The Value of the 8th Grade Dance

One of the great joys of being married to a teacher is getting to chaperone 8th grade dances. This might sound like chore, but I jump at every opportunity, which usually includes Homecoming (I have no idea why 8th graders have a Homecoming) and a Valentine's Dance. The latter was on Friday.

As I was watching the kids come in, I thought about why I enjoy it so much. This is my third year as a chaperone and I only enjoyit more every time.  Here's what I came up with.

Enthusiasm - These kids are right at the age when they are still excited for things. They aren't too cool yet. They aren't afraid to care...and they care a lot. It's so enjoyable and something that you won't see again until after they pass the hump into secure adulthood, which seems to happen around 30.

Dancing - So unlike when I was in 8th grade, these kids go to a dance to dance. And they are incredible. The DJ knows these kids and he knows what they like. He keeps them excited and engaged. Some of them are really talented and clearly practice and prepare. And some of them are just happy to dance, skills aside. The prevalence of line dancing never fails to amuse me....how many takes on the Electric Slide exist? But it amazing to watch these kids move.

Fashion - One of the great parts of this is watching them arrive. The girls and the guys are decked out. Bow ties have made a huge comeback and the boys rock them and suspenders both, as well as tuxedos of all shades. The girls wear dresses that are flashy, cute, elegant...they run the range. And then there are the kids who show up in jeans and hoodie without any concern for the disparity in fashion. They are there to dance. The biggest double take for me has certainly been the return of 90s fashion, which is a little jarring.

Drama - Hands down the best part of 8th graders is their drama. It's amazing and has nothing to do with me. I watched a girl march her boyfriend all around the room, basically ignoring him as she hung out with her girlfriends. The Proto Plastics group all came with boys but had no time for them as they discusssed Valentine's Court drama. There is always something going on that is hilarious because it matters to them a lot.

Anyway, I love these dances every time and I always look forward to it.