Spooky was the theme of this year’s homecoming dance, inspired by the upcoming Halloween holiday. “Spooktacular” took place in Upper Turner Campus Center (UTCC) on East Campus, on Friday, Oct. 23.

The lights were low and the excitement high. Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” was followed by Beyonce’s “Run the World” as students giggled at the sight of their friends in costume. Zombies danced with bumblebees, and goblins mingled with Hollywood starlets. There was even a man in a wetsuit carrying a life-size inflatable dolphin.

Students were able to take professional pictures together. Mattie Gibbons, a junior English major, and Carah Polizzi, a junior psychology major, loved the professional photo booth and raved about the event. “I like the decorations and atmosphere,” Gibbons said. “Oh, and I really like the haunted maze!” Polizzi added.

The haunted maze spanned the entire length of the back half of UTCC. Volunteers dressed as zombies sat or stood throughout, with eerie lights flashing onto their faces. Meanwhile, students ventured through the spider-web-covered path.

Katie Marian, a junior business management major and special events intern for Communiversity, explained how the theme is chosen each year.

Three special event interns, Marian included, and one graduate assistant meet prior to the school year to brainstorm together and make a decision. Marian explained that they realized how close this year’s dance was to the Halloween festivities, and the group decided to “capitalize on that,” since they haven’t been able to do so in previous years.

When it came to choosing where the dance would take place, Marian said there were several reasons for choosing UTCC as it has more space, AC and bathrooms.

Communiversity transformed the common chapel location into a thrilling, grooving experience. A sign reading “Beware: This is not Chapel” warned students at the entrance. Marian described the decorations as “Casper-the-friendly-ghost-type” spooky, clarifying that the goal was not to terrify the students.

Lexi Address, a graduate assistant for campus life, explained an Instagram contest that helped to promote the theme. To enter, students would post a picture with the hashtag #spookthezu. The post with the best costume won two tickets to Les Femmes, the university’s next dance where women invite men. The semiformal dance will take place Friday, Nov. 6 at the Nixon Library.