In the midst of a throng of cheering first-years, University President LAWRENCE H. SUMMERS dances to “Twist and Shout” during a study break he hosted at Annenberg Hall Wednesday night.

Annenberg Hall buzzed with excitement Wednesday night, as hundreds of first-years got down to a mix of top-40 hits and classic dance beats. But the party was missing one key ingredient.

At a little before 10 p.m., just as the rump-shaking was getting serious, the Big Man on Campus slipped in. University President Lawrence H. Summers had arrived, fashionably late.

Tales of Summers’ memorable moves at last year’s Annenberg study break—when he busted a move to Nelly’s “Hot in Herre”—had preceded him, and the crowd was anticipating a repeat performance.

“I hear you do a mean tango,” one first-year said to Summers.

Though he played coy, Summers wasn’t going to disappoint.

“Give me a little time and I will dance, I promise,” Summers replied, laughing.

When Summers, sporting a gray argyle sweater and black slacks, took the microphone, the crowd erupted in loud cheers, whistles and catcalls.

“Do I have to dance?” Summers asked again with a glint in his eye. “Maybe I should get a filibuster for the next hour so I don’t have to.”

The volume of the cheers increased a few decibels.

“I know for the next two weeks you’re going to do nothing but study,” he said. “But I hope you don’t study for the next hour.”

Yelling “Hit it!” to the DJ, Summers walked onto the crowded dance floor as “Twist and Shout” rolled onto the turntable.

Hips swiveling robotically from side to side, Summers raised his arms in the air, and the crowd rushed in. Two dozen first-years enveloped Summers and danced in a circle around him, obscuring him from sight.

Students said the combination of Summers, snacks and socializing was the perfect way to kick off their first reading period.

Four large tables overflowed with food on all sides. From cakes to pies to cream puffs, baked brie to grapes, and a piñata-laden table with nachos and fixings, first-years agreed that the dining hall staff had outdone themselves.

Annenberg General Manager Kay R. D’Andria said the feast featured 10 kinds of pie and took nine man-hours to prepare.