As the seasons change, students want the Dec. 9 Fresh- man/Sophomore Formal dance to do the same.

“The dance has not changed much since it was first introduced. Although, we are getting a lot more creative with the themes and decorations,” Nichole Boyd, Director of Activities and Student Success Center, says.

Homecoming was formal this year, but things are not going to be the same for the upcoming dance. Formal has been a strictly freshman and sophomore dressy dance for many years. In recent years, however, the dance has been lacking in attendance.

“I think dances are really fun. As a sophomore, I am not planning on actually attending the dance, but I am still going to get dressed up. My friends and I are going to go to dinner, which I am excited for,” sophomore Alison Flangel says.

It is common for the majority of the dance floor to be shared by freshmen, while many sophomores take the night to dress up and go out to dinner with friends or dates.

This year, the majority of students voted on the theme “Dress to Impress” for their Homecoming dance, meaning for freshmen and sophomores, there are two semi-formal dances during first semester.

“Formal becomes repetitive, because it is right after the homecoming dance, so it is not that fun,” sophomore Nell Jones says.

The dance includes a professional DJ, a photo booth and social activities. Snacks and refreshments are served as well, something Boyd points out as a large improvement.

“We have changed the menu since Formal began. Most of the food is from Tommy Nevins and Buffalo Joe’s,” says Boyd.

Every school dance is DJed by Monster DJ, as they play diverse types of music and perform mainly based off of student request. This usually entails upbeat songs, though some students would like to switch up the genre.

“I think the dance would be better if a few slow songs played,” sophomore Nikki Kimmel says.

Three years ago the date of the dance was switched from spring to winter by the Student Council and coordinators. With an earlier date, the thought was students would have fewer detentions, making more kids eligible to attend. How- ever, that decision is not popular among recent and future attendees.

“I want formal to be in the spring, when it’s warmer, because it is easier to take photos and get a dress,” says Kimmel.

Administrators have responded to these claims by noting that a high attendance rate is necessary because ticket sales drive the budget of the dance.

“We saw that the response to an earlier date was better in terms of attendance,” Llyoandra Cooper, Sophomore Class Board Sponsor, says. “We look forward to another successful event.”

Along with an earlier date and menu change, the dance has transformed in other ways since it was first introduced.

“I will say, since I’ve been the sponsor, it has definitely been a more student centered event. From the theme ideas/ decorations to the change from Formal King/Queen to the inclusive title of Formal Royalty,” Cooper says. “We are very focused on encouraging the students to speak up on their ideas about the design of the dance.”

Boyd encourages students to use their voices to make the change they want to see as well.

“The coordinators and I work very hard to please the student body, though this can be tough when students don’t vocally request the changes they want to see,” Boyd says. “My door is always open for suggestions, and student council is a great way to get involved in the decision making process.”

The dance is for freshmen and sophomores from 7-10 pm in Beardsley Gym. Tickets can be bought in the Main Lobby for $15 on Dec. 6, 7, and 8, or for $20 at the door.