The Back to Dances Dance excites students by bringing dances back to Redwood after two years

Sterling Lazarus
November 15, 2021

On Nov. 10, 2021, the Back to Dances Dance (BTDD) was held in the center of campus from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The BTDD marks the first dance since the 2019 Homecoming dance. Despite the loosening limitations for outdoor gatherings by the state and county, the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) had opted to go without the usual dances so far this school year. However, according to Leadership Spirit Committee Co-chair Sarah Steele, the TUHSD policy on outdoor events shifted in the previous weeks.

Filtering in and out of the courtyard, students are ecstatic to be at a school dance. (Sterling Lazarus)

“We got the go-ahead to have a larger gathering for the homecoming [rally],” Steele said. “Then after homecoming, we got the go-ahead [for the BTDD] because a lot of schools are having homecoming dances around Marin.”

According to Steele, the BTDD is similar to the annual Back to School Dance (BTSD) held in past years before COVID-19 restrictions were enacted. However, some adjustments had to be made to accommodate the guidelines put in place by the TUHSD. 

“Because the water fountains are still switched off, we had to buy around 2000 small water bottles and have them situated outside so that people can still drink water,” Steele said. 

However, not all the changes were logistical. Steele explained that some were made simply for fun, like the inclusion of a 360-degree photo booth which had not been present in years past.

Standing atop one of the raised platforms scattered around the dance floor, seniors, (left to right) Cami MacMillin, Lola Zirpoli and Alex Dorfler, pose after the end of a song. (Sterling Lazarus)

The work put in by Leadership has seemingly paid off, as students express their enthusiasm to have dances back after almost two years. 

“[Being at the dance] feels amazing. It’s the first dance in a while, so it feels great to be back,” said senior Nick Gehrman. 

Sophomore D’Angelo Romero found the dance not only to be fun but also a freeing experience. 

“I feel like a free man now. Before I was caged within the echoes of my own thoughts, but now, through the form of interpretive dance, I’ve been able to free myself,” Romero said. 

Charlie Boyden, a senior at Tamiscal High School, also attended the dance and was enthusiastic about being able to go to a school event with his friends at Redwood.

“So much hype, everyone is going crazy, having a good time, lots of spirit, GO GIANTS!” Boyden said.