It used to be that dirty dancing was something teenagers would have to sneak off to do.

Then, about five years ago, school officials inexplicably decided they would look the other way and allow an extreme version of dirty dancing called grinding, right in the school gym.

Don’t bother Googling it. Just go straight to YouTube and save yourself some time.

Recently someone must have noticed that if it weren’t for the clothing, which as of this writing students are still required to wear, future students might be able to say they were conceived in the school gym.

And so this year, grinding at dances at many schools was banned.

As might be expected, this didn’t go over too well with the students. Then came an unexpectedly response — a parent-sponsored “anti-homecoming” dance for Cony High School students.

This, as it turned out, was in direct response to students being asked to sign a pledge to refrain from grinding at this year’s homecoming dance.

Students’ rebelling at attempts to thwart their individuality is nothing new. Not a big deal. I was that way, too. What was hard to take was the participation of parents.

School functions such as athletics, math teams, Chizzle Wizzle and even homecoming dances serve to provide an important bond for students that we all know lasts a lifetime. Even if the kids don’t yet appreciate it.

Surely an anti-school dance isn’t going to change any kid’s future. What’s important to ask though, is what do the kids really take from it. Memories come in many forms. Hopefully, future teens don’t have to go to YouTube to learn about school spirit.

Brian Heath

Hallowell

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