500 Teenagers In One Room With No Dancing: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
I have been seeing a lot of headlines and articles about the upcoming prom season which will no doubt look a little different once again.
But instead of going virtual, there is discussion that our seniors will have in-person proms...but dancing won't be allowed.
I'm seeing it everywhere but I am going to reference an article on our sister station, 94.5 PST regarding this topic.
There is a possibility that proms will be hosted outside but that leaves a lot of variables regarding setting and weather up in the air.
I get kids want their proms but if they can't dance, what will the time be filled with?
When I was in high school, I went to quite a few proms and here is what the layout usually looked like.
First, you pull up in your respective limos and other forms of transportation. Teachers and other school staff are usually awaiting the students' arrival.
Second, you take a massive amount of photos.
Third, you enjoy some appetizers and punch for happy hour while you await all of the other students to arrive.
Fourth, the dining room where dinner will be served opens up for all at once and that is when the party gets started.
Are you going to have a bunch of people dancing by themselves six feet apart? Awkward....
Yes, there is more food for the actual dinner portion but I very rarely sat down to eat my entire meal. You are up and dancing and frollicking and there is usually a DJ and an MC to keep the party going.
So I understand why dancing may not be allowed with COVID-19. It takes one positive student for the school to find themselves in a nightmare of a situation.
But if there is no dancing...what is the point?
I know a lot of people will say, "At least the kids will get to have a prom this year," which is TRUE.
But as a former troublemaker myself, if the time isn't filled with socializing and dancing....what will the students choose to do instead?
I think we may be asking for trouble.
You know when parents used to say that they were grateful if their kid was busy because that meant, "they are staying out of trouble?" I think this idea applies.
The sad truth is that it only takes a few bad apples to ruin it all for everyone.
So...what's the point?