School dances are always among the most memorable events for students in high school. I’ve never been one to participate in many extra-curricular activities from NA, but I find that most kids like me will at least attend one traditional high school dance. I attended Prom last year and can definitely say I had far better of a time this year than last. Considering this year was my Senior Prom, I had an even greater time surrounding myself with the people I love over the weekend.
NASH’s Prom took place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh, hosting students in a very large ballroom set with a dance floor and DJ. The Prom had an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner that included dessert as well. The overall atmosphere and environment was massive and set with tables around the dance floor. It was very becoming.
The food featured = two different spring salad mixes, a side of dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, green beans and carrots, and with a choice of roasted chicken and steak, as well as pasta with a choice between marinara sauce or alfredo. It was enjoyable but nowhere near above average. I thought that both pastas could have been served with the sauce already, rather than in a bowl to pour on top. However, I did not expect anything different from last year’s food, nor did I come to Prom for the food!
I really enjoyed interacting with so many of my peers and generally observing with my friends. The theme of this year’s Prom was “A Night in Hollywood” which entailed having a small red carpet set up outside of the ballroom where I saw many students taking photos with their dates. A photo booth was also set up alongside the dance floor. I loved taking photos while I was there, mainly of my friends and always talking of what people are wearing.
Dancing and music started off very calmly until the lights started to dim and the music started to pump up. Everyone collectively gathered and danced for what seemed like the rest of the night. I actually danced far more than I did last year, which was very fun. I’d usually suggest that the music be better at school dances, as it’s one of students’ more common complaints. However, I found that this year’s Prom music was much more accommodating. There was much more excitement in the room, and I felt a lot more energy and happiness radiating from students while on the dance floor.
Dancing lasted all night, and not a single dull moment occurred off the dance floor, as there were plenty of students outside the ballroom where couple caricature drawings were available for dates and friends, as well as balloon twisting.
While I was on the dance floor with friends, I got to head outside where I found many girls picking up their dresses from the wet ground, surrounded by a beautiful view of the city on the balcony of the Convention Center. It was cold but the sky was awake and the lights encased everyone in a warm glow, it was lovely. By the end of the night, everyone seemed very worn out and in need of getting out of their heels.
My favorite part of Prom is Prom weekend. Preparation for a Prom like ours is a very special and exciting event, as it’s a one-time opportunity for many. I find that being able to commit a full weekend to glamour and school tradition can be very fun, especially when taking the time to be with the people you choose to celebrate the end of your senior year with.
I never was into dances much, but I’ll always attend an important one just for the experience. Prom is a major part of high school, and I’ll cherish this year’s dance for a long time to come.
