"We can dance if we want to, we can leave your friends behind. ‘Cause your friends don’t dance and if they don’t dance, well, they’re no friends of mine." These iconic lyrics from the Men Without Hats anthem, “Safety Dance,” perfectly encapsulate the spirit of carefree joy and individuality that should be at the heart of every school dance. However, for many students, like myself at Nashoba, the reality of school dances often falls far short of this ideal. While I appreciate Nashoba High School and my overall experience here, there’s a significant disconnect between the potential of school dances and their current execution.
I’ve genuinely tried to embrace school dances, attending as many as possible throughout my high school career. Yet, time and again, I’ve encountered recurring issues that dampen the enthusiasm and keep attendance rates low. One of the most basic problems is the lack of incentive to even show up. Many dances are surprisingly devoid of even the simplest refreshments. While the Spring Fling offered a welcome buffet, this generosity is sadly the exception, not the rule.
But perhaps the biggest obstacle to a thriving dance floor is consistently underwhelming music. Without a compelling soundtrack, the desire to dance simply evaporates. It’s frustrating to see song requests ignored, only to be subjected to a loop of less-than-inspiring tracks played ad nauseam. This musical monotony directly contradicts the liberating message of the “We Can Dance If We Want To Song” philosophy.
Adding to the lackluster atmosphere, many school dances suffer from a severe theme deficit. Even when a theme is nominally announced, the decorations are often so minimal and uninspired that they leave students scratching their heads in confusion. At one particular dance, arriving just ten minutes after the advertised start time meant stepping into a near-empty room and even having to assist with the last-minute setup! While the Neon Dance stands out as a positive example with its vibrant and unique décor, most dances fail to reach this level of effort and imagination.
It’s clear that action is needed to revitalize the school dance scene at Nashoba. It’s important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that teachers and class officers invest in organizing these events. The success of the Spring Fling and Neon Dance proves that positive change is possible. The issues I’ve outlined are not insurmountable. Simple improvements can dramatically increase student participation and enjoyment. Offering even basic snacks provides a tangible reason for students to attend. Curating a playlist that avoids excessive repetition and actually reflects student preferences is crucial. Finally, dedicating more time and resources to creating immersive and engaging decorations can transform the entire dance experience.
Addressing these issues is paramount to making school dances the successful and enjoyable events they have the potential to be. Low attendance should come as no surprise when the dances themselves are, frankly, underwhelming. By embracing a “Safety Dance” inspired approach – prioritizing fun, individuality, and a genuine desire to get students moving – it’s highly likely that more students will show up, let loose, and finally experience the joy of dancing if they want to.
