DHS Dances: The Next Step
December 5th, 2008 by sattDHS Dances: The Next Step
Caitlyn Rize
In the November issue of The Squall, there were numerous articles written about the epic Halloween Dance Protest. In an editorial, The Squall decided the protest was absolutely necessary, and I agree. However, we now need to look at the future.
The protest was extremely impressive. It was great that all 1195 of us (I was told that five freshmen showed up to the dance) joined together for one mutual cause. Amid the rumors of change and in response to the poor Homecoming dance, we connected as a group to show the administration we won’t go down without a fight. Together now, we must decide what to do for future dances.
Personally, I find dances quite enjoyable. It’s fun hanging out with your friends while dancing to good music. I wouldn’t mind trying the dances out for size once again, and that is why I’m calling the student body to action: let’s go dance.
First, we need to analyze the rumors that led us to protest in the first place.
Rumor 1: People will not be allowed to dance front-to-back.
In the past this has never been a problem to the extent of removal from the dance. Aside from the freshmen parent chaperones, no one has even tried to get us to dance cleaner. The only thing I’ve ever experienced was a scowling look of disproval coming from an adult standing up on the stairs or the occasional rant by a teacher during class. I’ve experienced an eloquent Mr. Baese speech, and I also hear Mr. Scott gets pretty excited. Baese threatened to tell our parents about the dances at conferences, but a threat was all it was.
In 2007, I attended a Novi Catholic Central dance where students flowed out the doors because they were removed as a result of their dancing style. We should be thankful our administrators don’t go that far and that we don’t have priests and nuns chaperoning our dances. Removal from the dance hasn’t happened in the past, and it’s unlikely that it will happen in the future.
Rumor 2: Students will be breathalized at the door.
Really? This rumor is hardly believable considering how many students typically attend dances.
Granted, you shouldn’t be drinking anyway. I’m assuming if you attend DHS you are underage. But if you do choose to make such a decision, ask yourself this: has this breathalizing happened in the past? No, and don’t mark my words, but it is unlikely that it could occur in the future.
Rumor 3: The lights will be on.
This is a justifiable concern seeing how the lights were on during Homecoming. Nonetheless, I think our point was made when we protested, and it can be assumed that our opinions will be taken into consideration considering how much money the junior class lost.
Rumor 4: Prom is canceled.
No, prom is not canceled. This rumor is completely ridiculous.
I do commend our boycott, and I think it was necessary after the fall of Homecoming. However, we have no idea if these rumors would have come true, because we didn’t actually attend the Halloween dance. Now, after our protest, it is even less likely that any of these things could happen.
I believe we should choke up the $5 and try out the next dance. If it’s awful, we pack up and leave and then decide what to do next. But before we make any more assumptions, it’s necessary to see what the dance will really be like.