The class of 2001 looked its best, dancing the night away at the First-Year Formal Saturday night.

The annual event, planned and sponsored by the First-Year Caucus of the Undergraduate Council, was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, as it has been for the last several years.

Formally-clad first-years began arriving promptly at 9 p.m., but wasn't until 10 p.m. that the disc jockey, perched on a stage above the crowd, got things started with of an array of tunes.

"The music at the formal was a really good mix," said Emily J. Griffin '01. "There were enough slow dances for the couples and enough other songs for people who just came with friends."

Large groups continued to arrive throughout the evening as the early-birds continued to take advantage of complimentary brownies, nacho, and punch.

Students were generally impressed with the setting. Tables were set with candles reflecting the light from the crystal chandeliers, and balloons added an extra festive touch.

First-years crowed the over-looking balconies from which they could take a seat and watch their friends socialize.

Before the night was over, first-years performed every dance from the "Electric Slide" to the conga line. Members of the Harvard Ballroom Dance Team had a chance to show off their skills to a captive audience. Isabel De Sola '01 even received a short lesson in tango dancing from a team member.

Some first-years dared to bring older dates along for the occasion. Alexandra B. Haggiag '01, escorted by her senior boyfriend, felt the presence of non-first-years did not detract from the class-bonding activities.

"It was fine because you couldn't tell who was a freshman and who wasn't," she said. "I think my date felt comfortable. Since he is a transfer student, he didn't get to go to his own freshman formal so at least he got to come to mine."

After concluding on a romantic note with "Lady in Red" and Celine Dion's Titanic theme, first-years collected their party favors.

According to custom, the ladies each received a long-stem red rose and the men a small cigar. To the distress of the security guards, the majority of the cigars were lit inside the ball-room where there were no ashtrays.

First-years were gradually ushered out of the hotel at 1 a.m. Although the council attempted to provide enough transportation back to campus, the glass-enclosed trolleys could not accommodate the rush. Many students experienced problems obtaining taxis, and were left waiting in the cold for up to an hour.

Temporarily neglecting the final club scene, first-years continued the celebration at several post-formal parties.

Still-energetic groups invaded dormitory rooms from Lionel to Thayer before finally calling it a night around 3 a.m.

"I had a good time. I met a lot of people I hadn't met before," said Timothy F. Sohn '01. "And the place was great, especially the ice sculpture."