Turnabout is an annual dance held in early spring at Pleasant Valley, and the meaning behind the dance is to reverse the roles and allow girls an opportunity to ask their dates to the dance. Despite the conflict with the name of the dance, PV’s traditions should stay the same, as it encompasses equality and opportunities for females to have the dominating role.
However, within the past two years, conflict has raised involving sexism and inequality of the LGBTQ community. This is because it is believed that the dance encompasses the belief values of male/female relationships. Furthermore, some believe the “rule” of girls asking their dates is sexist and non inclusive of those who prefer to go with friends rather than dates.
The conflict has resulted in a name change to the winter semi-formal. Last year, the dance was brought into question as well. The dance committee contemplated moving the dance to a Friday — instead of the traditional Saturday — and changing the dress code to casual; this means students could wear jeans to the school dance.
The definition of the word ‘turnabout’ is a sudden and complete change or reversal of policy, opinion, or of a situation. This word is not only all inclusive and up for interpretation, but it also allows people to go out of their comfort zone in a fun way. There are no set rules on who has to ask who, gender roles, or non inclusivity of certain sexualities or identities.
In fact, the concept of this dance is to empower all people, particularly females. Furthermore, changing the name, date and dress code for this traditional dance will not make the dance more inclusive. Senior Megan Gropel commented , “It’s been a tradition for many years so I think we should stick with that because I don’t believe the name of the dance is excluding anyone.”
Just like prom and homecoming, turnabout should be about students having fun, expressing themselves and going with whoever they want, whether it’d be a date, a friend or a group. Senior Caitlin Simon stated, “It is clear that through the concept of turnabout, no one is being oppressed. The dance is generally the same concept as prom and homecoming, except with an optional twist on who asks who,” she said, “I think we should keep the dance as it is, allowing anyone and everyone to go with who they’d prefer. The name and details shouldn’t be changed either, as it has been a tradition for years.”
The annual turnabout dance at PV empowers and includes people of each gender, sexuality and orientation. Our traditions should not change because, just like prom and homecoming, the standards are flexible and all inclusive, allowing each student an opportunity to have fun at a school function.
