The annual Sadie Hawkins dance at Homewood High School is coming up tomorrow. This unique dance, where girls ask the boys, was originally introduced in the 1930s and has evolved over the years.
Before the 90s, couples would buy matching flannel shirts to wear to the dance, which had a Western theme each year. Over time, the dress code for the event has become more formal, with most students choosing cocktail attire.
With many faculty and staff members being alumni of HHS, they reflected on their experiences at the Sadie Hawkins Dance.
AP English teacher Melissa Dameron-Vines, a 1991 graduate, says the dance hasn’t changed much since her time as a student. However, she notes that the social dynamics have evolved.
“Back then it was a date with you and your date,” Dameron-Vines said. “Very few people joined your group and seeing it evolve into what it is now is pretty cool to see.”
Now, students will typically coordinate group pictures, dinner and an after-party with their friends, unlike in years past.
Math teacher Ryan Hepp, a 2016 Homewood alum, remembers the dance as a laid-back, fun event.
“I can remember Sadie’s being fun and full of everyone dancing awkwardly,” Hepp said.
Now, the SGA plans the event and chooses a new theme for each dance. This year, the theme is disco.
“We have a lot of decorations which include neon streamers, neon balloons, light up, disco balls and neon to go around the walls,” SGA president Henry Harrell said. “In addition to those we will have black lights around the gym shining on the decorations lighting up the neon lights, making for a super cool atmosphere.”
In addition to the dance, the HHS basketball team is introducing a new tradition to make the week even more memorable.
For the first time, the team will host a “Hoopscoming” game against area rival Parker the night before the dance, similar to the football-style homecoming tradition. Since the game happened to fall on the eve of the annual dance, the idea was developed to enhance school spirit.
Head Coach Elijah Garrison said the process of launching the event was relatively smooth with help from the SGA and administration.
“Like anything, starting something new is the hardest part,” Garrison added. “I’m sure we will learn something that makes us pivot from this year’s plan and make it better next year.”
Senior basketball player Phineas Mullins hopes Hoopscoming will be a success and contribute to the program’s growth.
“I believe this first Hoopscoming will help our program take another big step and continue to build up the basketball culture here in Homewood,” Mullins said. “ I’m excited to see it become an annual event, especially as our program continues to develop and produce great results in these upcoming years.”
The team hopes the tradition will inspire other schools in the area and even across the state to adopt similar events in the future.
