In the winter of 2012, Hawthorne High School’s Student Council hosted a homecoming dance unlike any other in recent years. The theme: white out. Students wore all white and danced around while black lights made the crowd glow bright, florescent colors. This creative approach to a school dance had a ton of positive feedback. I believe that the school needs to expand on creative dance themes like this. I think with creative ideas, the student body would show more interest in school dances, making it a  beneficial event for both the students and any school organization.

One idea for a theme is a Sadie Hawkins dance. These dances originated in 1938 from an old comic strip, Lil’ Abner. In the comic strip there was a character called Sadie Hawkins, who was known as the ugliest girl in the fictional town of Dogpatch. On November 13 of every year, the single woman could pursue the unmarried men of Dogpatch. Sadie Hawkins found a husband that very day, according to Life123.com. This comic strip caused a plethora of dances to erupt, more than 200 documented Sadie Hawkins Day events came in the first year alone. At first they were celebrated only on November 13, but today, it’s celebrated any day of the year. Traditionally, Sadie Hawkins is an event where the girl asks the boy. Hawthorne High should have a Sadie Hawkins dance because it is a fun and affordable dance. Sadie Hawkins traditionally is not a formal dance, which means that it would be less costly because there would be no need to spend money on extremely expensive décor or venues. They are also fun as couples can dress up in matching costumes or themed attire.

Another interesting party planning idea is a luau-themed dance. Throughout the year, many students look forward to the summer holiday. What better way to lighten their spirits than to give them a preview? This luau could take place near the end of the year, as the weather gets warmer. The venue can be a multitude of places. For example, to cut down the budget, sponsors can pursue a permit from the town to get permission to hold it in a public place like a park. This would give a good nature vibe and limit the amount of décor needed to be bought.

Mardi Gras theme is also a fun and easy idea for a school dance. Mardi Gras was brought to the United States on March 3, 1699, according to reports on History.com. The Mardi Gras theme can also be a simple and inexpensive idea for a school dance. The sponsoring organization can purchase fabric in colors such as rich greens and purples, which can be hung and used as décor. Beads, a common accessory found at Mardi Gras, can also be purchased in bulk for the people attending. The theme can also be enhanced by the eloquent and detailed masks Mardi Gras is known for. Sponsors can also challenge students to make their own masks for the event, which is a fun way to expand on theme and students’ imagination and creativity.

All of these ideas can be expanded and taken further, depending on how far the sponsoring school organization wants to take them. It is no secret that school dances are challenging to get together; however, I think the school dances should be scheduled more often and be more creative.