Generations Bond During 'Seniors Prom'

On a steamy Sunday evening, as beads of sweat formed on upper lips and barbecues fired up far and wide, several dozen dancers took refuge in the cool, darkened basement of  in Berkley for the Seniors Prom.

The fundraiser brought together teenagers from Royal Oak, Berkley and elsewhere from the Somewhere To Ask God Everything (S.T.A.G.E.) Youth Ministry and mature adults from the community, who exchanged stories, jokes and dance steps. Light refreshments were provided, as well as dance lessons compliments of Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Musical selections included Motown favorites, Elvis tunes and hits from the 1940s through the 1960s.

The Seniors Prom was the brainchild of Nathan Schleicher, who serves as youth director for CANA,  and , as well as Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Royal Oak.

"The dance lessons are really cool," Schleicher said. "But it's even cooler to have the people who grew up with that music and that dance share their experience."

Proceeds from the dance, which cost $5 but was free for those 60 and older or 18 and younger, will go toward the youth group's summer mission trip to Big Creek, KY, said Miranda Hunt of Royal Oak.

Hunt, who attends , was among the teens who interviewed senior dancers Sunday about what their high school proms were like and judged several contests such as "Classiest Couple" and "Best Dancers." She said her favorite part of talking with the seniors was learning their different senses of humor.

"It's nice to have a conversation with someone who doesn't have the same jokes as me," Hunt said.