When you go to your first school dance, there is going to be a lot of excitement. With Middle School Dances, the emphasis is on fun. It’s an amazing opportunity to meet new people and have a good time. But where do you start? Never fear, this post will guide you through all the things you need to consider so that you are ready for the fun, so read on and don’t forget to share your thoughts with us at the end.
What Can I Expect to Happen At Middle School Dance?
Middle school dances are usually held in the gym or cafeteria. If it’s your first time going to one, don’t worry about dressing up too fancy — most people don’t wear anything special.
You’ll probably have some free time before the dance starts so that you can get ready for it. You may want to bring makeup, hairspray and other hair products with you so that you can touch up your look once you’re there. Just check with you school to make sure you don’t bring anything that is not permitted.
Once the dance starts, there will be music playing in the background while kids hang out and talk with their friends. There may be some games on the dance floor or just off to the side where students can play together during breaks between songs. Some dances even have contests where students sign up ahead of time and compete against each other for prizes like gift cards or stuffed animals!
What about the actual Dancing?
There are many ways to dance at school. You may choose to go solo and dance by yourself, or you may choose to ask someone to dance with you.
Ask someone – Approach who you want to dance with and just ask if they can dance with you. If they say no, don’t take it personally. If they say yes, don’t forget to thank them for dancing with you!
Solo Dance – Feel free to dance solo as well, whether it be in a group setting or at home alone. If you’re having trouble finding people to dance with, try taking some classes at your local community center or YMCA/YWCA center and meet new people that way!
Social Dance – Social dances are usually done in groups of two or more people who are dancing together as a couple or group of friends looking for a good time. These dances usually don’t have any steps; instead, they focus on the interaction between dancers and their ability to move freely without worrying about steps like in ballroom dancing.
How Not to Be Awkward At School Dances
Here are some tips for how not to be awkward at school dances:
Don’t try too hard. If you’re nervous about going to a middle school dance, don’t worry! Everyone else is too! Don’t worry about making mistakes — everyone else is making them too. And don’t worry about talking to people — everyone else is trying too! If you want someone’s attention, just go up and talk to them like they’re a normal person. You’ll be fine!
Remember that it’s just like any other party — except that it’s at school and has some extra rules. You’re allowed to have fun as long as it doesn’t break any rules or get anyone in trouble (and especially if it doesn’t get your teacher in trouble).
Don’t stress out about what other people think of you. This is a common issue for middle schoolers who are entering their tween years and going through puberty. It’s important not to let what other people think hold you back from having fun at school dances.
Practice dancing with your friends so that you don’t look like a total newbie when it’s time to hit the dance floor with your date (if you’re bringing one). These days, most middle school dances have a “couples” theme so even if you don’t have someone to go with, there’s no shame in asking someone else to be your partner!
Dress comfortably, but not too casual! You want to look nice while still being comfortable enough to dance around freely. Don’t wear high heels if you’ll be spending the whole night on concrete floors—they’ll kill your feet!
If things do get awkward between you and your date (or dance-partner), just smile and say something funny like “don’t worry, this will all be over soon.” A little comedy will help break the awkwardness.
How To Dance and Not Look Awkward
You can take dance lessons or watch some YouTube videos to get started. It’s easy to look awkward when you’re just learning how to dance, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself and have fun without feeling self-conscious about your skills.
• Listen to the beat and dance in time with it
• Loosen up
• Match your intensity to the music
• Enjoy the moment
• Remember that everyone else is nervous too
Do You Have to Dance at A Middle School Dance?
No, but you should! Dancing is a big part of the fun. Remember that everyone else at the middle school dance probably feels as awkward as you do! If you see someone standing alone, go up and talk to them — they might just want some company! And if someone else is standing alone, invite them to dance with you. It’s better than just standing there by yourself. The best way to avoid feeling awkward at a middle school dance is to just relax and go with the flow. You don’t need to know every single move or have perfect coordination — just try your best and have fun!
Some tips for Slow Dancing
Slow dancing is the perfect opportunity to get close to a crush, but it can be pretty intimidating if you’ve never done it before. If you’re nervous about slow dancing with your crush at your middle school dance, try these tips:
When someone asks you to dance and you would like to dance with them, smile and say “yes.” Then follow their lead as they put their hands on your waist or shoulder and guide you around the floor together. Don’t worry about doing something wrong — just enjoy yourself!
Don’t be afraid of being close with your dance partner. It’s okay if you feel nervous at first because most people do when they slow dance for the first time, but don’t worry about it because it will pass once you get used to dancing with each other.
Once the song ends and you’re done slow dancing you might wonder what to do next. You could simply smile at your partner and say “Thank you for dancing with me” and then if you do not want to continue dancing with them “Enjoy the rest of the night”. If you would like to spend more time with your dance partner then you could say something like “Would you like to come get a drink with me?” or “I hope we get another chance to dance tonight”
Avoid the Drama
Drama, or problems between students, is something that starts small but can grow out of control quickly. Don’t let drama get to you. Some people will want to start drama with you or about you, but try not to let it bother you too much. Keep calm and move on from anything that happens. Don’t let things get under your skin—it’s not worth it!
Getting Ready for School Dance – 8 Steps
- Decide what to wear and shop for it
- Consider the dress code that your school has for the dance
- Talk with your friends about what they are wearing – ladies usually want to avoid wearing the same thing (It happens but don’t fret if this does happens to you!)
- Choose something that will be comfortable to dance in for a few hours
- Guys: A formal suit or Tux are most often an example of ‘too much’
- Ladies: High heels are pretty difficult to dance in and in no way necessary
- Make sure you’re not going to be too hot or cold – Consider a jacked or coat that can be taken off if moving between heated and non-heated areas.
- Make sure you look like you have made some effort but don’t go over the top
- If you’re taking a date, think about if your outfits go well together – they don’t need to match but you should make sure they don’t clash for your photos
- Make sure the date is marked on the calendar to help avoid clashes
- Have a plan for how you will get there and home again. If you’re going to a middle school dance then most often your parents will take you by car.
- Allow yourself enough time to get ready so you’re not rushed. Don’t forget to allow time for ironing clothes, having a shower, doing hair/makeup
- Leave for the dance a little early – consider what the traffic will be like at the date and time that you will be leaving and make sure you are not going to be stuck and stressing out in traffic!
- Have a meal before you leave – Have something that you are used to eating so you don’t risk an upset stomach at the dance – don’t eat too much either to avoid feeling bloated.
- Charge your phone so you can snap photos with your friends without worrying that you won’t have enough charge to call your parents if needed
- Agree on a meeting place and time with your friends and/or date before the day so you’re not feeling anxious about finding them when you arrive.
In Conclusion – Middle school dances can be a lot of fun if you go in with an open mind and don’t sweat the small stuff. Plan ahead so you’re not stressing about things on the day. Most importantly remember that your peers are all about as experienced as you are and will be feeling the same mix of excitement and anxiety as you feel. Talk about things with your friends and remember to be gentle with each – If you and your friends consciously focus on making it a happy and memorable time you will all have the best dance ever!