Can I Have This Dance?
What comes to mind when you hear the words formal ball? You may think of fancy gowns, decadence, fairy tale princes, divine music and fine dancing. However, this is far from the reality of what a teenage ball looks like in our generation. Instead of Cinderella movie scenes, the so called “ball” looks more like a club with low lighting, pumping fast music and a pit of gyrating teenagers all mashed in the middle of the floor. What used to be norms of proper ballroom behavior is seldom found in favor of going crazy.
There is nothing wrong with letting loose and dancing like there’s no tomorrow. The thing is, there is a tomorrow and there will be more dances. With that in mind, each dance should be a unique and new experience with different themes and types of dance. One can be club like and fast, when another can have the traditions of a more formal setting.
It seems that people forget that there are more types of dance than just freaking or jumping. Someone doesn’t have to be a professional dancer or have taken classes in order to do more classy free form dancing. Think of the Father Daughter dance, for example. Most fathers will not know how to waltz, much less you. However, you don’t see everyone taking part in frivolous behaviors either.
Senior Katie Correia commented, “Even though the Father Daughter dance was different from a mixer, it was still a lot of fun. You don’t have to be an expert dancer to have a good time. My father and I won a trophy by just dancing freely.”
Imagine what it would be like if there was one dance that you could do with people of your own age group. The songs will be upbeat and fun, with everyone dancing and twirling in their groups of friends and with their dates without the need to grind or get too loud. The songs and dance can also slow down, allowing for more traditional dance. It would effectively cause everyone to appreciate other forms of dance and try out new things with their friends and have fun. The ball wouldn’t have to be stiff, but rather be a fresh revival of a classic, time honored convention.
Rachel Rovetto, junior, stated, “I love to dress up and have a reason to try new things. I think that by trying a new style of dance I could learn new things to show off to my friends and also have a reason to buy a new dress.”
A possibility to creating such a dance could stem from asking a ballroom dance instructor to host the dance, providing appropriate music and also asking for suggestions that may be implemented. During certain song intervals, a demonstration can be given to showcase a type of dance to the attendees. There could be a game in which all the boys can line up on one side of the floor and all the girls on the other. They would then be paired up at random for a few rounds of trying out the dance. Even if you were unable to understand the basic steps, trying new things with friends and meeting new people in the social setting makes for a wonderful night out.
Ballroom was invented as a social dance to celebrate, learn new skills and meet all sorts of people. Its purpose was to generate buzz and gather people into a community on a single dance floor. The different styles of dance have come from Spanish streets to Austrian nobles, and have grown and developed into timeless festivals the world over. By adapting this phenomenon in our community, we could breathe new life into a centuries old custom by bringing it to another venue.
David of Dance Boulevard on Hillsdale is a professional dance instructor who hosts formal balls at events yearly. “A ball is a great way to socialize people and teach them new ways to relate to each other. I started dancing when I was a teenager and I ended up finding a new community and passion. Attendees enjoy themselves and come back with their friends year after year.”
Dancer Profile: Auti Kamal
Auti Kamal, a senior at Presentation, has been dancing for fourteen years. She is in her fourth year on the Presentation Dance Team, and has been an officer for two years. The Voice sat down with her to talk about her dance experience.
The Voice: What different styles of dance do you do and which is your favorite?
AK: I do ballet, lyrical/contemporary, jazz, hip hop, modern, and musical theater. Ballet is my favorite style.
The Voice: What do you love about dance?
AK: I love to dance because, as cheesy as it sounds, it is a way to express myself. I’m not very good with words, so I use dance and the music to get my emotions out. It’s a break from reality because if it’s for just those few minutes, you get to live in this alternate world and be someone else.
The Voice: Have you had a turning point in your dance career?
AK: After I danced for a couple of years, I quit so I could play club volleyball. As much as I liked volleyball, it never gave me the same happiness that dancing did. I didn’t realize how much I loved dance and being part of a studio until I stopped doing it. The absence of dance in my life actually made me realize my love for the art—I’ve never left dance since.
