Welcome Back Dance makes Comeback after COVID-19

Kayleen Kim and Shaina Taebi|September 3, 2021

Students gathered in the mosh pit and formed a circle while jumping to the music, “Baby” by Justin Bieber. Most ASB members were found in the center of the pit holding flashlights, surrounded by the three other graduating classes.

After a year and a half of online and hybrid school, students gathered in the quad from 7 to 10 p.m. for the school’s first annual Back to School Dance since the pandemic hit. Over 450 students attended the dance while still adhering to COVID-19 safety precautions by wearing masks, according to ASB adviser Emily Sheridan

Because the event was held outside, masks were not required although many attendees wore a mask to the event. The teachers supervising the dance also wore masks throughout the event. Since the event was held in a large space, there was room for students to eat, drink and socialize while maintaining distance from one another.

The event started with songs by artists mostly known from TikTok, such as Saweetie and Roddy Ricch. As the night progressed, the level of energy increased as more songs from artists like Shakira and ABBA played.

“It started off a little slow. But I think as the songs got better, towards the second half of the dance, a lot of people started getting more hyped,” ASB president and senior Amitoj Singh said. “Honestly, it felt like pretty much the same as the dances before Corona, and it felt normal again, which is a good thing.”

The event was traditionally hosted inside the student union; however, the combination of COVID-19, as well as the large number of students who bought tickets last minute, moved the event outside.

For many, this was their first dance in high school, including freshman Katie Chen.

“Honestly, the dance circle was really fun and just talking to a bunch of friends that I made on the first day of school and hanging out with my old friends,” Chen said.

To conclude the night, students raised their phone flashlights in the air and waved in unison to “We Are Young” by Fun, and “22” by Taylor Swift to celebrate the class of 2022.

ASB co-adviser Emily Sheridan planned the dance alongside the rest of ASB. Sheridan explained ASB’s excitement in planning more events, like the dance, now that students are able to return to school.

“I think the last couple of years taught us that we can’t take anything for granted, and so they’re very thankful and excited to be doing these events,” Sheridan said.