Tradition Of The Virginia Tech Ring Dance

A tradition started by the Class of 1935, the first Ring Dance was held their Junior year. The Class of 2005 is planning to celebrate the 70th anniversary of that first dance, and it promises to be a night to remember.

The weekend opens on Friday night with an awesome banquet honoring the ring collection’s namesake. Excellent food and entertainment highlight the night. Saturday night begins with a couple’s entrance into the ballroom, as they are handed ribbons in their Class colors that are to be used for the ring exchange ceremony. Men wear the lighter colored ribbon, while women wear the darker. Halfway through the night, the actual exchange ceremony begins. A ritual as old as the dance, the Junior Class members of the Corps of Cadets march into the middle of the ballroom floor and form the figure of the Class year. This is followed by the sabre arch, under which the Freshmen cadets escort each Junior cadet’s date.

The President of the University announces the exchange of the rings, and this is done as “Moonlight and V.P.I.” is sung, a song written especially for Ring Dance by Fred Waring, with lyrics by Charles Gaynor. Balloons are dropped on the couples below, marking the exchange of the rings. The night ends with a spectacular fireworks display on the Drillfield, which is accompanied by the playing of “Silver Taps.”