Recently, the Bourbon County High School Instagram announced that there will be a “Sweetheart Dance” on February 17, 2024. Last year a similar spring dance occurred and seemed to give underclassmen who weren’t allowed to attend prom could still have their chance to dance the night away. BCHS students seem to have one of two reactions to hearing the news about the dance. They are either excited to have a Valentine’s Day-themed dance or are disgusted by it. How will this dance play out? No one knows, but they think they do.
The majority of the student body is opposed to the thought of a Valentine’s Day dance. Senior Maya Dickerson stated, “I think the dance is sort of pointless unless they’re raising money. I wouldn’t go unless I was one of those people that openly display their affection in the hallways.” I interviewed multiple other students and the majority seem to all conclude that the dance is essentially only appealing to couples. Many students expressed that they thought the dance was useless, and concerning, and that the event itself would be uninteresting to anyone that doesn’t have a significant other. The main concern seems to be that there won’t be an immense amount of people willing to attend the dance. Anyone who despises PDA, which is most, will not even consider the thought of going let alone spending money to watch couples being blatantly affectionate.
While the majority of students are opposed to the “Sweetheart Dance”, many support the idea. The aesthetic of Valentine’s Day appeals to many; heart shapes, the colors pink and red, and the “cutesy” characters fill some people with joy. The thought of getting dressed up in their pink dresses and attending a cupid-themed dance seems fun to them. BCHS student Brailyn Hudnull explained, “I love the aesthetic of the dance but my only worry is that it was too short notice. I’m only willing to go if other people are willing to as well.” Certain people would enjoy attending the dance but the main worry is that no one else will.