The Voice: Who do you look up to in dance?
AK: I look up to my coach Sara because she believed in me from my very first audition. I wasn’t as strong as the other girls who auditioned my freshman year, but she gave me a chance. She has really helped me grow over the past few years and has been a huge impact on my dance life.
The Voice: Who is your support system?
AK: My family is really supportive of my whole dance career. They are always asking me about my classes and what I’m teaching. They’re really involved, which really helps because it gets me excited. They’re always behind me when I try something new, like college auditions.
The Voice: How has your experience on the Pres Dance Team been?
AK: It’s very rewarding because you get exposed to so many different styles and choreographers. You not only learn how to become a better dancer, but it helps you with life and learning how to work hard towards your goals.
The Voice: When did you start choreographing?
AK: I’ve always been interested in being the choreographer of the pieces rather than the dancer. It actually started in middle school when my theater teacher let me be an assistant director/choreographer. From then on, I just really loved being a choreographer. I’ve done some choreography for the plays at Presentation, I choreographed my solo last year, and I get to choreograph for the classes that I teach at my studio.
The Voice: What kinds of dance classes do you teach?
AK: I teach six classes a week in ballet, lyrical, pointe, and jazz. The youngest girls I teach are three and the oldest are sixteen.
The Voice: What are your plans for the future in dance?
AK: My short term plans are to major in dance. In the long term, I want to open up my own company and direct my own studio. I would have all different ages and dance styles, with a competition team—a real, professional studio for serious dancers.
Black and White: Why October?
As you walked down the hallway mid-September there was one complaint that could be heard above all others—”Black and White bids are this week?!”
Black and White is a time to dance, get ready with all of your friends before the dance and raise money for Sacred Heart. However, all of this won’t happen if Black and White is too early in the school year for girls to find dates–let alone find dates they actually want to take.
Since Black and White is so early in the school year, many girls find themselves stuck in the situation of having to take a friend or not going at all instead of taking a boy that they are excited to spend a night with.
“It’s always awkward when taking a guy I don’t know so I’m just taking a girlfriend because it will be more fun,” said Nicole Capobianco, junior.
Some Pres girls are just deciding not to go at all because of the extra back-to-school stress and not having a guy that they really want to take.
“I feel like taking just a guy friend would be awkward because it’s more of a couple’s dance—not a place to take friends. I also don’t want to pay $80 to just take a guy friend,” said Cynthia Hara, junior.
In September most Pres girls are just getting used to the new school year and are meeting new guys at all the events such as mixers and football games that are just starting to happen when the bids go on sale. This year the first Bellarmine football game was the Friday after bids went on sale which was one of the first events to meet new boys. Since the Black and White bids go on sale mid-September, it puts an extra stress on girls at the beginning of the school year to try to find a date out of the guys that they just met.
All girls from every class level are stressed out about trying to find a date, but freshmen have an even harder time finding a date because they are new to everything and don’t know as many guys. My freshman year I had a date that I barely knew, but then decided not to go with him because I was just getting used to everything and didn’t want to take a guy that I just met.
A simple solution to this problem is that Black and White should be switched with the winter mixer so we have more time to meet guys and not be as stressed out about finding a date. This will create a more stress free environment at Pres because we will have more time to prepare for Black and White. It will come as less of a surprise at the beginning of the school year if it is moved later to when the winter mixer is. This is the best time for Black and White to be moved to because not many other things are happening during this time of year to conflict with the date.
If Presentation moves Black and White to later in the school year, we will be able to raise more money for Sacred Heart because more girls will attend and therefore more cans will be donated.
“If [Black and White] is a little later and the tickets are sold later than it would be easier to find a date,” said sophomore, Lindsey Allen.
By December most of the major projects are done and college apps are also finished so moving Black and White later would help make the night more fun for everyone. Pres girls can relax instead of being stressed and exhausted from tests, projects and the SAT.
