For many students, it seems like there are only two options when it comes to school dances: stay home and run the risk of missing out, or attend and awkwardly stand around for two hours. How did school dances come to be a place where fear triumphs over everything else? Was it ever even different?
In some ways, no. Dances have always been the place to tidy up and try to impress a potential date. Despite what 70s movies and disco music videos would have you believe, that same caliber of skill was rare at school dances. The same can be said about more recent generations as well.
However, one distinct difference students of today’s age face is the threat of filming and the perceived importance of digital footprint. We’ve all seen those embarrassing reels of kids trying to have fun at school dances—instead being turned into viral sensations for our entertainment. Most notably and close to my heart, the “TikTok Rizz Party” from 2024, which ridicules a group of teenage boys for swaying and singing along to “Carnival” by Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign The virality and longevity of videos like these make many students afraid to be themselves at dances, fearing they’ll become the next embarrassing viral sensation.
Of course, there are some other factors inhibiting students from having a great time. PGHS dances in particular are occasionally spoiled with uncomfortable venues, sub-par DJs, or technical problems that kill the vibe. These aside, I believe students can overcome their fears and get out on the floor. The question is: “How?”
Unfortunately, there is no short answer. It would be great if students could agree to put away their cameras or form a judgement-free zone, but that goes against the entirety of high school culture as it stands. Most students aren’t willing to let go of their “nonchalance,” even if just temporarily in order to have a good time. Despite this, others are still in search of a good time… especially seniors as the clock ticks down on their graduation.
If you’re apprehensive about putting yourself out there, here are a couple of small steps you can take before the next dance to try to shake off some of that fear:
- Have confidence in your attire. Worry less about what you’re wearing and more about hitting the dance floor.
- Find your friends. Spend time with the people that make you feel like a pro dancer—even if you aren’t.
- Learn a few steps or dance moves. There’s no shame in preparing for a good time.
- Consider the odds. There are over 8.6 billion videos uploaded on TikTok. I’ve seen less than a dozen school dances that have gone viral.
Final word: get out there. Jump in the middle of that circle that will inevitably form. Try the moonwalk at prom. Embarrass yourself. At the end of the day, if you’re going to spend a night of your teenage years at a school dance, you might as well make it worth it.
