By SVEA JONES

Beloit Independent Theatre Experience put on their Lavender Dance for the second year, on April 18, 2025. It took place in Moore Lounge on the second floor of Pearson’s Hall. This year’s theme was “phantom masquerade”, clearly a Phantom of the Opera theme that took shape as the night drew on. Tables lined with white cloths, glistening and mismatched vases stuffed with lavender and tons of draped florals. The first guests that sauntered up the stairs came in long gowns, dark frills, masquerade masks, and oh so much velvet. 

The BITE collective, in hopes to finish up their use of the budget for the school year, dove headfirst in supplying students with a plethora of snacks like tea, cherry mocktail, homemade dill dip, a whole charcuterie table lined with sweet grapes, twangy tomatoes, crackers, meats and cheeses for guests to gorge themselves on. Students also gorged their senses with live music. Students, Jasmine Kingsbury’28 on piano, Finn Waterman’26 on guitar. Amelie Lichte’26 and Quinn Dworschack-Kinter’27 alternating on drums provided a calming environment for slow dancing and for students to shuffle in and get a look at what the night had in store for them. 

The lighting was eventually switched out, and alternatively, lamps were used to encourage students to join others on the dance floor and to wick away the ever-consuming sweat from their necks. Under the glow of fake candles, the night ended with a curated playlist that encircled the jittery barefooted dancers. Being able to be present for the set up, during, and the take down for the event brings an intimacy and a splendor of how the night panned out. This was an extraordinary experience to be a part of, and the anticipation of the next time the campus collective can be a part of this tender and immersive moment is something to look forward to.

_{Featured image: Svea Jones’26}