Silent Disco: Photo Story

The Silent Disco took place on April 7 with Dallastown being the host school. Four other local school districts, Dover, Red Lion, York Tech, and Susquehannock, also participated in the event.

Ainsley Ellis, Reporter|April 25, 2022

Photo by Staff

Pollen Consolidated, out of Redding, PA, was the company that Dallastown partnered with to make the event a success. The company provided hundreds of headsets for every individual to use. Shown is the woman that was stationed at the entrance handing everyone their own headset and showing them the controls. The different color “radio” stations are shown by either the red or green logos on the sides of the headsets, illuminating in the dark room.

Most high school students enjoy going to dances whether it be a homecoming, prom, or formal. However, for some, such as those with sensory issues, those dances are not suitable.

April is Autism Awareness Month and to commemorate that, the Dallastown Unified Club planned a one-of-a-kind dance to include everyone regardless of their adaptations. In fact, it was one so special, that it had actually been in the works of happening for over two years.

The Silent Disco was originally planned to occur in March 2020, but like numerous other things planned for that time, was canceled. 

However, Mrs. Deb Gable, the Unified Club advisor, rescheduled the event in hopes that it would be a successful unifying event for not just Dallastown, but other local schools as well.

With no prior experience and it being a first-year event, Gable worked with club officers and members to plan, fundraise for, and publicize the event. By doing this, the Unified Club had raised enough money to cover the costs of renting the headsets and decorating for the event as well as inviting other schools.

A silent disco is an event traditionally held in a low-lit environment. Every disco participant has an individual headset, provided by a company, that the person can control the volume of and choose between two “radio” stations to listen to.

The event is planned with the intention of being mindful and raising awareness of sensory issues. Sensory issues are conditions that affect how the brain processes stimuli such as vision, taste, touch, hearing, or even smell. 

The Silent Disco primarily accommodated those with visual and hearing sensory issues whereas a regular disco would ignite an issue with the loud noise level and numerous flashing lights. 

The event was viewed as a success and got news coverage from around the county publicizing the event and over 100 people participated from the five school districts. 

The event was held on April 7 from 6-8 p.m. and all of the participants danced the night away in hopes to raise awareness for autism/sensory issues and just have a good time with friends and maybe meet a few new ones!

 

This rainbow balloon arch accompanied by a backdrop was used for taking pictures to commemorate the event. During the event, the lights were turned off so the arch also had a colored light shining upon those getting their picture taken. (Ainsley Ellis)

 

Many NHS members, faculty members, and Unified Club members helped to set up the event. This picture was used as a “sneak peek” for the Unified Club Instagram. (Ainsley Ellis)

 

Pollen Consolidated, out of Redding, PA, was the company that Dallastown partnered with to make the event a success. The company provided hundreds of headsets for every individual to use. Shown is the woman that was stationed at the entrance handing everyone their own headset and showing them the controls. The different color “radio” stations are shown by either the red or green logos on the sides of the headsets, illuminating the darkroom. (Photo by Staff)

 

Once the lights dimmed, a color-changing light shined up onto the backdrops. Many individuals took pictures with their friends at the drop. The disco took place in the Dallastown gym so the backdrop, colored light, and balloon arch added color. (Photo by Staff)

 

Co-president Olivia Martin and co-vice-president Ainsley Ellis take a picture together in front of the backdrop. Martin and Ellis helped Gable plan the event and were excited to see it come to fruition. Martin, Ellis, and Gable were interviewed as well as a few athletes by local news stations. (Ainsley Ellis)

 

A fan-favorite “Cha-Cha Slide” was played and everyone danced together following the directive song verses. There were also other people who were tuned in to the other station that was participating in a unique dance of their own. The two “radio” stations were depicted in either red or green on the sides of the headsets. Participants found it entertaining to join “teams” based on the color radio station they were tuned into at the time. (Ainsley Ellis)

 

Pictured are students and staff members from the various school districts dancing together or individually. There were over 100 individuals that participated in the event from five local school districts. The lighting in the room was low and every participant had their headset on listening to music. (Ainsley Ellis)