Loud pop music blasting, catching up with friends in the corner of the room, stuffing yourself with any free snacks and drinks available. School dances are a familiar experience for several Berkeley High School students. At BHS, homecoming, which happened a couple weekends ago, and prom, which is in March, are the two most popular events. Despite these two existing events, BHS needs to offer a wider variety of dances since they are an integral part of the high school experience.
While school dances are often seen as jovial, they're existing format comes with its own challenges. Stressors include if students have a date, proposals, and what to wear; however, that can vary depending on the dance that is offered. For example, a Spring Fling could have a more casual dress code so students don’t have to spend a lot of money on clothes. Another popular dance in the U.S. is the Sadie Hawkins which is when girls are supposed to ask out their date. Some argue this insinuates a traditional relationship in which the guy is “supposed” to ask the girl out. However, this dance could add an element of excitement and take a playful twist on typical dating and gender norms. BHS leadership could also get creative with the types of dances they are hosting. This could mean a dance with no dates, with more informal attire, an outdoor dance under the stars, or an event that celebrates dances from different cultures at BHS.
One aspect to account for when organizing dances at BHS is the large student body. At school-wide dances like homecoming, there is a large age difference between attendees. “This year every single one of my classes, except for one, is based on my grade. I feel like I get to see people I would never see (at dances),” Frances Portis, a BHS senior explained. However, sometimes seniors are hesitant to attend events knowing a large number of underclassmen would be there — decreasing turnout. “Being a senior is a very different experience (to being a freshman),” Portis said. Hence, smaller dances, that are only for one or two grades, could be a good approach. This alternative would be easier to organize and would more effectively strengthen bonds between students. “You're still meeting new people, but it's more people around your age,” Portis said. For freshmen, this could mean meeting sophomores, or other freshmen, which could possibly develop into lasting high school friendships.
It is important that dances can be low-cost and free for students who need it. Not only will this boost participation but it will limit the financial constraints some students are facing. For example, leadership could save money by using BHS students who can DJ during the event for free. Not only would it be smart economically, but the music chosen would always be what students want to hear, instead of an adult who might not know what to play.
“Right now it (going to school dances) isn’t a culture but you have to change the culture to make it a culture,” Portis said. Altogether, we have to lower the stigma around attending school-organized events. Students should make the best out of the opportunities BHS is offering. To encourage this, a wider variety of dances should be offered to make sure that more students feel inspired to attend.