By this time, the Winter Formal princes & princesses have been announced, and tickets are on sale, for the semi-formal dance which takes place on Saturday, Dec. 11 at Epic on Johnson Dr. For some, this is their first time attending, and on the other hand, and others their third or fourth.
As a senior and four time formal dance veteran, I’d like to share my words of wisdom on a night like this:
You do not have to have a crush on, or be “going out with” your winter formal date.
Or even have a date at all, for that matter. Often, people choose not to go to the dance for these reasons- they feel that it is inappropriate for them to go with someone they are not “together” with, or to go alone. Wake up, people! I attended the prom last spring with someone I considered to be a friend, and had a great time- there was no pressure to do anything I didn’t want to do. Also, attending the event alone is not as taboo as many think. There are plenty of people going “stag” to the dance, creating a good opportunity to meet new people.
Girls, don’t sit around and wait to be asked to the dance!
The year is 2010, not 1980- it is not as “strange” or “out of character” for a girl to ask a boy to a dance. I have known so many girls who wait around for someone to ask them to the dances, and they are not asked. When the day of the event comes, the girl often regrets not taking initiative and asking someone to the dance.
Don’t be too offended if someone tells you, “No.”
Some people have already been asked to the dance, others have prior commitments on that day and some just are not interested in dances altogether. You know that phrase, “There are plenty of other fish in the sea”? Well, it’s true. Ask someone else.
Friends from other high schools are welcome at the dance, too!
Feel free to branch out and ask a friend from another high school. In addition, those under 21 are welcome to attend as your guest- if your significant other is out of high school, they are still allowed to come.
Do you need a dress, but are on a budget?
Don’t feel obligated to splurge. Stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, and the Camarillo Outlets sell high quality designer dresses for an affordable price. For my junior prom, I bought a full length dress from the BCBG outlet for under $50. This year, I bought a short black dress from Ross for $20. Another option is to borrow a dress from a friend or sibling- this is completely free!
Going solo? Save some bucks!
A single ticket to winter formal cost $25, while a couple ticket cost $45. Grab another friend who plans to go solo, call them your “date”, and split the $45 price.
Don’t know what to do before the dance?
Try having a potluck with a large group of friends! This way, no one splurges on an expensive dinner, and parents have an opportunity for a fun photo op.
Have FUN!
The dance is as fun as you make it!
