Out on the dance floor, the masses jammed and grooved to Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Robin S., Martha Wash and deejays Page Hodel, Andy Anderson, Doctor Dre, Warren Gluck and Carlos Pertuz. Emcees were Nona Hendryx, Tony Goldwyn, Jon Stewart and the ever hyperactive Rosie Perez. But the crowd favorite was clearly that relic from disco days, The Village People, who even got the post-disco era crowd of seven to 18-year-olds up and doing it to "YMCA"!
As the night wore on, dancers became more noticeably naked and hundreds were determined to hone their electric slide techniques. A good portion of the crowd lingered around the food tables in back, piled high with (donated!) Wheat Thins, Oreos, turkey sandwiches and bananas.
As we wove our way through the crowds, rolled up the escalators and headed for the coat check at the end of the five-hour bash, volunteers again applauded our participation. "Thank you for flying Virgin Airlines!" called out one volunteer, slyly slipping us free condoms. Deaf, danced out and happy to have escaped from papers and exams at the J School to help GMHC raise more than $1.4 million, we forged our way back into the dark and chill of the November night.
- Jean Lee
School of Journalism '95