The Homecoming dance in the Large and Small Gyms from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, will have a different look and feel this year — most notably, it has been switched from a casual dress dance to a formal affair.
Homecoming tickets are being sold at the activities office from Sept. 29 to Oct. 16, with prices starting at $30 and increasing by $5 each week. Purchasers with the ASB package receive a $15 discount. As of Oct. 8, the dance commission has sold 216 tickets and is expected to sell around 350 based on historic numbers. There is no maximum to the number of tickets they can sell.
The changes are in response to widespread student feedback and a push to boost school spirit, commissioners said. The plan is to make this year’s dance all about elevating the experience and making it feel just as special as other formal events. To set clear expectations, the dance commission shared outfit inspiration on Instagram, aiming to motivate students to embrace formal wear such as mini dresses and suits.
Students are encouraged to follow their designated homecoming themes that were assigned to each grade level, with the overall theme being Warner Bros. movies, which was revealed at the food truck fest on Aug. 15.
Another new addition includes having a DJ who specializes in formal events. The DJ plans to bring a full light and sound setup and is working off a custom playlist provided by the dance commission, carefully curated to avoid overplayed songs. With his setup and microphones, the DJ plans to make live announcements to keep the dance floor alive and interactive throughout the night.
In addition to food trucks, this year’s dance may include a chocolate fondue fountain and a full dessert station inspired by the Willy Wonka theme for freshmen. The Small Gym will also be packed with inflatable games and photo booths that align with each grade level’s Homecoming theme. These creative touches are designed to make the night feel extra special.
Taking inspiration from prom and formal culture, Homecoming will also feature Hoco askings on the dance commission’s Instagram account (shsdance.co). The most creative asking will win free tickets to the event.
Junior dance commissioner Athena Zhang said the idea of a formal Homecoming came from word- student feedback and was run through the entire Leadership class, which voted to follow through with the idea.
“When we interviewed people who went to Hoco last year, most of them complained about it not being fun and wanting to leave early,” Zhang said. “They saw other schools making it formal, and they were like, ‘Why are we missing out?’”
According to Zhang, no extra cost was required to make the dance formal, so the dance commission went through with the change.
While Homecoming is taking on a more polished, upscale vibe, it is still taking place on campus. Leadership anticipates that turning Homecoming formal will not interfere with participation in the other events later in the year like Winter Formal, which will be held on off-campus venues.
“Even though I wasn’t here for past Homecomings, I’m glad they made the change because it feels more special to dress up, take pictures and spend the night with my friends,” freshman Michelle Lew said.
