On Dec. 7, 2024, with the sun fading into twilight, and the bracing wintry air setting the atmosphere, students from across the district and beyond found their way into the Ventura Music Hall. There, they stepped into a “Winter Wonderland,” full of lights, decoration, music and friends, that was Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) annual Winter Formal. Wearing their finest attire, students enjoyed the luxuries afforded by the Associated  Student Body (ASB), and the dazzling venue, from 7 to 10 p.m.

As in previous years, this dance had a unique venue from past winter formals, and with this event being hosted in the Ventura Music Hall, it became a setting that would prove to be very popular among the guests. Upon entry, after checking in with their student ID, attendees were introduced to the large dance floor, a seating area filled with candy and games, the bar with a multitude of soft drinks and an assortment of activities set up by ASB. 

Jack Merritt ‘25, ASB’s senior class vice president, stated “We knew that it was definitely a smaller venue than ones we’ve done in the past … but it ended up working really well. It’s actually the perfect size.” To further liven up the party, ASB put up, according to Merritt, “decorations [like] different candies that are hanging, the blue and white lights and the ornamented Christmas trees.”

Starting as early as 6:45 P.M., students made their way into the venue where they checked in their coats, used the photobooths, enjoyed Luvbug Cookies and other assorted treats, or played games like foosball, air hockey and even Mario Kart if they so wished. Excited about the environment, Alex Ramirez ‘26 felt the setting was “Definitely an upgrade. Last year we were just in a warehouse or whatever … now we have actual tables, [and] a bar … I thought this was going to be too small.”

Throughout the next half hour, students filed in a manner Merritt described as “very smooth.”  In a short interval, the hall quickly filled up, guests found their way to their friends and people settled in before beginning to make their way onto the dance floor. By 7:30 P.M. The dance floor was full and at 7:50 P.M., with the song Cha Cha Slide, DJ 411 made his presence clear and the energy began to steadily build. After the dance, DJ 411 stated “The energy was great, it was jumping from beginning to end nonstop … It was a good time.”

Students throughout the night agreed with this assessment. Evelyn Whatley ‘28 said, when describing the dance, “It’s awesome, it’s really energetic [and] the vibes are better [than previous dances].” In the same vein, August Banando ‘27 added “I’m feeling fantastic … I think the stage set up is way better [and] I like the way the music is presented.”

Throughout the night, popular songs like “Fe!n” By Travis Scott and “Hot To Go” by Chappell Roan brought up the energy. Another staple of the evening ended up being the very popular smoke gun that was sprinkled throughout the night before it stopped working properly.

Despite the very high energy being a positive for many, it also became the most commonly held complaint. Many held the opinion that the consistently high volume was a detriment to the dance and many wanted a quiet area. Julian Cartllieri ‘25 explained “This venue needs an outdoor space where you can go and kind of escape from the music, because there is nowhere to really go,” and Whatley agreed stating “they could turn the music down a little. They should have a place where it’s quiet.”

Others disliked, similar to complaints during the “Thriller Halloween Dance”, the lack of food options. Jayna Patel ‘27 explained, “We have sweets [but] I think it would be fun if we have something else.” Landon Hosking ‘27, a Beacon Hill Classical Academy student, agreed stating “One thing I would switch is probably the food. I’m hungry.”

Even though many shared some negative feelings toward the dance, most who held these feelings still greatly enjoyed themselves. Hosking exemplified this stating “It’s just a great experience. I think Foothill [Tech] is a great school. 100% I would [come back].”

As the night wrapped up, DJ 411 gave his sendoff with Mariah Carrey’s “All I want for Christmas Is You” and students began to file out of the hall. With the dance’s conclusion, guests with ringing ears and happy memories, after checking out their coats and items in a far smoother ordeal than the 2024 prom dance, made their way back to their rides after a magical night. ASB celebrated another successful night and they, along with many, are looking forward to the holiday season and what Prom 2025 will hold.