A week ago, I attended the winter formal dance at my school and re-discovered the epitome of American teenage fun: high school dances!

    Dances are an integral part of the American school experience, especially for students in high school. Typically, there are two or three major “dance” events each year: homecoming, winter or spring formal, and prom. Homecoming was originally celebrated to welcome back alumni returning during the autumn months, hence the name. Over the years, it has evolved into an exciting series of grade-based rallies, competitions and football games. Outstanding individuals may be crowned “Homecoming King” or “Homecoming Queen” for exceptional school spirit, achievement and involvement. The weeklong festivities culminate in an ultimate homecoming formal dance. In late spring, nearly all the high schools in the nation host their annual junior and senior proms. Short for “promenade,” these extra-formal occasions have been an American tradition for decades. Only junior and senior students may attend the event, but they may bring older or younger dates.

    For this incredible event, the students may rent a limousine to take them to the prom, which will usually be held at the school for juniors and at more formal venues such as convention centers for the seniors. Between homecoming and prom, usually one or two more dances will be held, such as a winter formal, spring fling, or father-daughter dance.

    As with most formal dances, many people will opt to bring a date; at public or co-ed schools, it is traditionally the boy who will ask a girl to accompany him, whereas in all-girls’ schools like mine, the girl must invite the boy. The couple will exchange flowers — a boutonniere for the boy, and a bouquet or corsage for the girl. Boys may also match bowties, neckties, or vests with the girl’s dress, jewelry, or shoes. Prior to the dance, pre-parties are typically hosted.

    In the colder months, pre-parties are hosted indoors, and during the warmer months, formal-goers and their dates may meet outside one’s home or at a park. This especially cold winter, the pre-party was hosted indoors, but merely walking from the car to the house in just a dress and five-inch heels was quite a challenge! Upon arriving at the dance, most girls will remove their sky-high heels and wedges in order to enjoy a night free of blisters or twisted ankles!

    Following the dance, attendees may then go to an after-party, during which they and their dates may wind down and relax after an exhausting night on the dance floor. Refreshments are typically served, and friends get to enjoy the night with good company; after-parties will end in the wee hours of the morning the following day. At the after-party I attended following my winter formal, the boys entertained themselves with billiards and ping-pong, while the girls talked and watched a movie.

    Ask any American teenager and they’ll tell you about their dance experiences. While asking the right date and choosing the right outfit is stressful, the dances themselves are almost always sure to be a great time — in my opinion, at least! Loud music, hundreds of people — high school dances are quite a scene. As for prom — I’ll have to fill you in on that when I actually get to attend two years down the road!