By Chelsea Pettett | Graphic Designer
With the economy struggling, events like Prom and Homecoming can cause a financial burden for students where money is already a problem. Some may find school dance prices a problem, but in reality, they are fair. School dances are in no way mandatory, and students should consider it a privilege to be able to attend. What students pay to get into dances, which is usually between $15 and $25, is nothing compared to the thousands of dollars it takes to put on a dance.
Homecoming can cost anywhere from $1,800-$2,000 for organizers. Decorations, refreshments and the cost of a DJ all factor into this price. Ticket prices increased from $10 in 2010 to $15 in 2011 because of the cost of the DJ rising from roughly $500 to $1500. Along with the price of the dance itself, Spirit Week cost roughly $5,000 this year due to the “Fun on the Field” activities. Free food is offered during these events, which is also covered by the cost of tickets.
As far as dances are concerned, much of the price is not the dance itself, but the amount of money students pay for their evening attire. With Homecoming being a semi-formal dance, the price of a student’s outfit is not as much as it is during Prom, which is formal. The price that students pay for their own outfits is self-determined, and though ticket prices may seem spendy, it is the responsibility of the student and his or her family to budget their dance expenses. Ticket prices are static, and everything else is flexible. It does not matter if one cannot afford a normal Prom or Homecoming outfit; no one is turned away at the door for not dressing accordingly. The main goal of the dances is to have a good time regardless of the “expectations” for attendance.
Spending between $4,500 and $7,000 for Prom is not uncommon. The package that is purchased from the DJ, which has been Chad Dowling Productions for the last few dances, costs more, as well as the decorations. Things as simple as tables and chairs look nicer than at Homecoming, and refreshments are different.
Students should be grateful that dances are still held and taken so seriously. Homecoming, prom and other school dances could not happen without the hours of time and money that is put into them. As the economy hopefully climbs to a better state, the price of school dances may not be an issue any longer. In the meantime, one should enjoy their high school career and experience every dance to its full potential by not complaining about the price of a privileged occasion.