The main goal of Black and White is to raise as much money as we can to help Sacred Heart, so Presentation should be doing everything it can do to get more girls to come to this night full of corsages, dresses and extravagant make-up. This will be accomplished by simply moving the event a little later than when it is originally planned to be on October 22.
Dancing Queen: Jackie Lee
The adrenaline rushes, center stage spotlights, makeup, spandex and sequins galore. The fabulous life of a dancer sounds so glamorous and girlie to the outside eye. But the life of a Presentation High School Dance Team dancer is not just about the sparkles and sunshine. Imagine practicing for hours on end, stretching and pushing your body to run choreography over and over almost every day all year round, including summer. These girls are amazingly tough but still remain outstandingly graceful and poised.
Though every dancer on the team contributes something unique, appreciated and valued, one dancer in particular has awed audiences across the United States. Like a typical Pres girl, she watches One Tree Hill, eats chicken nuggets, and loves her photography class. But unlike most of us, Jackie Lee been dancing for nearly 14 years and has won a numerous amount of prestigious dance titles.
Recently she’s claimed the title of Miss Dance of California 2009 and this year alone won first place at all USA regional competitions for her solo, fifth place for her solo at the Contest of Champion Nationals in Florida, and placed top 10 in solos at USA Nationals in Los Angeles.
She says, “Whenever I perform, I’m always nervous but really happy to just be on stage. Dancing and performing is my outlet. My favorite part about dancing is going on stage and just forgetting about everything. Whenever I dance, I completely forget about all my problems and fears.”
But unlike an attention seeking diva, Jackie remains true to her Pres team. When asked how she would describe Pres dance she simply stated “Fun. Family. Dedication.”
“My favorite part about dancing at Pres is being a part of a family. The dance team is so tight knit and close, it makes dancing that much more special and enjoyable.”
As a dedicated part of the team, she works hard as part of the captain team with seniors Courtney Quinn, Erin Kelm, and Nicole Olerich. “We’ve grown so close over the past few months and I know I can go to them for anything.”
Jackie has decided to continue dancing after high school. “I’m hoping to go to a college that has a really good competitive dance team, but if that doesn’t happen I’ll probably just take classes at a studio wherever I am,” Lee said, ”I do plan to try out for So You Think You Can Dance next year when I’m 18 though!”
So girls, this isn’t the last you’ll see of this stellar senior. Watch out for Jackie Lee because one day you just might see her name in the spotlight!
Operation: College Art Supplements
Stanford wants students to write an essay describing themselves for their roommates, while NYU is asking this year for applicants to write about a famous New Yorker they’d like to spend the day with. Students can often spend weeks perfecting a perfect response for the college admission officers to read. It will be, after all, one of the few ways a student can stand out of the thousands of prospective applicants. Every year, however, there are some in the senior class who take on an even more daunting additional task: the art supplement.
The art supplement portion of the college application often requires compositions that involve months of work. The compositions cover a wide range of topics – the visual arts of drawing, painting, photography, and computer graphics as well as the performing arts of music, dance, and theater.
For visual arts, colleges typically require another essay and an art portfolio consisting of at least 10 – 15 pieces of the student’s work. The conditions of the portfolios are as varied as the supplementary essay prompts. Some colleges will give their prospective students free reign, while others have very specific instructions. For example, UCLA requires a self-portrait while the Rhode Island School of Design in the past has asked that all portfolios include a drawing of a bicycle. This year, several Presentation students have become very familiar with the work involved in creating such supplements.
For those who know senior Corinne DiTullio, it comes as no surprise that she has been preparing her art portfolio for four years. The signs were everywhere – the quilt she made for her APUSH project of the events leading up to the Civil War and the dedication she shows collaborating with the Valenzuela Theater to produce the costumes for the school’s productions. For the last seven months, however, she has devoted herself specifically to perfecting her best work for her portfolio.
