E-Z Glider
Footballguy
Last year after the Prom, some homeschooler-type Mom got on the school Facebook page and went on a tirade about the way the kids were dancing, which in turn sparked a huge debate (isn't Facebook swell?). She claimed it made her children uncomfortable and that there was tremendous pressure to participate in these "grind circles" and that some (not her kids, but others) were even involuntarily pushed into these circles and made to participate against their will.
My daughters did not really dispute that there was a lot of "grinding" going on, but felt the whole thing was being way overblown. The debate raged on for several weeks/months and "grinding" was eventually banned from Homecoming. Now that Winter Formal is here, and Prom season is not too far away, the school is once again reiterating their stance. This is the letter we received....
My daughters did not really dispute that there was a lot of "grinding" going on, but felt the whole thing was being way overblown. The debate raged on for several weeks/months and "grinding" was eventually banned from Homecoming. Now that Winter Formal is here, and Prom season is not too far away, the school is once again reiterating their stance. This is the letter we received....
So now, of course, a large percentage of the senior class is planning to Boycott the senior Prom. It's like a real-life Footloose. Any other schools dealing with anything like this?Over the years, X High School has worked extremely hard to ensure that the school and its students and staff are safe at all times. Not just physically safe, but emotionally and psychologically safe. Student conduct has improved in general at extracurricular events, and our Patriot Pride is evident; however, there remains an area requiring more attention - dancing. Dancing is certainly not what it used to be. In fact, the predominant youth dance has changed even in the last few years. This change is not exclusively a local change, but we must address it here as it is unacceptable. High schools all across the nation are struggling to manage student dancing. In an effort to improve school dances at X such as Homecoming, the Winter Formal, and the Prom, “grinding” will no longer be acceptable.
Grinding involves an individual having their back and buttocks pushed up or pulled against another individual’s groin while they move in a circular or figure-eight pattern.One student then bends over while the other student holds their hips as they both move to the music. This suggestive dance style has been publicized through music videos, television, and movies. Because of its overtly suggestive nature, this specific dance style will no longer be permitted at X High School dances.
I have met with class deans and student leadership to discuss dance expectations, the need for appropriate student conduct at school dances, and the school dance culture we want to have as X Patriots. Furthermore, it has been an agenda topic at the Principal’s Advisory Committee.
It is important that we have high expectations for student conduct at school dances. I have outlined the reasons why X is implementing this change below:
1. The nature of contact between students is unacceptable and is not permitted at any other time.
2. Even though administration has tried to manage/monitor this type of dance in the past, it is an admittedly difficult task due the large number of students attending dances and low lighting provided for dances.
3. Teachers and other chaperones have expressed concern and stated they are uncomfortable observing and monitoring students grinding on the dance floor as we work to monitor and control the large number of students who participate.
4. Some students have also complained about not being comfortable with witnessing this dance style, or being encouraged to participate in it.
5. Parents have a concern about their children being exposed to conduct that should not occur at school sponsored events.
This change in our school dance culture will be communicated to the student body during ticket sales for the upcoming Winter Formal and through a variety of social means. Students who fail to adhere to this change and engage in grinding will be removed from the dance without a refund.
This email will generate feelings of relief in some of its readers and frustration in others. We made this decision after considerable research and thoughtful discussions with students and staff. You play an important role in talking with your child about this issue. There are a number of resources on the internet that encourage informed parent talk about “dancing.” I have listed an article from Psychology Today below:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/growing-friendships/201302/they-call-dancing
