Last week I went to my first high school dance, it was sort of one of those experiences I moved here to get. It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but I wasn’t really sure what to expect anyways. Here’s the summary.

I showed up alone a little bit after 6:30, and there were lots of people already there. I bumped in to some friends, Aspen, Katie and Stef right away. We waited in line to get in to the gym (everyone had to be checked for alcohol) and then put our bags and coats on a table before heading inside.

At first it was like the mini dances I’d been to at my old school, everyone kind of just standing around in clusters in the dark gym while lights flashed and music drowned out most chances for conversation, except for more people, more groups. However, it did get better, after everyone had had their shy 5-10 minutes and the music got even louder people started to move and things were a bit more fun.

Honestly, this time it took me a while to get in to things, to let go, to enjoy myself. I danced for Jessica for a while, and Katie and sort of just circled around the gym looking for familiar faces. There were many trips to the lunch room to visit Sarah and Alicia who were running the concession.

The music wasn’t great, but I didn’t really care, I wasn’t listening to the words anyways. I danced with some guys who worked on the set for Treasure Island. Convinced Kurtis to have a bit of fun and actually come dance for a while instead of hiding out by the wall, slow danced for the first time, watched dance offs and jumped up and down a lot. I even got my picture taken a few times due to dancing awesomeness (Is awesomeness measurable yet? It seems to be a legitimate reason for things nowadays.)

One of my favourite parts was when Katelyn got there after her first aid course and me and her and Alicia danced with Kurtis and Taite and some other people and we were all doing Alicia’s fantastic dance moves and then Darren, Holly, Lenny, and I’m not sure who else danced towards us in a line looking serious. It was just a good moment.

Downside: My neck hurt a lot for two days after and one of my legs still hurts.

Upside: I met some friendly new people and now I can check that high school experience off my list.

Helpful Hint: shorts are a lot of fun at dances, but as cute as tights might look under them, it can get too hot. Dress like its summer, a lot of people moving around a lot tends to have a similar effect.