Not Footloose or Fancy Free

Jennifer Melarejo, Staff Writer
February 1, 2012
Filed under Opinions

Over the years I have attended a select number of dances; the total amount I can show you with one hand. Yet I am not the only one, it is a growing trend at Del Mar to not attend these school sponsored events. As Dons we do have school spirit, I have seen it during spirit weeks and at school rallies. The student body actively enjoys and participates in these spirit events, so why is it that we do not go to dances?

After conducting some research among students at this school, it is conclusive that most have been to dances; or at least they did in middle school. It seems to be that along the way, the prospect of going to dances that once attracted students has now lost its appeal. In some cases though, people do want to dances but they don’t attend because they do not have anyone to go with. Wheither it is because their group of friends are not willing to go, they have friends at another school,  or they are simply waiting for a special someone, no one wants to go to a dance alone. I have to say, I am on the same boat as many of these people, personally I have a group of friends who are allergic to dances. The only exception to this rule seems to be Prom.

Now what is so special about prom?  It seems that the fancy dresses and the final goodbye is what attracts these romantics. And it is not only the girls, even the guys say they will be looking forward to Prom. As their “last one” they believe they will “never get that chance to go to prom again”.

On the other hand I noticed an overwhelming majority of the people do not attend dances because they simply do not like the type of music. Many asked for a better DJ, different genres, and some awesome ideas like having food available. Another very interesting idea proposed would be to have a multi-school mixer with other schools from our district. Among many of the proposals I heard, this one seem to be the most realistic and appropriate. I think it would be a fun experience to meet other people and see some new faces.

Overall I felt that people were not interested in attending dances because they don’t like the music. The fact that the Del Mar student body is so diverse in its interest of music is great and it should not be overlooked. Rather than ignore this group, what if  for a following dance theme it was dedicated to all the music that is not played at the dances. These proposals would definitely shake things up here at Del Mar.