“My [UCLA] self portrait took over thirty hours,” DiTullio says of her endeavor’s time commitment. “I had a table set up in my room with all my collage pieces and there were some days I would work for eight hours or more on it and stayed up until midnight trying to make progress.”
The time commitment to do the art supplement for the performing arts is just as consuming. To do the music supplement for her colleges, senior Emily Nguyen was required to send in a CD with a professional recording of her work. With piano songs lasting eight minutes each, she practiced for four to six hours a day for a week to make her recording.
“Everyone who submits this supplement is extremely advanced and plays their songs impeccably,” she says as she recalls the experience. “I was so troubled about making it perfect that I had to restart the machine every single time I made a slip or teeny mistake. This meant I spent a lot of time playing and replaying my songs.”
She adds, “You can never procrastinate in music. I definitely put more priority in my college essays, but I regret that I could not completely showcase my abilities.”
The nerve racking demands and the need for perfection also affected DiTullio. Her advice to future seniors considering an artistic future in college?
“My advice would be to start early,” DiTullio says. “I worked over the summer on my portfolio, which really helped me get ahead. If I could change anything, I would have finished even more done in the summer. ”
Nguyen offers further advice for the musical inclined. “If you have an idea of what colleges you want to apply to, research them and see if they accept music supplements,” she says. “Start recording now so you can have plenty of time to perfect your playing. Most importantly, pick pieces you love! If you drudge through a song, the music department heads who will be listening will be able to tell.”
College counselor Mary Connolly says that a dramatic arts portfolio can also give some students an edge in such a competitive admissions environment. While most colleges do not require an audition, it is a way for those interested in a theatrical future to stand out. The National Association for College Admission Counseling knows that many students are unable to easily travel to individual colleges for auditions and so it holds national fairs in exchange. During these one-day events, such as the one held annually in San Francisco in October, prospective students can audition for the attending 120 schools.
While some students say they would much rather draw or play music than write an essay, Mrs. Connolly points to the grueling process of spending time alone for hours on end. As she says, “It’s not like going to art therapy.” Still, despite the extra time and effort above and beyond Pres’ already grueling requirements, these students all say that they hope their work will pay off with an acceptance letter this spring.
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music clips from Emily Nguyen’s music portfolio
So… You Think You Can Dance?!
Which popular television show includes one Simon Cowell-like judge, a judge that has her own “hot tamale train” and a host who pronounces judges “joodjes?” You guessed it; it’s So You Think You Can Dance!
The most notable part of any season of SYTYCD are the top ten dancers. The top ten dancers of seasons six are remarkable and will undoubtedly make it an unforgettable season.
The top five girls include Ashleigh Di Lello, 26; Ellenore Scott, 18; Kathryn McCormick, 19; Mollee Gray, 18 and Noelle Marsh, 18.
Latin ballroom dancer, Ashleigh Di Lello, came and went through the series of auditions in Las Vegas and entered the top 20 extremely underestimated. She left America with their jaws on the floor when she first showed her potential after performing a Broadway routine by Tyce Diorio with her partner, Jakob Karr.
Ballerina Ellenore Scott considers herself a “lockerina,” defining her style of dance as ballet infused with contemporary locking. She was a stand out during the Las Vegas week with not only her amazing strength but her hilarious and characteristic solos.
Lyrical and contemporary dancer Kathryn McCormick is most known for her inability to stop crying throughout the process of the competition. She is not a stand out dancer or a popular favorite of the show, but she continues to consistently try her hardest week after week.
Jazz dancer Mollee Gray swept America off of their feet and became America’s sweetheart the minute she walked out onto the stage. Whenever she has to “dance for her life,” which the bottom four dancer of every week must do, she always puts 110 percent into her solos.
Like Kathryn McCormick, contemporary dancer Noelle Marsh is also not a stand out dancer, but is consistent every week with her dances and with her partner, Russell Ferguson.
The top five gentlemen include Jakob Karr, 19; Legacy Perez, 28; Nathan Trasoras, 18; Russell Ferguson, 20 and Ryan Di Lello, 28.
