NORWICH — A longstanding tradition for Norwich youths has recently seen a revival after a short lived decline, and organizers are pleased that the party’s just getting started.

For as long as most familiar with downtown happenings can remember, youth and teen dances hosted at the Norwich Family YMCA (more affectionately known as Y dances) have offered school-aged community members a safe haven of fun, and something to look forward to on Friday nights.

“We've done this for many years,” said Ryan Revoir, organizer, host and DJ for the Y dances. “Y dances are a safe and chaperoned place where youths and teens can come dance, de-stress and just be kids.

As an area DJ with Rockstar DJ service by trade, Revoir offers his Friday nights at the YMCA as a public service to his community. He has been commissioned and led Y dances for approximately eight years, and does it “because it's a great cause.”

“I grew up in the generation of Y dances in the basement of the old building, and it feels great to host a little piece of history that today's kids will look back on for the rest of their lives,” said Revoir.