Billed as “a night of dance, music and fun,” the annual University Scholar’s Semiformal took place Saturday night in the Talley Ballroom. The theme of the “Roaring 20s,” manifested in the décor, served as a backdrop for students to dance the night away. Appetizers and mocktails (non-alcoholic beverages) rounded out the 1920s motif.

Hosted by the University Scholars Council, Semiformal had an appeal for students of diverse majors and years.

“It’s great. The food is really good, the music is good, the DJ is great,” Erin Winter, a freshman in human biology, said.

“I think it was excellent — the entire thing,” Katie Watterson, a senior in communication, said. “I liked the drinks that they had. They were really creative.”

Ben Richardson, a senior in mechanical engineering, agreed.

“I liked the drinks too, and the dancing was fun,” Richardson said.

The semiformal, co-sponsored by the Sullivan Hall Activities Council, the Lee Hall Council and the Bragaw Board of Governors, was open to all University students. Tickets were sold in advance for $3 during dead week, and $5 at the door.

“I heard it was going to be fun,” Tyler Pickett, a freshman in polymer and color chemistry, said.

“I’m in [the University] Scholars [Program] and I love dancing and I love dressing up for semiformals, so it was a logical decision,” Winter said.

“I came for fun times and great dancing,” Alexandra Morrison, a freshman in wildlife biology, said. “[I’m] not particularly [into the 1920s theme], but who doesn’t love Audrey Hepburn?”

The event began at 8:00 p.m. The first half dozen students ventured on to the black and white, balloon-covered dance floor as the DJ began blasting the music. By 8:40, the dance floor was in full swing as more students arrived. As the night wore on students danced, nibbled hors d’oeuvres and downed mocktails. The last song played at 11:00 p.m.

“It’s been wonderful,” Michael Nickelson, a sophomore in chemical engineering, said.

Miranda Conway, a sophomore in psychology, agreed. “It’s been really fun,” Conway said.

According to Tatum Crews, a junior in chemical engineering and chairman of the Scholar’s Council, the 1920s theme was selected with enthusiasm by Scholars Council.

“Usually the theme is more of a guideline,” Crews said. “Sometimes people get really into it, and other times people just like to dance. When we provide a theme, we go along with food and decorations and stuff like that so that people feel like they want to get into the theme they can, but it’s not necessarily a requirement.”

Stephen Odom, a freshman in electrical engineering, found the evening enjoyable.

“I think it’s fun,” Odom said. “The 1920s was a good idea — especially their [period] car [decoration]. But I think it wasn’t very publicized.”

According to Carol Speir, a senior in business administration and chairwoman of the event, there was some confusion about the date of semiformal. As a result, publicity was distributed later than planned.

“This year was difficult to plan because the ACC championship was going to be today if we got in,” Speir said. “That made it frustrating to plan. The [semiformal] happened on Saturday because of the Maryland game.”

“I think it went really well,” Crews said afterward. “I think everyone really enjoyed themselves. People enjoyed the food, definitely enjoyed the mock-tales and just had a really fun time overall.”

The final turnout was 100 students, according to Scholars Council members. While this was somewhat lower than Crews’ hopes, he remained optimistic.

“It was definitely more than enough for everyone to have a really great time and provide an excellent atmosphere,” Crews said.