 1st floor of Rudder. Photo packages can be purchased at the box office.
- Cakes and finger foods will be provided. Many attendees choose to have dinner prior to the dance.
- Dress is formal attire
- Entertainment includes Drying Off Grandpa, Emory Quinn, the Jonnie Blanco Band, a Casino, Karaoke, DJ Ellis Basham and performances by the Order of Aggie Illusionists
- Pictures will be taken in Rudder Theater the day of the dance beginning at 3pm
History
Ring Dance began on May 15, 1936 and was conceived by a group of seniors who decided that since the Aggie ring is the traditional mark of one whose days on the campus are soon to be over, a dance with the ring as the predominant theme would be appropriate as a final function of the Senior Class. The first Ring Dance had no admission charge and was preceded by the Senior Banquet. It took place with an orchestra in the mess hall and had one plaster of paris Ring replica for the official portraits. Ring Dance occurred from 8pm to 12pm because there was a rule on campus that there couldn't be any dances on Sunday.
In 1941, Ring Dance had two giant Rings for pictures and the traditional "Ring Ceremony". Cadets would tell their dates they had to go through both rings for the "double ring ceremony" but it was really to get another kiss.
1943 and 1945 were the only years to see two separate class Ring Dances. Because of the wars, the school cycle went to a 12-month "express" cycle. One Ring Dance was held in January for one graduating class; the other in May for the next group of graduates.
In 1949, two Ring Dances were also held; one Friday night and one on Saturday night. But rather than being because of the war and "express" graduates. this was due to the number of participants: over 2400 people attended. In order to help get everyone through the rings in an organized manner, the Senior class issued cards saying what night each couple was to go to.
Ring Dance was one room of entertainment, an orchestra, until 1978. At that time, another entertainment option was made available: a rock band. The entertainment increased to three rooms in 1989, four rooms in 1993, seven rooms in 1997, and eight rooms in 1998. The variety of entertainment over the years has ranged from orchestra to Tejano to country to piano bar.
Since its creation in 1936, Ring Dance has come to be as much a part of Aggieland as the many older traditions that have existed as long as the school itself. This dance will be for many the last social function of their years at Aggieland.
As each Senior steps into the replica of the Aggie ring, their date turns their ring so that the class year no longer faces them-it faces the world. Seniors are able to reflect over the past years spent in Aggieland and anticipate the future. As each couple steps away from the ring, another two step in, continuing the tradition that will go on as long as there is an Aggieland.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where can we buy tickets?
- Tickets are on-sale NOW and will remain on-sale until midnight, April 5th.
- They may be purchased at the MSC Box Office located inside Rudder Tower, or online from the MSC Box Office.
- Picture packages can only be purchased at the Box Office.
Why does the dance cost so much money?
- Ring Dance is our largest class fundraiser. For the past four years, the Class of 2008 council has been raising money to donate to Texas A&M in the form of a class gift. All proceeds made from this year’s Ring Dance will go towards that gift.
What are we supposed to wear?
- Ring Dance is a formal event. Most girls dress in formal dresses and guys in suits or tuxedos.
Why does the dance take up all of the MSC and some of Rudder?
- Before 1978 Ring Dance was only held in one room. Because our attendance has become much larger over the years, we have expanded the dance to more rooms.
This allows us to provide 5-7 different rooms of entertainment to help satisfy everyone's taste.
This year we will have a casino, karaoke, country, top 40 hits, and 80’s-early 90’s. There is truly something for everyone!
Are the pictures included in the price?
- Photos are not included in the ticket price. Please see the photography page for a list of photo packages and the name of the chosen photographer.
Will alcohol be served at the dance?
- MSC does not allow the possession or consumption of alcohol at school sponsored events.
Will we be getting a gift at the end of the night?
- Every person attending the dance can take their ticket to the gift table to receive their gift. Only one gift per ticket will be given.
There will also be an opportunity to gamble with play money in the casino. You will turn your chips in for tickets to be put into a raffle at the end of the night. In past years we have had Benjamin Knox prints, diamonds for your Aggie Ring from David Gardners, etc.
Should we eat dinner before we come?
- Appetizers, cake, and punch will be served throughout the dance in each room, however, many participants choose to go out to dinner with friends before the dance.
What do you do at Ring Dance?
- Ring Dance is a time to come together as a class and celebrate our time together at A&M. Each room features different entertainment, including karaoke, live music and a casino. A variety of cakes, appetizers and finger foods are served in each room as well. At the end of the night, we will raffle off items, have a Fightin' Texas Aggie Yell Practice and end with our class singing "Spirit of Aggieland" one last time.
I'm class of '09, but I'm graduating in December '08. Can I come to this year's?
- As an '09er, you are welcome to this year's Ring Dance, but you are also welcome at your own classes Ring Dance in 2009. We'd be happy to celebrate with you.
I'm Class of '07 (or earlier), but I missed my Ring Dance. Can I come to this years?
- As Old Army, you are welcome to this year's Ring Dance. We're sorry that you missed last year's , but we'd be happy to celebrate with you.
Who can I contact if I have any other questions?
- Ring Dance Director - Megan Whiteside ‘08
- RingDance2008@AggieNetwork.com
- Class Center 125 John J. Koldus Building 1236 TAMU College Station, TX 77844 979-845-2620
Photography
Package A - $27.00
- 2 - 8x10
- 2 - 5x7
- 8 - wallets
Package B - $19.00
- 2 - 5x7
- 8 - wallets
Package C - $36.00 (Best Value)
- 2 - 8x10
- 2 - 5x7
- 4 - 3x5
- 16 wallets
Contact
- Ring Dance Director - Megan Whiteside ‘08
- RingDance2008@AggieNetwork.com
- Class Center 125 John J. Koldus Building 1236 TAMU College Station, TX 77844 979-845-2620