If your high school prom sucked, you can make up for it at Slow Dance 2025.
For the 16th year in a row, Slow Dance 2025—a dance and fake prom happening on Valentine’s Day—is returning to The Grad Club. Organized by Many Moons Events, and founded by Laura Kelly, Slow Dance 2025 is an iconic dance party with slow songs and lively bangers prepared by various talented DJs and performers. With photo booths on site, no dress codes enforced, heart decor everywhere, and designated dancers who ensure everyone is vibing, Slow Dance 2025 is a redo of the prom we all wish we had.
Whether you’re happily single, deeply in love with your partner, or in an on-again off-again friends with benefits stage, it doesn’t matter. If you’re looking for a non-cringey Valentine’s Day alternative, Slow Dance 2025 has got your back.
Before Slow Dance came to life, Kelly was drawn to the idea of hosting a dance party in Kingston. There seemed no better time to host the event than Valentine’s Day—the sappy love holiday associated with romantic tension and slow dances. But unlike other Valentine’s Day events that prioritize solely couples, Slow Dance opens its doors to everyone.
“Slow Dance isn’t just for couples! And it isn’t just romantic! Someone who thinks Valentine’s Day is silly will have just as much fun at Slow Dance as someone who finds it romantic,” Kelly said in a statement with The Journal. “Slow Dance is one of those rare events that welcomes everyone however they arrive and ensures that they have a great time.”
The inclusivity and openness of Slow Dance is refreshing, especially as original high school prom can be an intimidating and awkward experience. It can be hard to decide what to wear, who to go with, and even how to dance once you’re there. Slow Dance offers a unique full circle moment to revisit and expand on slightly stiff teenage memories.
“Slow Dance is a re-do of those awkward middle school dances. Because those events are full of excitement but also awkward energy. Wouldn’t it be fun to get a chance to dress up and party with your community as a less awkward adult?” Kelly said.
Slow Dance removes the expectations and pressure but continues to commemorate both Valentine’s Day and prom by cultivating a lively, inclusive energy.
For the most part, Slow Dance takes on the model prom playlist with upbeat dance party songs with a few slow songs sprinkled in. Kelly advises attendees to expect dance hits, rare disco, soul, funk, and swoony slow songs. There are no hits off limits at Slow Dance 2025—attendees can prepare to dance their hearts out.
The Grad Club is decked out with character, complete with twinkly low lighting and hearts everywhere. The cozy house layout of The Grad Club completes Slow Dance, from DJs activity tables to photo booths—you won’t be bored.
Kelly founded Many Moons Events because of her love for music and dance parties, and to bring the Kingston community together. “[Slow Dance] nourishes the best of Kingston,” Kelly said.
Slow Dance is an outlet for pure silliness and fun, but it’s also become a safe place for many.
“Each year I have people tell me that Slow Dance is one of the only events where they feel safe going out to party as their most authentic selves. While not an exclusively queer event, Slow Dance has become a haven for people in the queer community. The sad reality is that many people from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and BIPOC individuals, don’t always feel safe or celebrated at every event in Kingston,” Kelly said.
Valentine’s Day is known for being the day of romantic love, but the love that exists within the Kingston community is just as worthy of being celebrated. Kelly has continued to run Slow Dance each year because of the love it brings out in such a diverse crowd of people.
At Slow Dance 2025, nobody cares about your romantic situation as long as you’re ready to dance, open your heart, and have a good time. To couples trying to find a table at Wooden Heads, friends organizing gal-entine’s parties, and to haters ready to scoff at the lovebirds—Slow Dance 2025 awaits.
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