Teachers Uncover the Secrets of School Dances
By Ella Gaes
Piece High has a total of three traditional dances every year: homecoming, winter royalty, and prom. Mr. Brahmer has had his fair share of supervising every school dance since 2002.
Mrs. Bauermeister has also attended some of the dances. She recalls, “The best part about sponsoring a school dance is getting to listen to some of the old music that was played back when I was in high school.”
Some songs she remembers playing are “Dancing Queen” featured in the Mamma Mia movies, “Mony Mony,” “Footloose,” “Fishin’ in the Dark,” “Cotton-Eyed Joe,” and “Yeah” by Usher.
“A line dance trend that seems to make an appearance at every dance that has been around for a while is ‘Cotton-Eyed Joe’,” says Brahmer. “Overall, the dancing has regressed over the years. It’s no longer dancing with a partner, it's jumping in a huddle. If everyone wants to do an hour-long workout session, I would be willing to do that, and we can just be done and go home after everyone is all sweaty,” Brahmer commented sarcastically.
They started using a breathalyzer when students walk in the door around 2007, a couple of years into Brahmer’s years as principal. “We use it as a deterrent so students aren't drinking before entering the dance.”
The biggest responsibilities Mr. Brahmer has when it comes down to school dances include, threatening the DJ with his life so they keep the music appropriate, and making sure students say between the lines.
