By: Kacey Carter

This past week has been building up to one moment: the Homecoming dance. Some of my favorite high school memories revolve around school dances, and I am glad to say that this year was no different.

After last year's certainly fun, but "inappropriate" homecoming dance, we were not sure what to expect this year. Prom had been a success but it was still the same that I hoped it would be. This year's homecoming exceeded my expectations.

I couldn't really pinpoint one exact attribute that made this homecoming so much better than previous dances. For one thing it was exciting that it was at a hotel, as opposed to the normal gym. It made it seem more formal. Almost like Prom, but better because the whole school got to go. Another thing that really made the dance awesome was the music.

It case you are not aware; the music that is to be played at school functions has been an ever-lasting battle between the administration and the students. Personally I don't see the harm or direct effect from the Hyphy music that has been banned. In my opinion it was banned because some people are a little uptight, but that's a different story. The administration cracked down last year and wanted to change the style of music played at the dances. Naturally, this outraged the students. This homecoming was a test for both the students and the administration to see how the new music worked.

Thankfully, the music was superb. We, the students, got to hear our rap and hip-hop music, while still balancing out the genres with some techno and rock beats as well. I think our music was great because our DJ's were students. They just know what we like and what is popular. It makes it easier that way.

As much as I love to admit it, there will never be a complete crackdown on the so-called "freak dancing" that terrifies our parents. That was another thing that was banned last year, freak dancing. The rule was that no one was to be seen touching any body parts to one another and people were to keep a two feet distances from everyone. A two feet distance? In the world of dancing it might as well be two miles. I think the administration missed the point of a dance. I'm glad to say that rule was less present than I was expecting.

Sure kids were being warned about their conduct, but overall no one got out of control. I think the students and the administration have come to a middle ground. We, the students will obey the rules as long as were allowed to bend them. And the administration will enforce the rules when it is obvious that they need enforcing.

When all was said and done we walked out into a crowded parking lot with sweat-covered smiles across our faces.