Is the homecoming dance worth it? After spirit week kicks in, this might be a question for many high school students as they decide whether or not they should go with the flow to attend the homecoming dance. For some students, homecoming is an exciting event where they can dress up and hang out with friends or their loved ones. Other students might think the dance is boring and a waste of time. Nevertheless, the majority of them think that the homecoming dance is worth the hype because it remains an important tradition for American high school students and provides an opportunity for students to socialize and spend a fun time that is different from the regular school day pattern.
The homecoming dance gives high school students a chance to dress up beautifully and take photos, creating memories that last a lifetime. Every year, the homecoming dance has a different theme, and therefore every one of them creates unique memories (Hamilton). Most students also enjoy the time of getting ready and taking beautiful photos with their friends despite not enjoying the dance itself. High school students do not get many other occasions where they can dress up nicely except for homecomings and proms. “I enjoy getting ready for homecoming and taking pictures with friends, but the dance, not so much…” Gracie Faugan ‘26 says in an objective tone. “It is definitely worth it because you get a reason to dress up nice!” Amber Cauchi says excitedly.
Additionally, the homecoming dance is more casual and relaxing. Unlike proms, where students undergo a lot of pressure to plan it, such as finding a date or dressing formally, homecoming is more semi-formal, and students mainly go to have fun with their friends (Willson). “Homecoming prepares teens to go to social events and gives them an opportunity to learn how to dress up nicely without having pressure,” Amber Cauchi ‘26 points out.
Almost every high school student goes to the homecoming dance mainly to hang out and have fun dancing or socializing with their friends. Homecoming is a celebration with your community and a great excuse to get off your phones and socialize face to face with your friends (Hamilton). “I came to the homecoming because I wanted to be with my friends and spend time on this last homecoming,” Ayden Terrazas’26 doesn’t want to miss out on his last homecoming as a senior. While socializing with friends at the homecoming is fun, it also has a negative side–peer pressure. Students might feel pressured to go to homecoming merely because they feel the need to fit in with their peers (Murr). “People might feel insecure about not having a date or being too shy to dance,” Ayden Terrazas’ 26 says. “I surprisingly don’t enjoy dancing and socializing for hours, and I find the dance to be a bit draining,” Gracie Faugan’26 explains.
Overall, all three students agree that the homecoming dance is worth it, but they suggest that the GC homecoming dance has space for improvement. “Better lighting. Perhaps use flashing lights to create a party-vibe!” Amber Cauchi’26 proposes. “More decorations, especially in the Kane Center,” Ayden Terrazas’26 suggests. “More snacks, better lighting, and better songs!” Gracie Faugan concludes.
