Although the high school planned to host its first-ever Sadie Hawkins dance April 5, it was canceled due to a lack of ticket sales. Student council hopes they can go through with the dance in future years, as it is a different take from standard school dances. Many other schools near the district have recently hosted their own Sadie Hawkins dances. The students at these schools around Minnesota have shown they are supportive of the progression the dance is bringing. 

The Sadie Hawkins dance is an American high school tradition that encourages the girls to ask the guys to the dance. It has proven to be very popular amongst the younger generations due to its differing perspectives. 

Student council member senior Taylor Young explained how he thinks the casual vibe of the dance creates a more comfortable atmosphere for asking someone and builds a different social power for women. 

The Sadie Hawkins dance is seen to be empowering for women by changing societal norms. The idea behind Sadie Hawkins challenges the expectation of boys to ask girls to dances.  It also promotes gender equality by straying away from the traditional views many people have on high school dances. 

“Traditionally, girls have an expectation for guys to ask them. This dance breaks away from that social norm and empowers women to put themselves out there and take risks,” student council co-president senior Ainsley Smith said. 

The University of Alabama held the very first Sadie Hawkins Dance in 1939. The dance originated from the comic strip Li’l Abner, created by cartoonist Al Capp. In the strip, it shows Sadie Hawkins, the “ugliest woman in town,” whose father, worried she would never find a husband, set up a race, where she could chase the men, and whoever she caught would have to marry her. This day became known as the Sadie Hawkins Day Race. 

“It is a fun change, and it helps people view things from different perspectives when it comes to gender standards,” student council member sophomore Sadie Grecian said. 

Due to ticket sales being lower than anticipated, the dance had to be called off at the last minute. Many students who planned on attending the event were left disappointed, but are determined to make it work next year.

Student council member senior Taylor Young explained how he thinks “better advertising and less of a last-minute announcement about the dance” could have resulted in a higher number of ticket sales. 

Despite the anticipation and excitement leading up to the event, the Sadie Hawkins dance that was canceled serves as a reminder of how quickly plans can change. Whether due to unforeseen circumstances or low participation, the absence of the event left many students disappointed. While this year’s dance may have been canceled, the spirit of Sadie Hawkins- encouraging students to take initiative and celebrate together- continues to be a valued part of high school culture, leaving hope for future events.