Every fall, hundreds of Pleasant Valley students prepare to attend the annual homecoming dance. Amidst the excitement, anticipation and fun, additional stress can take a toll. New to the mix, increasing prices are adding to the pressure.
Homecoming planning typically consists of forming a group, picking out a dress, placing a dinner reservation, finding a date, planning pictures and much more. These alone create a significant amount of stress and frustration, but with increased inflation, the prices of homecoming alone can inflict a significant amount of tension.
Ticket prices from the 2021 homecoming were set at $15. For the upcoming homecoming, tickets are 33% higher. Ticket prices are just the start. As a nation, prices are up 21.2% since 2020, and dance related items are not exempt.
Increased prices have been noted by many dance goers. “The prices of everything homecoming related have increased. I used to try and shop at dress boutiques for dances, but it just got way too expensive. I shifted my focus to Dillard’s clearance in South Park to find $8 homecoming dresses and $45 prom dresses because everything is so ridiculous,” senior Elodie Stroup said.
Finding the perfect dress is a battle within itself, and adding the limitation of a budget to avoid breaking the bank is no help. “I would just feel guilty spending hundreds of dollars on one night,” Stroup added. In the end that is all that it is: one night.
Despite the downsides, many students still embrace the experience. If it is just one night and it’s getting increasingly more expensive, why go? “It can be stressful finding the right thing to wear, matching your date, getting a group, where to eat and take pictures. But in the end it’s worth the memories! Over the past four years, I have created so many memories with my friends, family and others that I will cherish forever,” senior Brooklyn Siebel said.
Since 2018, school dance attendance has been on a steady decline. Although the recent decline in hosting and participating in these dances can be attributed to a variety of reasons such as students’ interest, planning difficulties and a lack of social connection due to technology, the price can definitely play a role.
Pleasant Valley’s “Spring Formal” recorded a record low attendance this past year. While it can not be concretely stated that the overall price of the dance was the reason behind the low turnout, it is certainly a possibility.
Homecoming is an experience many high school students will remember and cherish forever. With the rising prices of attending the dance, those memories may be in jeopardy for some.
