Tradition Of The
Virginia Tech Ring Dance

Over the past sixty-seven years thousands of students and faculty have gathered to celebrate the lasting tradition of Ring Dance. Established by the Class of 1935, the Ring Dance weekend takes place in the spring of a student’s junior year.

The two-day celebration opens with a festive banquet honoring the ring collection’s namesake. The ceremonial aspect of Ring Dance takes place on Saturday evening and begins with a couple’s first steps into Squires Ballroom as they receive ribbons in their class colors to be used for their ring exchange. Traditionally the women wear the darker ribbon while the men wear the lighter ribbon.

A time-honored ritual performed by the Cadets marks the ring presentation. Marching into the ballroom, Junior Cadets form the graduating class’ year followed by the sabre arch. Under this arch a Freshman Cadet escorts each Cadet’s date. The President of the University ceremoniously announces the formal exchange of the rings.

With “Moonlight and VPI”, a song written specifically for the Ring Dance by Fred Waring with lyrics by Charles Gaynor performed in the background, the rings are presented to class members. At the conclusion of the song, hundreds of balloons are released on the couples below. The great finale of the evening takes place at midnight with a spectacular show of fireworks over the Drillfield, accompanied by the playing of “Silver Taps”.

The Class of 2003 cordially invites you to join us in this wondrous celebration as we take part in the magical and time-honored Virginia Tech Ring Dance.