Autumn is in the air, and that means that many Sacred Heart Academy girls are getting excited about this year’s Fall Dance on October 25th. The Fall Dance has been a tradition at Sacred Heart for over 25 years. However, attending this event has always meant finding a date. This can be a hurdle that some girls are not willing to jump over. Parents may not allow their daughters to date until they are a certain age. In some families, dating is not an option at this point. In other words, the requirement may have been preventing some girls from attending and enjoying this annual event.
This year, Sister Maureen has lifted that rule and is allowing students to attend the dance alone. Without the added burden of finding a male companion, all girls are invited and encouraged to attend the Fall Dance. The change has been welcomed by faculty and students alike. All feedback received has been positive. One teacher is happy that the decision recognizes the independence of Sacred Heart’s students and allows them to exercise it in their social lives. Many students are happy that they can enjoy a special night just with their friends. Several girls were preparing to ask former classmates while others were asking their friends to help them find a date. Some girls even had dates lined up during the first few weeks of school. Bringing along a date can add a certain element of pressure. The boys who are invited do not know all of the girls or boys with whom they are seated, which can make for an awkward situation. The girls, of course, always try to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable, but this responsibility can make the night more stressful than enjoyable.
Some see this decision as one that enforces the core values of Sacred Heart. Our core values are Catholic Community, Excellence, Integrity, Social Justice, and Compassion. Sacred Heart also encourages and pushes students to be strong, independent young women. With the new policy, it shows students that we do not need a man by our side. We can be by ourselves or with friends and have as much fun as we would with a date.
Imagine inviting Malala Yousafzai to an event at the United Nations but requiring her to bring a date. She has accomplished so much in her life without a man by her side in a patriarchal society. She has spoken against some of the most confining rules to women in her country and religion. She is the epitome of an independent young woman. Do you think she would abide by this stipulation? No. She would defy the rule by going solo. Not requiring the students of Sacred Heart to be accompanied by a male allows these young women to exercise their independence in an empowering way.
In many school districts around the state and in private schools, a date is not required to attend a school dance. Girls and boys are free to go with whomever they choose. It is good to give students an option on how they plan to have a nice time. After all, the students choose to go to the Fall Dance to have a night full of dance and laughter. This event is meant to be a fun and comfortable experience for all who attend.
Who is to say whether this is a change that will eventually carry on to prom? It is an experiment at this point. Who is to say if this change will actually result in a nominal increase in attendees? These are the unknowns at this point; however, those girls who go with their friends are sure to have an excellent time, just as those who bring dates will. The Fall Dance embraces all SHA girls, with or without a date, and is sure to be a fun event!