Some things about Halloween are inevitable: bumping into freaky witches while grocery shopping for corn on the cob, abandoning healthy eating plans for Aero, Smarties and Skittles.
And if you're currently dealing with the institution known as high school, you can definitely count on the occurrence of a school dance.
A school dance is just about the most "interesting" thing that occurs in high school.
For starters, you've got curious Grade 8s dazzled by this whole new world squeezed in together with Grade 12s who take advantage of the fact that their parents aren't present. Beneath the surface of prima donnas, awkward wall flowers, enthusiastic wannabes, flirts, perverts and lost innocence, there is music pounding through ears and bodies, taking control of everyone's heartbeat.
There is a supernatural connection, a false feeling of unity, strength and belonging. It's the room of alter egos. Guys who could never find the courage to initiate a conversation suddenly find enough bravado to ask girls to dance.
Girls, previously known as goody-goodies find their inner rebel and reveal... often times, just a little too much.
I went to my first school dance in Grade 11. I was there as a member of student council and had arrived early to transform the cafeteria into a atmospheric hall. Tables were moved, decorations were hung, speakers were pushed into corners... it was a pleasant, somewhat relaxing experience. And then the students began to arrive.
I noticed the girls first. The majority of them were unrecognizable behind masks of make-up. As they slid out of their jackets it also became apparent that they weren't too fond of clothes. Skin-tight dresses, shrunken crop tops, and mini skirts were staples. Nurses, sailors, witches, nerds... all found a way of dressing shorter and tighter.
The boys, although sporting a bit more fabric, seemed slightly disoriented and dazed.
Okay, I understand that every girl has this secret desire to be a modern Cinderella. We all want to walk into a room, turn heads, and be called beautiful. But there are other ways... better ways... to get respect, attention, and admiration.
Guys: Dancing with 40 different girls won't make you look any more like a man than you did before. Think quality, not quantity. Sure, dancing is great... but dancing is only great if you like the person you're dancing with. Believe me, it will save you from a lot of awkward situations the next day.
There is much entertainment to be found at school dances, and if it's your thing - wonderful. However, if it's not, don't change who you are to imitate the mob. Because unlike Halloween costumes, the choices you make there aren't as easy to change out of.
Anna Toth is a J.N. Burnett graduate and is currently in her first year at UBC.
