In countless movies, books and television shows, one of the most iconic parts of the high school experience is homecoming. The parade, the football game, even the lunch activities hold special places in students’ minds when looking back at their time in high school. But possibly the best-remembered memory is of the homecoming dance.
This year’s senior class held their very first homecoming dance at the Buena Vista Palace in 2010, in a ballroom dressed to the nines in red and blue. The “Fire and Ice” theme was carried through the space by dividing the room in two; one half of the room was covered in flaming gold and red, the other in cool blues and silver. The dueling elements were highlighted even more when students were given blue and red glow-sticks to wear after the lights went out.
The next year brought about an exciting venue change for attendees: Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Students travelled “Somewhere in Time” to prehistoric DinoLand U.S.A. for a night of endless activities. Even some of the park’s rides, such as the TriceraTop Spin and the Primeval Whirl roller coaster, were open for the whole dance. In addition, classic carnival games lit up the dance floor as students won prizes for themselves and their dates.
Junior year brought the dance back to Disney World, this time to the House of Blues Music Hall. In a event fit for Cinderella, the venue brought Happily Ever After to life for a one-night “Once Upon a Time” gala. Highlights included a photo booth, ice cream sundae bar, and countless desserts throughout the night. But in true fairytale fashion, when the clock struck midnight hundreds of balloons fell from the ceiling down onto the dancers.
This year, the dance is set to return to the House of Blues. This time though, dancers can forget worrying about losing their glass slippers, as this year will kick off with a “Roaring 20s” bash worthy of Jay Gatsby.
Senior and Student Government Chief of Staff Jorge Diaz hinted to an exciting event, and said, “The one thing I will share is that expect there to be a lot of glitz and glam, everything will be very extravagant. The decorations set a different atmosphere than that of last years, the focus this year is on placing you in the twenties, feeling the grandeur and opulence of the era.”
Traditions are made by each student, through countless facets in the event. Many students try to incorporate the theme into their plans. “The best way to conform to the event theme is through dress, so I wore red and blue for the “Fire and Ice” theme, and am wearing a bow tie for the 20’s theme,” said senior Tyler Richards.
However, some of the best memories made by seniors were not about decorations and themes. After all, dances are a classic way to have fun with your friends and make memories that will last a lifetime. Senior Haley Ward said her favorite moment was “[falling] on my face because I got so excited when one song came on,” during her junior year. She also celebrates each year with her friends by making special CDs for the trips back in forth from the dance.
While looking back on the past can be comforting, looking ahead to the future is what senior year is all about. The anticipation for this year’s dance is peaking as the event draws closer. Richards said, “I am looking forward to all of the Gatsby and Daisy impersonators.”
Ward said her favorite part of each dance is “just being able to have fun with all of my friends from school and seeing everyone all dressed up.” This year though, she wants to make the event even more memorable, as it will be her last homecoming. “I’m looking forward to just making it a night to remember since it’s my senior year.”