The Singapore Polytechnic Guild House was taken back in time on 27 September for a retro-themed dinner and dance event, Mambo Jumbo. The group of about 100 polytechnic students attended the event in their best ’70s and ’80s outfits, showing off bell-bottoms and garish prints.
As the youth streamed into the auditorium, they were greeted by innovative door gifts from their childhood days, such as Old Maid cards, Pick-up Sticks and Rubik’s Cubes. To recreate the retro look, the organizers decorated the ballroom with bright colors, glitter and a giant disco ball. It was like stepping right into the famous dancefloor scene in Saturday Night Fever.
It was a dazzling night of music and drama. Throughout the evening, good old ’80s pop tunes were played over the sound system as the students hummed along, tapping their feet to the beat. But the highlight of the night was a skit put up by the drama team.
Inspired by a true story of a youth who managed to overcome his struggle with low self-esteem, the drama tells the tale of a young man who, despite being painfully shy all his life, decides to audition to be the host of a school pageant contest at the encouragement of his friends. A close female friend in school also joins him in the quest for self-discovery by taking part in the beauty pageant. With the support of friends, he does an outstanding job hosting the event and his friend wins the title of the beauty queen.
Event organizer Kelvin Guo said that the point of the drama was to help the participants become aware of the presence of God. He believes that as the participants watch the touching drama about the love and support of friends, they can begin to sense the love of God as well.
The night ended with soulful jazz performance by a female vocalist as participants enjoyed a buffet dinner. It was a fruitful and fun-filled night in the company of good friends.
