Posters are hung in the big gym. The black light highlights the bright neon colors and creates a glow over the students who wave their arms to the beat of the music.
The Decades Dance marks the first school dance every year. Freshman represent the 50’s, sophomores represent the 60’s, juniors represent the 70’s and seniors represent the 80’s. Each grade dresses up in their decade and enjoys snacks, drinks and dancing. Freshmen are new to high school life, so the decades dance marks their first of many opportunities to make memories and show school spirit.
Going into the decades dance, freshmen are looking forward to creating new bonds and strengthening old ones.
“I’m looking forward to hanging out with my friends, having lots of fun with different people I don´t know,” Jesse Kurnes, a Freshman at Granite Bay High School said.
While some freshmen may not know what to expect, many are still looking forward to enjoying themselves at the decades dance.
“I’m not sure exactly what to expect so I’m excited to see how it goes,” Maddy Homitz, another Freshman at GBHS said.
Some freshmen are excited to see the other grizzlies showing school spirit. Being at a new school can be difficult, but sometimes seeing someone else show out with you can make all the difference in confidence
“I’m excited to dress up and see everyone’s outfits and who went all out, because I feel like in high school, more people have pride to do that kind of stuff,” Homitz said.
Some freshmen observed differences that were apparent from middle school.
“Something that’s changed is [the time] is a lot later. It used to be from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Cavitt school dances,” freshman Caleb Marchuck said.
“The dance is a lot bigger and there’s a lot more to do,” freshman Maddie Morris said.
Dances are a good way to let loose after a long week of school activities.
“It’s a way to take time off and not just make your life all about school. It relieves tension, especially before a test. Your whole life is not just about school, it’s also just hanging out with your friends and doing other stuff. “ Farwa Ajaz, a freshman at GBHS said.
The Decades Dance created a space that was enjoyable for everyone. Freshman recall lots of exciting experiences.
“There was this one kid who–so everyone is dancing, there’s this whole circle thing, and then all of a sudden one person literally jumped onto another guy’s back, and then he would hold him from the shoulders, and then just go in the crowd. And everyone was cheering for him as the music was playing,” Ajaz said.
A core memory for all involved, the Decades Dance is a tradition for people to enjoy throughout all four high school years. It marks the start of the high school experience for freshmen.
