Scene at MIT: Dancing night away

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On Saturday night, MIT came out to party.

An all-Institute dance party, organized by L. Rafael Reif as a thank you to the community as he approaches the conclusion of his tenure as MIT's 17th president, was attended by thousands of students, staff, faculty, and their guests.

The festivities opened with a community café dinner, with refreshments available to party-goers all night long. Multiple locations across campus hosted dancing and music - from 60s, 70s, and 80s tunes at the Boardwalk Arcade in Rockwell Cage to an a cappella showcase by MIT student groups at the Johnson Ice Rink to live bands at Kresge Oval and the ice rink, playing jazz, reggae, salsa, R&B, and more. Meanwhile, Killian Court was transformed into a night club lounge and mega DJ show.

"Saturday evening on Killian Court, it was not clear how to squeeze even one more person on the dance floor," Reif wrote to the community on Monday. "Chris and I went everywhere - the arcade, the spectacular a cappella showcase, the wonderful dancing tents. I'm grateful to all of you who were able to come and add your own joyful energy. And to every member of the enormous team that made this dream party come true for our community: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I could not have asked for a more delightful memory of the people of MIT."

In a darkened tent with red and purple light, hundreds of MIT community members dance with their hands in the air.

Community members danced at the campus night club on Killian Court as part of an Institute-wide party on Saturday night.

Image: Jodi Hilton

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A diverse group of 8 MIT students, wearing black t-shirts and singing on a stage. The photo centers on a young man, who sings a solo.

MIT Resonance performed "Fan Behavior" by Isaac Dunbar at an a cappella showcase in the Johnson Ice Rink.

Image: Jake Belcher

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In a large room with at least 100 people in view, MIT President L. Rafael Reif stands as others seated at tables next to him clap. Some in the background are standing.

President L. Rafael Reif stands for a round of applause as the MIT Logarhythms thanked him for his support of the arts.

Image: Jake Belcher

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Photo from a large dance party with dozens of people in view, focused on two women, one of whom is wearing a floral 70s-style jumpsuit

The MIT community enjoyed music, games, and refreshments in four venues throughout the evening.

Image: Jodi Hilton

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Photo of a diverse group of 9 students, singing on a stage wearing red t-shirts and black pants

The Chorallaries of MIT performed during the a cappella showcase.

Image: Jodi Hilton

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Indoor photo of five MIT students taking a selfie with MIT President L. Rafael Reif

When not dancing, students and other community members took selfies with President Reif.

Image: Jake Belcher

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Photo from a large dance party with dozens of people in view, focused on two women holding hands, one of whom has her hands up and a huge smile on her face

The World of Music Pavilion featured Mamadou, a Senegalese African band performing original and traditional songs influenced by West African rhythms, mixed with Merengue, Reggae, Mbalax, and Cubano, and Arabic Band featuring Ahmed Kayssi, led by world-renowned artist Jamal Sinno and performing folkloric traditions of Arabic music with contemporary Arabic club music.

Image: Jodi Hilton

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L. Rafael Reif and Christine Reif embrace in dance as others around them dance and play music

President and Mrs. Reif danced at the Swing Into Salsa Club, which featured The Mood Swingers jazz orchestra and Los Sugar Kings, who played Afro-Cuban Son, Salsa, and Rumba-Flamenca music with influences of R&B, rock, and reggae.

Image: Jake Belcher

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