More Than A Dance

The Sadie Hawkins Dance Is Better Than the Homecoming Dance

Photo taken during the 2020 Sadie Hawkins Dance

Dances are the most fun way to dress up, hang out with friends and take a break from school stress. The Sadie Hawkins dance is a unique celebration that defies norms, starting in the 1930s, it gave women the opportunity to take agency, breaking traditional rules. Happening in early February, the Sadies Hawkins dance comes at a  refreshing time with fun traditions that encourage empowerment and confidence. While Homecoming is fun, Sadies is way better. 

The Sadies Hawkins Dance began as an idea in a comic strip by Al Capp and grew to be an event where women take the initiative in asking guys out. This tradition challenges societal norms and promotes proactiveness in younger females. According to Psychology Today, taking initiative grows confidence and communication skills. Research shows that when women pursue men, relationships include “better openness and mutual understanding” compared to those that derive from traditional dynamics. Moreover, girls are the ones who make the signs to ask out guys, giving the guys a special and personal moment to shine. By encouraging girls to make a move, the Sadie Hawkins dance reinforces positive effects for both genders and contributes to an era of shifting outdated dating norms.

The second semester of school is often the most intense time for students, with standardized tests, advanced coursework, final exams and college prep. With major deadlines and difficult school work, students feel overwhelmed with increased stress levels as everything intensifies. The Sadie Hawkins dance, held during this busy spring semester, offers a timely much-needed break. Not only does it give students some relaxation, but it also lets them enjoy the process of picking out a cute dress, coordinating with friends or dates and partying at the dance along with pre- and after-parties. According to Psychosomatic Medicine having time for enjoyable activities helps improve mental health and reduces stress and anxiety. Sadie’s isn't just a dance, it's a breath of fresh air. 

Sadie Hawkins dances take place during the spring, when the flowers are blooming. Life feels vibrant and nature appears beautiful. This time of year usually inspires bright, floral dresses that don’t fit as well with the darker months of the fall. The bright and pastel colors of the dresses feel fun and fresh, and in color psychology they are associated with happiness and positive energy, which naturally boosts mood and makes the dance feel more exciting. The spring scenery also creates prettier backdrops, allowing photos to turn out nicer with colorful landscapes and natural beauty. The natural atmosphere also makes bouquets and boutonnieres fit right in. 

All of these elements combined makes Sadie’s a vibrant experience for students. 

Many people argue that Homecoming is better because it’s more well-known and focuses less on dates, making it feel like the classic high school movie event. Its traditions also make it a big social event each school year. However, Homecoming’s popularity can make the dance feel predictable and basic since nearly every school hosts the same type of event. Sadie Hawkins is a unique event that encourages confidence and creativity. Although it can involve asking someone to a dance, students can also attend with friends, just like Homecoming, which is often portrayed in society as couple-focused as well. The difference is that Sadies has an empowering element of challenging tradition.

Though Homecoming has its own significance, the more unique, empowering and fun dance of Sadie Hawkins is the better event.