The Matric Dance fever started on Wednesday 26 July when the boys received their invitations from our newly appointed Head Master, Mr Pinheiro. He was ably assisted by the Grade 12 Class Tutors. Sishesihle Msweli from Grade 8 played the theme song Careless Whisper on the saxophone while the Matrics entered the silent hall. It was only then that the boys were made aware of the theme for their Matric Dance. How lovely to see the rest of the school acknowledge this milestone with such honour.
True to form, our young men and their divas started arriving at 18h00. Our Classic Hero, Mr Pinheiro, and his lovely wife were waiting at the end of the red carpet to welcome the Matrics to the prestigious ICC to enjoy an evening of fun and merriment at our aptly themed event – Careless Whisper.
The young couples arrived in a variety of vehicles, ranging from the really stylish yellow kombi with a surfboard on the roof … this took us back to the age of the Beach Boys – how appropriate. Then followed the flashy Ferraris, the fancy limousines the 4x4s and even a Rolls Royce Convertible! It was clear that time, money and effort were not spared in ensuring a dramatic arrival. The couples were warmly and enthusiastically received by a troop of cheering and just as excited parents, family and friends. We even had a group of people who were on their way to the Johnny Clegg concert stop and watch our handsome boys.
The long wait to enter the actual hall was made quite pleasant as everyone received a welcome drink. They were also able to take photos at the specially set up photo area and the giant Elvis and the juke box were popular features for photographs.
Before we knew it, it was time for the couples to enter the hall, walking down the red carpet while the theme song played.
The entire venue was in black, silver and turquoise – the colour scheme for the evening. The tables were clearly musical in theme with LP records as under plates, the centre pieces with the miniature musical instruments and the giant posters of the various musicians finished off the whole theme. The oval stage and the starry backdrop just added a different dimension to the entire venue. Every young man received his sterling silver Class of 2017 Matric ring and his partner received a special themed handmade bracelet. Strategically placed murals depicting the theme and parcan lighting created a wonderfully warm and cosy atmosphere.
Hala and his team did an amazing job with the photos and the videos. They were kept busy the entire evening and were still conducting interviews long after the dance had ended.
The formalities ended with the presentation of fun awards to some of the learners. The 5-odd years that they spent together as a group resulted in a special brotherhood and these fun awards were clearly something that only they could relate to.
The delicious buffet catered for all tastes and the delectable and rich chocolate mousse and brownies disappeared quite rapidly – albeit resulting in a major sugar rush.
The dancing was officially opened by Phendulani Buthelezi, Matthew Henley and Thomas Kempen and their partners. Thanks to Ms Drew for teaching them the dance moves. They were soon joined by the rest of the Prefect Body.
The dance floor then filled up quickly when the music changed to the popular pounding that these youngsters call music! At midnight all fun had to stop and as the guests made their way to the after party, the rest of us had to clear up.
Thank you Ms Drew my right hand and go to person. I would not have been able to pull this off without all your efforts and amazing skill with the computer.
Thank you also to Mrs Henley and Mrs Subbiah.
Mrs S Nagiah
Matric Dance Co-ordinator
