Ring Dance
A tradition dating from 1934 beginning with the Corps of Cadets, the Virginia Tech Ring Dance symbolizes the transition from junior to senior and the presentation of the highly anticipated class ring.
Dates
Class of 2025 Ring Dance will be held March 22 and 23.
Tickets
Only Class of 2025 students who have purchased rings will have the opportunity for tickets to their respective ring dance this spring. Tickets are free to ring buyers only and are REQUIRED for admission for either the first or second night dance. Ticket reservation links will be sent to ring buyers via email in early March of the Junior year. Students must choose one night to attend. Tickets are limited and first come first serve. For more information on tickets, follow 2025 on Instagram @vtclassof25.
How many tickets may I reserve?
Two. You will only be able to pick up one set of tickets per ring purchaser. Tickets must be reserved in advance. If you purchased a ring, you should have received an email from vtclass@vt.edu. If you did not, email vtclass@vt.edu with your ring reciept to reserve your tickets. If you did not purchase a ring, you can purchase a ticket for $25 HERE.
My date is not a junior/senior ring buyer or attends a different school. May they still attend Ring Dance?
Yes. The only requirement is that the person who is reserving and then picking up the ticket up is a junior enrolled at Virginia Tech.
After reserving tickets, when and where do we pick them up?
Ring Purchaser tickets can be picked up in Squires Student Center at Info Booth A, on March 19-22. Times are TBD.
People who purchased tickets should recieve their mobile tickets through their email and add them to their Apple or Android wallet ahead of time for ease of check-in.
Ticket exchange on the dance nights
Tickets will be scanned and students will be given a wrist band to wear at the dance and the traditional ribbon for the ring ceremony. Please bring your Hokie Passport as it will be swiped at the entrance of the ballroom.
For information on tickets and eligibility please contact vtclass@vt.edu.
What is the ribbon tradition for Ring Dance?
Since the first ring dance in 1934, upon entering the dance, each couple receives a pair of ribbons in the class colors. One student wears the date's ring on their wrist with the darker colored ribbon, and the other student wears the date's ring on their wrist with the lighter colored ribbon. The ribbons are imprinted with the Dance theme and the class year.
When is Ring Delivery for Class of 2025?
For 2025 rings ordered prior to Jan. 20, Ring Delivery is Tuesday-Friday, March 19-22 in Squires Williamsburg Room from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Students should bring their Hokie passport to pick up their ring. If there is an outstanding payment on your ring please contact Balfour at 800-996-8636, ext. 2514. All payments must be settled before ring can be picked up. Special Virginia Tech ring boxes are available at delivery for $15, cash only.
How should I dress for Ring Dance?
Ring Dance is a formal event. On Friday night, cadets wear the white paletot uniform with the maroon senior sashes. White dresses on the night of the ring figure is traditional, but dresses of every hue are found on the dance floor.
I consider myself part of the Class of 2025, but I'm on the 2024 Listserv. How can I get information about the Class of 2025 dance?
Email the class listmaster at vtclass@vt.edu to request to be added.
More questions about Ring Dance or tickets? Email vtclass@vt.edu.
A tradition dating from 1934 beginning with the Corps of Cadets, the Virginia Tech Ring Dance symbolizes the transition from junior to senior and the presentation of the highly anticipated class ring.
Upon entering the dance, each person receives ribbon. Traditionally, one student wears the date's ring on their wrist with the darker colored ribbon, and the other student wears the date's ring on their wrist with the lighter colored ribbon.
Announced by a bugler's call, Corps of Cadets juniors march into the ballroom to a drum beat and form in the shape of the class numerals. As each couple exchanges rings, "Moonlight and VPI," written specifically for the Ring Dance by composer Fred Waring and lyricist Charles Gaynor, is sung. The second evening ends with an elaborate fireworks display on the Drillfield, the Gregory Guard on post at the Pylons, and the playing of "Silvertaps" by buglers.
The Class of 1935 held the first Ring Dance on April 27, 1934, where the ring figure, sabre arch, and presentation of the ring by the junior's date were introduced. The women wore white dresses and this became a tradition that has lasted for years.
The Dance has weathered cancellations during the years 1944-1946 due to World War II, one night in March 2018 for a 15" snowfall, and 2020-2021 for the Covid pandemic. Through all the years, Ring Dance has continuted to be a manifestation of decorations, superior entertainment, and tradition. The entire weekend, which occurs in the spring of the junior year, is for the juniors and their dates. With the increase in size of the classes, the dance is now held on two evenings with juniors selecting one night to attend.
The Ring Dance at Virginia Tech: A Ribbon through Time Video
Women dressed in long white dresses enter the Sabre Arch formed by two rows of Corps of Cadets members.
Class Ring events are part of Hokie Impact, a program that gives students opportunities to get involved, give back, and make lifelong connections with the alumni community.
