Surprise Spring Dance

The school year is nearing a close- STAR testing is over, AP testing will soon be over, and students’ minds are changing from the mentality of ‘school’ to that of ‘summer’. PVHS’ ASB has put together a fun surprise- a Spring dance.
This year’s Spring dance is scheduled for May 18th, and is themed ‘Blacklight’, meaning everyone is encouraged to wear white.
“The theme, ‘Blacklight’ originally came to us because the dance was previously scheduled a couple of weeks ago during the green, kind (yellow), and diversity (purple) weeks. Julia Spackman, I think was the one, came up with the idea of a ‘White Out’ dance because when you mix all the colors together, they make white- I know it totally sounds weird but that’s what it is! So we thought, okay ‘White Out’ dance, which is the same as ‘Blacklight’ dance.” said PVHS Junior Class President, Pecko Lin.
Spring dances are very popular at schools; however PV High does not have an annual Spring Dance. Students began asking ASB to create a Spring Dance this year, especially after the success of last year’s Japan dance, and ASB decided to do it.
“The story behind the dance is just that we and the majority of the school wanted a Spring Dance. Since it turned out so well last year with the Japan dance, we thought… why not? We can do this again. Also, we were getting a lot of questions like, ‘Oh, when is that spring dance?’ and ‘Are we going to have another spring dance?’ It’s just a popular thing now. “said Lin.
“Basically we (meaning the ASB) were deciding between holding a spring dance or trying out a talent show for a change.  However, we decided to go with the dance through a vote.  Al ot of people had been asking when the dance would be and so we felt that it was almost expected and therefore we should do it.” said Willard Hawley.
Last year’s dance was created as a benefit for Japan, which at around this time last year had been struck with a devastating earthquake. Since last year’s dance was a benefit, why is it that this year’s dance is not?
“I think with all the benefit events that we do, it’s just all about timing. With Hope for Haiti two years ago, ASB scrambled to put on that concert. It was a last minute thing. Same with last year with the Japan dance. We were planning a Spring Dance and it just so happened that the timing was just right to turn it into a dance to help Japan.” said Lin.
For the most part, students of Palos Verdes High School are really looking forward to this upcoming dance.
“I heard that for the past couple of years, the Spring Dance never worked. It worked last year because it was for a cause. I hope this year; we can have the Spring dance. It’ll be a good ending to the school year.” said Sophomore Nikki Ryeo.
“I’m totally looking forward to the Spring Dance! I think this should happen every year because we don’t have many dances during the year and I really enjoy going to them!” said PVHS Sophomore Shelby Fredericks.
Other PVHS students are not 100 percent sold on the dance yet.
“I’m probably going to go, but the name ‘Blacklight’ kind of scares me…and I hope it’s not as expensive as Formal!” joked Sophomore Sean Siouty.
While the dance was created in part so Seniors could have their last high-school dance, some Seniors are questioning whether or not it is a good idea.
“To be honest..I’m not sure people would really go since our school really doesn’t have spring dances.” said PVHS Senior Yujin Ryeo.
Dances are a way to get students’ minds off of the stressful school year and just have some well-deserved fun after a year of studying and tests.
“It’s a good way for kids to burn off stress because school is stressful.” said Freshman Anika Jensen.
The Spring Dance has been a long anticipated event, and a big turnout is expected.
“We are definitely expecting a big turnout.  Like I mentioned, a lot of people have asked us about it and so we are excited and obviously hoping for a huge success.” said Hawley.