Contemporary dancer Jakob Karr is one of the most brilliant dancers that SYTUCD has ever had on the history of the show. He has the most gorgeous extensions when he does a kick or leap. He does what dancers call “going the extra inch.”
B-boy Legacy Perez came into the top 20 as not only a popular, but also underestimated dancer. Using his balance and strength, he has the ability to master almost any dance which is thrown at him.
Nathan Trasoras became recognized in Season Five as a brilliant dancer with an amazing center for his turns. However, he was only 17 years old at the time and you need to be 18 years old in order to enter the show. It comes to no surprise that contemporary dancer Trasoras is a crowd favorite. Yes, he is very cute, but let’s be realistic, he is immature and should have waited at least one more year before accepting the challenge of being on SYTYCD.
Krumper Russell Ferguson is the first krump dancer that has made the top 20 in the show’s history. He has never had any formal dance training in his life as he does some styles of dance better that the trained dancers of season six!
Latin ballroom dancer Ryan Di Lello is best known for his incredible abs. Because of his strength, he is a great male partner for the girls. Let’s not forget ladies, that he is married (to a contestant on the show)!
When week one was aired on television, America knew that is was going to be a great season. The producers of SYTYCD had the top 20 dancers split up into groups according to their style so they could show America what they could do. Each group performed remarkably well, which was a great start to a great season.
The most memorable performance of week one was Nathan Trasoras and Mollee Gray’s disco routine choreographed by the daredevil Gloriana Sanchez. “Turn the Beat Around” was an upbeat routine with lots of lifts. It also introduced Nathan and Mollee to America as being the dream couple- young—cute and great dancers.
Week three had a high point and a very low point. The show was epitomized by Ashleigh Di Lello and Jakob Karr’s jazz routine choreographed by Mandy Moore. This routine was danced to the famous song “Relax” and included a fight with a cane between the two dancers which was ultimately won by the dominant sex, the female. On the other end of the spectrum, Nathan Trasoras and Mollee Gray attempted to take on a fast salsa routine choreographed by Gustavo Vargas. The incredible choreography was destroyed by many falls, not being together on the beat, getting tangled up with some of the moves and their immaturity.
During week six, one of the most impressive routines ever danced on the show was performed. It included contemporary dancers Ellenore Scott and Jakob Karr. The “Tore My Heart” contemporary piece, choreographed by Sonya Tayeh, is a very intense piece which required the two dancers to play dark and powerful characters. The attitudes were beautiful, the leaps were perfect and the arabesque penchée’s were gorgeous. It is a routine which the audience and judges will refer back to for years to come.
Season six of So You Think You Can Dance is filled with firsts. So, viewers, stay tuned as the top ten dancers and choreographers continue to surprise you week after week.
A Collection of Thoughts from Black and White
By Tanya Padgaonkar, Special Sections Editor
A Perspective from a Chaperone…
Hey everyone, Mr. Mumper here. I’ve dreaded it for all of October, and now it’s finally here. Black and White. Someone please rescue me? Actually, no, it’s alright. I can do this, with this handy-dandy checklist in hand. Okay, so…
Flashlight: check.
Detention slips: check.
Protective gear…? Er, check?
I think…I think I’m ready.
But the moment I walk into the Hollywood themed gym, I know I’m in for a long night filled with sweaty teenagers, but (hopefully?) maybe a little bit of fun for myself too. I’d have to say though, the coolest thing I’ve seen all night was the crowd of boys and girls jerking and break dancing to the song “You’re a Jerk.”
Well, I guess people seem to be having fun. Standing atop a large ladder with a flashlight isn’t exactly my ideal Saturday night… I wish there was some Hawaiian music on. But at least the kids seem to like the DJ since they are singing along with almost every song. I’m not sure why the majority of the people seem to be in the middle of the gym though, since the foyer has spiffy looking card tables and there are refreshments outside. CI and NAHS really managed to incorporate the Hollywood theme into everything, from the decorations to the movie of old Hollywood films in the background, they thought of everything.
