An anticipated 330 people are going to dance the night away in an effort to provide financial aid for TRU students.

The 21st Thompson Rivers University Foundation Gala takes place Saturday, Feb. 2, in the university’s Grand Hall. The event is sold out.

In a departure from recent years, and in keeping with the evening’s theme, there will be music and a dance floor for guests to enjoy long into the evening, Karen Gamracy, TRU’s director of advancement, said Thursday.

This year’s theme is World of Dance, she said.

“We got away, for a couple of years, from having the opportunity for guests to dance, so we’ve got a dance floor in there this year,” said Gamracy. “We’re looking forward to that and having guests stay and enjoy themselves.”

The evening begins with a cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres. Guests will enjoy the event’s signature Lemon Drop martini and the acoustic guitar of musician Tina Hebner.

This sets the tone for the rest of the night, which includes a five-course meal prepared by Chef Brody White and his team of TRU culinary arts students.

During dinner, guests will be treated to entertainment by various dance troupes including the TRU Bhangra Group, the Tara Irish School of Dance, the Columbian Dance Group and Let’s Move Dance Studio’s Daryl Black.

Even the food is served with a dance theme, with a poached sablefish appropriately enough called Pas de Poisson and a dark chocolate ganache referred to as Gateau Opera.

“It’s kind of neat the way he’s named the courses after different things to do with dance,” said Gamracy.

The Grand Hall and rotunda will be decorated in vibrant yellows and pinks and lit with sparkling lights, giving the facility a festive look, she said.

“It’s always beautiful.”

Gamracy said the evening includes a live and silent auction where guests get to bid on some amazing art and wonderful holiday experiences.

Since it began, the foundation gala has raised $917,712 for TRU students.