For all its quirkiness, the Brandeis social scene is far from relentless. Stress seems to move in waves here-no work one week, a slew of exams the next-in a way that can be crippling for your dating prospects. Another casualty can be your simple need for release: Partying comes to a dead halt around midterms. Fortunately, the school-and a handful of inventive student groups-take the reins every once in while, spicing up campus social life by throwing several amazing school dances.Unlike your dances in high school, where you spent hours primping for your date to pick you up only to arrive at an evening of mediocre music and even worse dancing, Brandeis keeps it simple. Here, the ritual is a neat and alliterative trio: dress (or attempt to wear the least clothing possible), drink (optional, of course) and dance. And over the course of your evening, there are many ways to meet people, have fun and dance the night away with the person of your dreams.

Not all Brandeis dances, however, are intended to link you with that particular someone: Most are best for letting loose and just having a good time. Let's take last week's now-permanently cancelled "Naked Dance," where the less you wore the less it cost to enter. Like any good, cheap-minded college student, most people went naked (or nearly naked) to avoid a higher price of admission. Among the sweaty, sock-, duct tape-, bra- and panty-clad crowd, students got their groove on. This sexually-charged event raised money to support a popular show on campus in the spring, Liquid Latex.

Also coming up is the International Club's Pachanga. With its infamously wild pregames and crazy house music, Pachanga creates its own club experience. Prepare to dance with anyone you bump into, and don't be surprised when half the people around you are hooking up.

But for those of you not into the random-one-nighter-we-just-met-at-the-dance kind of thing and are looking for something a little less casual, never fear. Class formals and the Screw Your Roommate Dance are just for you. These are dances where you're allowed to take your prom dress and heels or your spiffy suit out for a spin. Everyone cleans up nicely, and the dances are usually noticeably more tasteful than nights of random couples grinding on one another. Also, Screw is built for setting up your single friends (or if you're single, get your friends in a relationship to set you up) with a potential date you think they'd like.

While Brandeis may not be able to introduce you to your one-and-only, it's done a good job trying with those dances. If you're single, be sure to know what you're looking for before attending any one of them. If you're committed to only looking for something specific, stick to your goal and don't settle for something less satisfying just because it presents itself drunkenly at Pachanga.

If you're looking for a fling, you're sure to find it at the more casual dances. And just because you're in a relationship doesn't mean you're done dancing. Even the crazier dances are fun to attend with your significant other. So whether you're single or committed, don't forget to put on your dancing shoes and head to one of Brandeis's many events. They're not only a great way to have fun, but you never know whom you'll meet by the end of the night.