While the students danced under twinkling lights and pulsing music filled the gym, few realized just how much work had gone into making the night unforgettable. From late-night decoration sessions to last-minute playlist changes, the school dance didn’t just happen; it was the result of weeks of planning, teamwork, trial and error, and behind-the-scenes hustle by our School staff and Associated Student Body.
The Blueprints
The planning process for a school dance takes longer than most students realize. In fact, according to Mrs. Murphy, our ASB director, the locations for the dances are chosen up to three years in advance, excluding homecoming. Homecoming dates are determined once the football schedule is finalized, and the dance typically takes place within the following weekend. After the date is set, the Activities committee chooses a theme and begins gathering everything from decorations and food to DJs and photo booths. Each of these elements must be approved by both Mrs. Ibarra (Assistant Principal over Activities) and Mrs. Murphy (ASB Director), ensuring everything meets school and district guidelines.
For larger events like Prom, logistics are even more complex. An outside company, experienced in organizing school dances, is often hired to assist. Still, unexpected problems can arise. A DJ might cancel at the last minute, food vendors might change prices, or ticket sales might fall short. To handle these changes, ASB builds in backup plans like securing alternate DJs, setting aside funds for emergencies, and ramping up promotion efforts through Mariner Mondays and morning announcements. These behind-the-scenes decisions are what make or break the success of a school dance and keep it running smoothly, even if things did not go as planned.
Finances
Another common element of dance planning is ticket pricing, especially when it comes to Prom. According to Mrs. Chapman, ASB begins by estimating the number of tickets they expect to sell. Then they calculate the total cost of the event, including the venue, catering, entertainment, and themed decor. That total is then divided by the number of estimated tickets, which determines the base ticket price. If more tickets are sold than expected, the extra money goes into ASB funds for future events.
Prom, in particular, is costly because it is held during peak wedding season when venues significantly raise their prices. Since schools do not serve alcohol, which is a major source of income for these venues, the rental cost is even higher to make up for the difference from what potential income those venues could make for a wedding. Just the venue alone can raise the ticket prices from $70-$90, and that is before adding any of the “fun” parts like a DJ and decorations. Prices may also increase over time to encourage students to buy sooner and ensure organizers can cover costs upfront.
In the end, what seems like a simple night of fun for students is actually the product of months and years of careful planning, budgeting, and cooperation. From choosing venues and themes, troubleshooting last-minute issues, and calculating ticket prices, putting on a school dance is a massive team effort led by Pacifica ASB, staff, and outside partners. So the next time you walk into a beautifully decorated gym or ballroom, remember the hard work behind every balloon arch and every beat of the music. It’s more than just a dance; it is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the people who made it happen.