Traditionally, a high school Homecoming dance is part of a weekend celebration aimed at boosting school spirit, welcoming alumni and students back to school, and having fun with friends and classmates. There is typically a sporting event played on the home field, and both parents and students alike get into the mindset that their school is the best and have immense pride in their school, as well as its community.
Typical events that take place at any high school happen here at Kingswood Oxford as well. Each year, the “day” of Homecoming falls on Hewett Day, which is when every Upper School sports team has a home game or meet that takes place on campus, supporting school spirit. Typically, each game is scheduled for a different time so everyone can spectate at other sporting events around campus throughout the day. Over the years, KO has had its fair share of Homecoming dances during the start of the fall season. Upperclassmen can look back on these with mixed reviews, some unifying the school under one giant dance floor and others where the vibe managed to create an early night for attendees. Nonetheless, this year’s Homecoming is not one to be missed. If the party planners hope to have guests leave thinking this was one of the best homecomings, there are a few things that I hope they have considered.
Although some people go with a date to the homecoming dance, or worry about who they can get as a date, a majority of students go with their friend groups, making homecoming a group activity. While the dance gathers everyone on campus, many of us take the opportunity to get ready together as a group at a friend’s house before heading out. For the girls, it is all about the hair, the makeup, the dress, and having fun transforming from the sweaty athlete at Saturday’s game to a girl ready to take perfect pre-dance photos with friends.
Many of us will remember the Homecoming dance two years ago when the student body gathered outside in the Middle School courtyard. While the music was decent, the water bottles, which turned into a game of splash your friends, created a mud pit of sorts right where the dancing was supposed to happen. Many shoes never made it past that night and had to be tossed. Now that we have the Commons, dance-goers do not have to worry about being too cold on an October evening and can rest soundly knowing that their shoes will survive the night.
Perhaps the most successful Homecoming dance in recent memory was last year – due in large part to the new Community Commons opening. The space felt large enough to hold all students, but not too big that it felt empty. The music seemed to be based on student requests. One drawback, however, was that many groups wanted photos, and the only place with the lighting and vibe was outside on the patio. This was a cold, separate place that drew people away from the dance. This year, a good backdrop, lighting, and area inside could create a space for those photos that would not pull people away from the dance floor.
If the SGA hopes to throw a successful Homecoming dance, they will need to step it up in a few key areas: first, be on par with the theme if there is one. Give people time to know that theme and plan for their outfits. Next, make sure the snacks are slapping. Nobody wants to eat a bag of Doritos in the middle of a dance. Finally, be sure to work with the DJ ahead of time to plan out a balance of music that everyone can get behind. Lighting is always a bonus, and not just the two strobe lights blinding the crowd from the front of the room.
Homecoming is a tradition that every Wyvern should attend, as it gives students a chance to let loose from the rigors of the first few weeks of school, have fun with friends, and get a first glimpse into the inner workings of KO culture. With the veil of studies and classes being lifted, the student body gets to see which friendships have lasted, new groups that have formed, and whether a situationship has blossomed into something more. Homecoming also acts as a launchpad for our new students to find their group and bond over slinky dresses and tie choices. Even if the homecoming dance is not everything people may expect it to be, with the perfect vibes and perfect playlist, it is still an amazing annual KO tradition that always lives up to the hype in one way or another, and is something that every student should make an effort to attend. By the end of the night, everyone leaves glad that they attended the homecoming dance. At its core, the dance is a fun way to show your Wyvern spirit, hang with friends, and make new memories. For new students: this is a fun night to be with new friends and classmates. For returners: get a group of friends to go together, and invite and encourage new students to come. See you there!
