Being an attendee of every Manual dance since freshman year, I’ve seen the good and the bad. These dances have ranged from the courtyard, to the small gym, and even in Noe Middle School’s cafeteria. In the past, the majority of students would say Manual dances were the place to be, but recently the total number of students attending has dropped dramatically. More rules have been set in place such as requiring students to take a breathalyzer test, fill out paperwork to take a guest, taking away student IDs when they’re caught dancing inappropriately, and a more tame music selection. As shown from the sudden decrease in attendance, Manual students are not happy.

Manual dances are a fun way for students to bond after a wininng—hopefully—of a game and also a way for the school to bring in revenue. So why is the school beginning to come down so hard on students who are just trying to enjoy their time at the school dances?

Manual Vice Principal, Mr. Farmer labels the ID rule as more of a way of indentifying students rather than embarrassing them for dancing. “We don’t know everyone in the school. This is the least obtrusive way to identify kids who were not dancing appropriately. We are trying to take control of a situation that could otherwise get out of hand really quickly.”

IDs are taken away when students are found dancing too closely or “grinding.” These IDs are then sent back to the student in the mail and include a letter to their parents explaining why the ID was taken. The students are allowed to stay at the dance as long as they dance appropriately.

“I won’t continue to go to the dances. I only go to the two dances that I have to work for executive council,” says Andria McCravy (12).

Senior Luis Thompson decided he also won’t be attending the dances anymore. “No way are they as fun as they used to be, it’s like they took a complete 180.”

The senior class officers have even tried to create an alternative called the “Skance.”  The Skances take place at Robben’s Roost and consist of one hour of skating and one hour of dancing. The officers hope to add on an extra hour to the dancing portion since that seems what so many students enjoy.

“We created the Skance to raise money for the senior class and to provide a fun and safe dance for Manual students who weren’t enjoying the Manual dances as much as they used to,” said senior class officer Parker Bowling.

Manual students are growing more and more unhappy with the dances, and unless the administration makes some serious changes to the dance rules then Manual dances may be going down the drain all together. 

Katie is a senior here at Manual and it is her second year on the RedEye staff. This year she is the assignment editor. Katie plans to attend University of Alabama next year and hopefully later become an ESPN sideline Reporter.