What Makes a Good School Dance?

A great school dance can be one of the most memorable parts of high school — but what actually makes one stand out? From music to friends, students shared what they think turns an ordinary night, into something unforgettable. 

For Senior Brooklyn Heward, the secret to a fun dance is simple.

“The people — a good group makes the dance so much more fun,” Heward said. 

Having fun people around can make any dance better, but for Heward, the right date can make the experience even more special. 

“Sweethearts Sophomore year was my favorite because my date was so fun,” Heward said.

Of course, no dance is complete without great music. 

“Good music for sure!” Heward said when asked what comes to mind when she thinks of a good dance. 

While she believes music is important, Heward still thinks it comes second to the people you’re with. 

Junior Grace Dustin agrees that music plays a big role in how fun a dance feels. 

“If the music isn’t upbeat or exciting, it kind of ruins the dance,” Dustin said. “I like upbeat songs all night.”

She knows the type of energy that works best. For Dustin, the wrong kind of song can make things awkward. 

“Just those weird in-between songs — not slow, not mosh — they kind of kill the vibe,” Dustin said.

Decorations can also play a part in the atmosphere, according to Junior Olivia Larsen. 

“I think decorations make dances more exciting and special,” Larsen said.

Even though she doesn’t always notice the theme herself, she has an idea for what would make a fun one. 

“Maybe a princess theme — everyone could wear tiaras,” she said.

Still, Larsen agrees that the crowd and the music matter most. 

“I think the people and good music are the most important things for a good dance,” she said.

Price can also affect attendance, and Larson believes lowering costs could help more people participate. 

“Yeah, I feel like it’s so expensive that sometimes people decide to do something else instead,” Larsen said. 

Junior Sophie Siddoway shared that confidence plays a big part in enjoying a dance.

“When I’m wearing a dress I like and when I’m with my friends, I feel comfortable and confident,” Siddoway said. 

She also thinks schools could make dances more inclusive and fun by keeping them affordable and bringing back older traditions.

“Make it cheaper for people to get in, and bring back two girls’ choice and three boys’ choice dances would help,” Siddoway said.

Whether you go with a date or just friends, Siddoway believes either can be a great time.

“Both can be really fun, and neither is better than the other,” she said. 

She thinks taking the pressure off of having a date would make dances more welcoming for everyone.

“Making it more normal for people to ask a friend without any pressure would help,” Siddoway said.

For Junior Hannah Bates, her favorite dance memory was all about enjoying the moment.

“It was probably when me and all my friends went to prom together,” Bates said. “My friend was in the middle of the mosh and got lifted up — he was getting thrown around. It was hilarious!”

For her, a “good time” includes more than just dancing. 

“Good music and fun things other than just dancing make it better,” Bates said.

When it comes to advice for future dances, She kept it simple. 

“I don’t know if I have any — they’re actually doing a good job,” Bates said. 

In the end, Madison students agree that the best dances aren’t about fancy decorations or expensive outfits — they’re about good friends, upbeat music, and making memories that last long after the lights go out.