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Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance



Unofficial Gazette
03/21/02
DSC00795.JPG Valentine’s Day? The mere mention of these words is enough to make some people cringe. Despite the day’s somewhat dubious reputation, more than one hundred brave souls donned their suits, tuxedos, and evening gowns and ventured over to the Ritz-Carlton at Pentagon City to embrace the spirit of the day by enjoying a superb evening of dining and dancing sponsored by the PTOS. As couples entered the second-floor lounge area, they were greeted by the sultry sounds of a sole piano. The gentlemen were offered red roses to pin on their lapels (the resulting attempts by their dates to successfully pin the roses evoked strong memories of prom nights gone by). As the couples mingled in the lounge, the sounds of the evening’s entertainment began emanating from the adjoining ballroom. Fancy Pants, a nine-piece band from the D.C. area, warmed up the crowd with such favorites as “In the Mood,” “New York, New York,” and several other slower and up-tempo numbers. The buffet lines were then opened, and guests were treated to an exquisite selection of salads, entrees, and desserts. The main course selections included sautéed chicken breast, sautéed beef tenderloin with penne pasta, and delicious cuts of salmon. The dessert display was mouth-watering. The desserts subsequently lived up to the visual expectation, drawing good reviews from several people. During the latter part of dinner and into dessert, the band delivered enchanting Latin and Caribbean rhythms, then cranked it up a notch, getting folks on the dance floor with Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration,” Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” and “The Electric Slide.” Throughout the rest of the evening, the band showcased its many talents by playing a diverse setlist and a variety of styles. Near the end of the evening, “Hot Hot Hot” spawned a good-sized conga line that wound its way through the ballroom. Finally, the evening ended the way a Valentine’s Day dance is supposed to end, with a slow dance with that special someone. All in all, those in attendance were treated to a fine night of dinner and dancing. With the celebratory atmosphere and exceptional entertainment, perhaps some people were left wondering, “Why can’t every day be Valentine’s Day?”