But apart from that, the whole experience is making me a little bit sad. I’m not in high school anymore! I can’t dance or even go to these things without a legitimate alibi. You know, I’m actually pretty impressed with all of these girls though. I’m supposed to be checking for drugs, alcohol, etc. and I haven’t found anything! Hey, these are actually some pretty good quotes. I’ll have to be sure to keep these and other positive Pres-related thoughts in mind in case one of those yearbook or newspaper students comes to interview me. Mr. Case warned me about them before I left. Now, where’s that checklist of mine?
By Angelia Tran, Business Manager
A Perspective from a Pres girl’s date…
Name: Jonathon Stutchman
High school: Saratoga High School
Grade: 12
Mission: Black and White Charity Ball at Presentation High School
Thoughts: Presentation is a typical private school, small, only females, and not too exciting. The dance will be kind of boring, not many people will be dancing, and there will be chaperones patrolling. But I told Ivy Nguyen I would go since she’s a senior and it’ll be her last Black and White.
October 24th 2009: It begins…
Preparation: 30 minutes to get ready and dressed. I must remember to wear something that matches lots of things to be safe since Ivy isn’t sure which dress to wear.
Mission begins: We are meeting at one of Ivy’s friend’s house for pictures and such. Perhaps I will meet other dates. I have a feeling I’ll be with them for the rest of the night. Then time for dinner! Ivy says we’re splitting the bill at Pasta Pamadora.
7:45 PM: Dinner is done and now at Presentation. The beginning of this dance is awkward since no one is dancing. This is typical of dances though, so, hopefully, things will improve. For now there are other things to do, like take professional pictures and play blackjack. How nice.
9 PM: For the most part, the music is pretty good. The DJ isn’t too amazing, but I’ve been to dances with much worse. Actually, this dance isn’t too bad and not too different from the ones I have gone to before. The only difference is, typically at schools like mine, there aren’t so many cops…and the chaperones usually aren’t so strict about the dancing.
11 PM: Time to leave. Wow, they really want us off campus fast. That’s different.
Notes: I didn’t think that the gym would be so big, and didn’t know that the school was really nice looking. Also there was a lot more sports awards in the gym than I thought would be at a private girls school. I really like the people though; they weren’t at all how I pictured. They seem a lot more real and fun than previously thought. Also there were more of them than I had thought.
A Perspective from a Police Officer…
Matt Christian and his brother are police officers, but their high school alma mater is Mitty. Still they came to Presentation, teenage stereotypes put aside, to chaperone the Black and White Charity Ball, the first for Matt who has only chaperoned other Presentation events such as the Mother-Daughter Breakfast. Unlike his experiences at Mitty, Matt found the Bellarmine boys to more well-behaved than he had thought and the Pres girls pretty decent. He was even further impressed with the charity aspect of Black and White as the proceeds of the night are given to Sacred Heart. Also, there were no incidents as he checked the parking lots and the rest of the campus for any criminal activity, critical or minor, to keep those on campus that night safe. The only safety breach came when some local neighborhoods kids hiding out at St. Chris managed to soak some students with water balloons as they were leaving the dance. While he and the other officers had rushed over, there was no one there. So, sadly, while the night had gone well otherwise, there was a casualty that night – a girl’s chic dress.
Eating With Five Stars: Black and White Restaurant Suggestions
The Black and White Ball is coming up! Date? Check. Dress? Check. Shoes? Check. Dinner? Um…good question. One of the most important parts of Black and White is making sure you and your friends are energized and ready to dance the night away. Are you in a food rut? Check out some of these restaurants for some pre-Black and White food that definitely come with a good time.
