With the semi-formal over, there is only one more event just for eighth graders this May. While most may have had fun, others might have found the dance lackluster. Some didn’t even go. If it’s due to the music choice, the cost, or the food, figuring out if eighth-graders think the semi-formal was worth it is just based on a few basic reasons.

Even though most of the eighth-grade class went to the semi-formal, some students didn’t for various reasons. It could’ve been that their friends didn’t go, they couldn’t pay on time, or their parents didn’t allow them. Eighth grader Lujain Kadhim had more than one reason she didn’t go. 

“My parents are strict with dances because of my culture. Finding dresses that fit me because of how uninclusive they are,” Kadhim said. “The ticket prices were also kind of high, and it’d be hard for me to pay them.”

Prices of clothing and accessories have risen in the past few years, making dress shopping increasingly expensive. According to a 2017 survey, teens spend an average of $600 on dances like prom or homecoming. Though this dance isn’t prom, the semi-formal is our eighth-grade equivalent. 

“Teens in the South spend less than their peers in the Northeast, averaging a prom bill of $617,” Mondalek writes. “But don’t discount Southern pageantry: These teens spend the most on their hair and makeup than any other region in the country.”

Middle school dances aren’t going to have songs most eighth graders listen to, so for some, the music choice was less than desirable. Songs like the Macarena are common at dances, but there were other songs that barely anyone in the gym was dancing to. Sofia DiGregorio said they had a lot of fun at the dance, and the music choice was pretty good.

“I like the chicken dance, so I was glad they played it,” eighth grader DiGregorio said. “I’m just sad they didn’t play Careless Whisper, it’s such a good song.”

The students paid more for the semi-formal than other dances because they’d be given food this time. The food provided at the semi-formal was Italian food with things like alfredo and salad. Desserts, candy, and drinks were also offered at the dance. eighth grader Hailey Sharp liked the food at the dance because she likes pasta.

“It was really good, better than the school lunch,” Sharp said. “I loved the noodles and the side salad they had there. I love pasta, and the salad was seasoned well.

One thing that was allowed later on during the dance was being able to take off your shoes. Most people who removed their shoes were girls, considering most wore heels to the semi-formal. Ny’Quira Milligan disliked that people were allowed to do that, since there were so many with just their bare feet out.

“First of all, prohibit people from taking off their shoes. That’s just disgusting. If you’re wearing heels, not my problem. Put on some sandals,” Milligan said. “Still,  I’d probably go the semi-formal if I had the chance to change my mind.”