Alexander Wang’29 & Jaewon Lee’29
Every start of the school year, St. Mark’s students kick things off with blasting lights and music in Benson Gym. The Neon Dance has become more than just an event — it’s a tradition. For students, it’s a symbol of joy and energy that sets the tone for the year ahead.
A few weeks ago, students enjoyed their time in Benson Gym at the Neon Dance. DJ DCaso, an experienced DJ who has performed at venues nationwide and internationally and collaborated with famous athletes and artists, was invited to perform. DJ DCaso played an essential role at the Neon Dance, enlivening the scene and curating songs for the crowd.
Before the dance began, there was a preparation booth in the Lion’s Den, providing students with flashing sunglasses, glow sticks, and much more. As you might expect, the dress code was neon clothing. For those who were dehydrated or just needed a break from the excitement, there was also a hydration station with various drinks and a place to sit down and cool off.
As the Neon Dance reached its peak, Benson Gym was packed with students, and the floor trembled as people jumped up and down. The decorations on the walls, the vibrant lights, neon sticks, colorful outfits, and massive speakers all played a big part in the success of the event. We also can’t forget to mention Mr. Giegucz and the monitors, who played a major role in planning and preparing for the Neon Dance.
To learn more about the work they put in behind the scenes to pull off such an event, we asked a few questions to Mr. Giegucz and Ian Cho ’26. The foundation of the Neon Dance was originally set by Ms. Kosow and Mr. Giegucz, and the monitors added vital elements to its success. As mentioned earlier, DJ DCaso was invited back to campus because he had received “good reviews from the students from previous years.”
Parts of the Neon Dance preparation — like face paint, temporary tattoos, balloons, and neon sticks — were all planned by Mr. Giegucz and the monitors. Benson Gym was chosen as the location because it was “small, but also big enough where you can breathe.” The gym also had windows to help ventilate and cool down the air. They also planned the hydration station, as well as popsicles from the monitors, adding an extra little twist.
Mr. Giegucz continued to praise the monitors because they were the ones promoting the event by sending emails, making school announcements, and even visiting every dorm to let students know what to expect. With big events come high expectations, and Mr. Giegucz emphasized that the monitors went above and beyond to ensure the Neon Dance’s success. They also helped set up the dance by blowing up balloons and sticking them on the walls, setting up equipment, and more.
Mr. Giegucz noted that student-driven weekend activities are the key to any successful event, not just the Neon Dance, because “once the students buy in, that spreads and there’s excitement amongst the students.”
As new students settle in and the leaves start to change color, we know that another school year is underway. The Neon Dance was a fun way for students to start the year — full of energy and excitement, as well as opportunities to meet new people. Without the help of Mr. Giegucz, Ms. Kosow, the monitors, and the students, the Neon Dance would not have been this successful. We, as a St. Mark’s community, look forward to more of these events. Go Lions!
