Ring Dance

From USAFA Folklore

Second class cadets hold their Ring Dance at the beginning of June Week each year. Ring Dance events normally include a dining-in, a formal dance and other squadron ceremonies for the second class cadets to celebrate the receipt of their new class rings.

When the cadet first receives his ring, it is traditional to "christen" the ring by placing in the bottom of a glass of champagne. The cadet drinks the glass of champagne all in one shot, catching the ring in his mouth. Beginning in _____, the tradition was extended so that his date kisses him, and transfers the ring to her mouth. She then takes the ring out of her mouth, and puts it on his finger. (In some versions of this tradition, the date merely removes it from the cadet's mouth and places the ring on the cadet's finger.)