Students dance into Spring 2026

The Trojan Center was booming with music and movement Wednesday night as students danced the night away during a Welcome Week celebration. 

The event, held in the Trojan Center ballrooms, transformed the space from a daytime campus hub into a full dance party aimed at helping students kick off the new semester on a positive note. 

Event organizers said the goal was to give students a chance to unwind after returning from winter break, a time that can be stressful for many. 

“Welcome Week is centered around new students, even transfer students coming back to campus, freshmen and anything like that,” said Welcome Week Coordinator Abby Gilliland, a senior hospitality, tourism and event management major from Birmingham, Alabama.

Quang Le photo

Students line dance in the Trojan Center Ballrooms while listening to a variety of music.

“It’s really good to just meet new people.  

“Everyone enjoys dancing and food, so this event is perfect for all of that.” 

Students were treated to cookies, brownies and lemonade, but the main attraction was  line dancing. Popular favorites included “Cotton Eyed Joe,” “Tamia Shuffle,” “Boots on the Ground” and “Bunny Hop.” 

Many students said the event gave them a much-needed break from the stress of the first few days of classes. 

“It’s the second day of class and everyone’s already stressed out,” said Mackenzy Rhea, a sophomore business major from Crestview, Florida. “College does that to you, but being here, letting all of that go and just hanging out as one student body is what I enjoy. 

“Getting that joy is sometimes hard to find during class.” 

Others said they were simply excited to have fun with friends. 

“We strolled a little bit when everyone got here and just had a good time,” said Khelsea Stone, a sophomore business major from Montgomery, Alabama.  

Students say events like this help them get into the groove of a new semester while building connections across campus. Gilliland said the strong turnout confirmed the event was a success. 

“We thought this would be the perfect event to do, and everyone seems to enjoy it just to have some food and come out,” Gilliand said. 

To keep up with future events on campus, visit @troyuniversitywelcomeweek on Instagram.