Tucker: New tradition born at Moody School

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June 25, 2009

Sharon Tucker

Recently, the Moody preschool in Haverhill held its second Someone You Love dance. While no limousines dropped of the party-dressed young guests and their dates, and no prom promenade was held, it was a prelude to a few years in the future.

The "Someone They Love" could have been a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt or some other special adult in their lives. All arrived in anticipation of a fun evening.

This year, the young ladies received tiny corsages of baby roses and the young gentlemen were outfitted with a boutonniere.

Girls were dressed in pretty spring party frocks; some had their hair adorned with ribbons. The boys sported suits, shirts, ties and dress slacks or their best casual attire. Slicked-down hair completed the outfit.

Children danced with their special someones and with each other. Music selections included the "Limbo," "Hokey-Pokey," "Chicken Dance" and "Conga" under a spinning mirror ball. Some of the dances were accompanied by bubbles from a bubble machine, a la Lawrence Welk.

Music was provided by disc jockey Ralph Borgaine of R.B. Entertainment of Salisbury, repeating his performance at last year's dance. Borgaine has been working these kids' parties for more than 20 years and brings all props, including the popular bubble machine, hula hoops, and 1,500 ping pong balls used in a game.

As one of Borgaine's assistants stands in the middle of a wide circle of children, he dumps a large bucket of ping pong balls from over his head. The object was for the children to retrieve the bouncing and rolling balls, collecting them in small buckets. Adults steered clear while the squealing, scrambling youngsters quickly collected their prey.

A game of Musical Chairs was attempted but without much success, as directions could barely be heard over the youngsters' excited chatter.

Festive party snacks of cupcakes, fruit punch, fresh fruit, cookies, pretzels and a decorated cake reading, "Someone You Love" were supplied by parents.

Rounding out the evening was a raffle.

Principal Judy Zaino estimated that about 150 preschoolers attended. She said the dance is one of many events sponsored by the school's Parent-Teacher Organization, funded with proceeds from fundraising events.

The closing dance was a slow number. Considering that this year's and last year's dances were so well-attended, it appears a new tradition, the Someone You Love dance, has been started at Moody School.

Sharon Williams Tucker is an occasional contributor to The Haverhill Gazette.