BY CHARLIE BLODNIEKS AND SABRINE BRISMEUR
Everyone at CCHS knows the hallmark of a good dance: a pile of high heels in the corner of the cafeteria.
The Sadie Hawkins dance was no exception, with gender-bent proposals, committed planners and, yes, a littering of heels by the cafeteria door.
The first dance of its kind in CCHS history, the Sadie Hawkins spring dance gave girls an opportunity to make their own choice in who to ask to the dance, providing an interesting twist on the seemingly strictly-male proposals of homecoming and prom.
“A lot of homecoming is waiting to be asked,” Class of 2018 Sponsor Angela Lawrence said. “So by having a Sadie Hawkins dance, we’re putting the power on the other side, to say [to girls] that you are free to ask whoever you want; you don’t have to wait, you’re actually initiating.”
The dance was hosted by the Class of 2018, who have been planning for the idea since last school year. With over 220 tickets sold, the class officers are proud to say it was a success.
“I’m really happy with the results,” class President Jessica Less said. “It’s the first year and I can only wait for it to grow next year.”
Intense planning went into even the most minute details, from the napkin colors to the disk jockey arrangements. With the cafeteria decked out in swirls of gold and black, the dance’s theme drew inspiration from the Great Gatsby.
Michael Diliello eats a snow cone at the dance. Photo by Charlie Blodnieks
All proceeds went to the Class of 2018 account, which they’ll use to plan next year’s senior events like prom and grad bash. The officers encouraged students to buy tickets for Sadie Hawkins, so the funds could be used to lower the price of admission for future events next year.
Members of ROTC volunteered to help hand out pizza throughout the night, and students had an unlimited dessert ticket – something that was used to its fullest extent as students returned again and again to the ice cream truck at the front of the cafeteria.
Near the doorway, yearbook journalist Moira Kelly snapped shots for students in front of the photobooth, a frame of glittering gold streamers.
“People really seemed to like the props, especially the oversized frame and the feather boas,” she said. “Everyone seemed to be in a really good mood about the dance, especially because it was the first time we had it.”
At the dance, couples and friend groups danced together to the musical stylings of CCHS student Michael Palmer.
“I [had] a great time,” freshman Kasandra Dodd said. “I had a great date so it [went] pretty well. [Having a dance that comes in between homecoming and prom] gives everybody a chance to get together and have fun.”
But it was the proposals, in particular, that stood out to many of the boys at CCHS.
Students gather at the Sadie Hawkins dance. Photo by Charlie Blodnieks
“[My girlfriend] asked me to Sadie’s with a poster and sushi,” senior Cesar Rodriguez said. “The poster board said ‘It would make me soy happy if you would roll with me to Sadie’s.’”
Junior Jakob Wolk had one of the more amusing proposals, recounting the story of being asked to the dance by both twin sisters Hannah and Shayna Cohen. “Looks like Jakob will be seeing double at Sadies!” Hannah Cohen quipped on Twitter.
“I really do [think it’s a good idea to have a girl-ask-guy dance] because it’s the 21st century,” Wolk said. “I think women should be empowered to go out and chase what they want and get something they want.”
Despite the positivity surrounding the event, it appeared as though some students at CCHS were taken aback by the flipped gender-proposal, with Lawrence saying several male students had asked her to “put their name” in someone’s ear.
“I was actually really surprised how many gentleman students came up to me and said, ‘I really want to go, but no one has asked me yet. Do you know anyone who hasn’t asked somebody yet?’” she said. “Like, hey, ‘no one asked me!’”
All in all, the first-ever Sadie Hawkins dance made its festive mark on CCHS history – one that many found to be in good taste.
“[Even though] I just got here, but I don’t really know a lot of people at the school yet, so it’s a little awkward to be honest,” freshman Damaris de la Cruz said. “But people are having fun so yeah, so it’s a good thing and a good way to meet people.”