Kyoto Palace:
Party of 8? Right this way. Party of 16? Even better. Kyoto Palace is always kicking with people, but never backed up. Parking is not a large problem unless it is during dinner hours of 6:30-8 p.m. Up on the second floor of the Pruneyard, the waiters keep you satisfied with constant water and green tea upon request. This is the perfect restaurant for pre-Black and White dinners for you because you are kept entertained by the talented chefs tossing food around the burning stove hoping a guest will catch a piece of chicken from mid-air. The price is around $20 or $30 per dinner, but the servings are very large. Once one orders, the wait is around 20 to 30 minutes, and eating takes another 30 minutes. Make sure to get a reservation to the most poppin’ Japanese restaurant in Campbell by calling (408) 377-6456. One last tip is to bring a cover-up. A breeze blows through the restaurant throughout the night.
Elephant Bar:
Feeling adventurous? The Elephant Bar in Campbell is a great place for you, your friends and your date to eat before the big dance. The restaurant has a “safari” theme circulating throughout with model animals, bamboo fans and fake trees. The menu is a never-ending list of exotic foods, from Japanese to Italian to American. There is surely something for everyone to eat, no matter what their taste buds please. This is all for a reasonable price as well! Your date will not be empting his pockets to pay for your meal and you do not have to choose the smallest item on the menu. However, one downside to this restaurant is the parking lot. The lot is small with tight parking spaces; prepare to squeeze your vehicle in a spot, park a little farther, or get dropped off. 499 E. Hamilton Ave (408) 871-8401.
Yo Yo Sushi:
Get your mood up like a yo-yo prior to Black and White by choosing the right restaurant. At Yo Yo Sushi, you are guaranteed great service, affordable prices, and perhaps the best sushi in Santa Clara. The waiters and waitress are incredibly friendly and generous. There is a bar where you can get sushi served right in front of you. It is a great place to go if you want to go with your date and a group of friends because there are individual booths and it’s fairly private. There are all kinds of foods ranging from appetizers to sushi. The prices range from $4 to $12. The interior is decorated with lanterns hanging down from the ceiling as well as vivid colors. It is sure to bring up your excitement and mood for Black and White. Yo Yo Sushi is opened from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and it would be a great idea to make an appointment to avoid waiting. It is located at 3958 Rivermark Plaza in Santa Clara. Call (408) 236-9696 if you want to get more information or make a reservation.
Bucca di Beppo:
Looking to join a traditional Italian family? More realistically, looking for some “mama-styled” delicious Italian food? Then head over to Bucca di Bepo in the Pruneyard with a huge group of people for some Pre-Black and White fun. With exotic statues and funny pictures covering every wall and filling up every corner, you’ll never run into a dull conversation. The mismatched plates, forks, and chairs all jammed together gives you the feeling of a traditional Italian home. Your mouth waters as the smell of the delicious food permeates the room. The servers treat you like family, making sure you have everything you need. Also, all the food is served family style, with each $10 plate big enough to serve 4 or more people. For reservations, call (408) 377-7722 ASAP! So stop by for a meal you’re sure to remember!
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse:
If you’re looking for a chill place to hang out for some pre-Black and White fun and food, head over to BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse on Blossom Hill. You’re immersed in a relaxing and “chill” atmosphere. With sports stations on every TV screen, you and your friends can cheer on your favorite teams or recap on the day’s Shark’s game. No need to worry about a long wait as the friendly staff is quick and efficient. Plates are around $10 to $20. Some of the most popular dishes are the Balsamic Glazed Chicken, served with veggies, mashed potatoes, and crispy onion strings; and the Barbeque Chicken Pizza. Whatever you order for a main dish, it’s absolutely necessary to order the one-and-only Pizookie for dessert! A delicious, freshly baked giant cookie piled high with vanilla ice cream is the most amazing treat you will ever taste. If you are sensitive to cold, autumn breezes, make sure you’re at an inside table. Even though you have a great view to people watch and the heat lamps are set up, it can get chilly sitting on the patio. Call 408-284-4260 for reservations! And because this restaurant is right in the middle of Oakridge Mall, be prepared to valet, park a fair walking distance from the restaurant, or get dropped off.
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