New dance celebrates the past decades

Students rocked the night away in poodle skirts, disco outfits and hippie couture during the Decades Dance on Feb. 4. This new dance began with the ideas of ASB president David Mandell.

“I wanted to incorporate other music and other types of dancing to the school,” Mandell said. “Doing a swing dance wouldn’t work, so I thought a decades dance would be effective.”

Originally, Mandell, along with the Leadership class, Dance Commission and ASB, had planned for an entire spirit week leading up to the dance. However, time conflicts forced them to cancel the spirit events.

“Simultaneously, students had to juggle Electives Night and a lot of testing during that week,” said assistant principal Karen Hyde. “So trying to pull off a full week spirit week was difficult.”

About 350 students enjoyed the new Decades Dance, especially the creative theme.

“I had fun dressing up thinking that my parents used to wear these funny clothes, and I had a blast dancing with my friends,” junior Kathleen McLellan said.

Some thought there were good and bad parts of the dance.

“You had to get really creative with the outfits which was fun,” sophomore Joanne Sturge said. “I thought it had an OK turnout, but not enough people went to the dance.”

Also, other students enjoyed the unique, casual dance.

“The idea was new and something original,” junior Kenneth Leung said. “It would be cool to do it again next year. I like having more of these informal dances.”

Depending on next year’s schedule, the Decades Dance may or may not take place again. This year’s calendar happened to open up and provided an opportunity to try the new event, according to Hyde.

“My only complaint is that I wish there were more decades songs, but I think I am alone on that one!” Mandell said with a laugh.