With so many chances to go to a dance during the year, it’s hard to believe that some students still haven’t experienced the sweat-filled fun these dances can be. There’s hope to forget about school and all the homework due Monday, so who wouldn’t find themselves amongst the freestyle shoving in the school cafeteria? The answer is that many students would prefer a night doing something other than going to a dance.

Complaints are rising as some students feel as if it isn’t worth it when the situation isn’t right. Whether it’s getting asked by a person you aren’t interested in dating, or just not interested in the activity, student participation is decreasing. These are the attitudes that need to be addressed and ceased because they’re not valid arguments.

These nonexistent feelings you have for someone could, in some situations, be mutual where the person asking doesn’t have much choice in who they ask.

Feelings should be pushed aside and the focus should be to have an enjoyable time. The opinions of students towards others can have an effect on how they interact, which can have a huge impact on the night. However, if these opinions and biases can be erased, even if it’s just for one night, there is a good chance that unforgettable high school memories will be made.

No matter what, students should be excited to attend these dances because of the decimating amount of opportunities there are like this as life moves on. After high school, the amount of dances there are goes from 10 a year, to almost none which makes the high school experience even more special. Though there may still be some activities like this during college years, the atmosphere within the dance will never be the same.

Dances are a great opportunity to socialize outside of a school setting where some things are tolerated like they aren’t during school hours, whether the night is planned out thoroughly ahead of time, or spontaneously, students have the ability to make it an unforgettable night. For those of you who aren’t one to mix it up on the dance floor, there are many activities available for either before or after the dance, which can add to the excitement.

It’s understandable that money is tight for many students at Highland, but the budget (depending on the dance), can be very reasonable. There are multiple creative options in which the night can be cheaper than most expect. The majority of the dances cost $10 per couple, which is affordable at $5 per person. There is also the option of taking pictures outside of the dance which can save from $30 to about $40, which is a good chunk of money.

“It’s cool seeing all the homies and spending time with the hunnies,” senior James Haslam said. “Dances are worth every penny.”

So the next time you’re asking yourself if it’s really worth the money and time, think about the amazing experiences you could be having with your fellow peers. Even if the person you are going with isn’t quite to your liking, you have the ability to make it pleasurable. Dances are an exciting chance to add to the high school madness and memories, so take a chance and go to the next dance!