The annual Sweetheart Switch Dance at Notre Dame Academy took place this past Saturday. The dance was very successful for both students and Student Government, who sponsored the dance.  

About $1,200 in profit will fund activities for students, such as the recent Skate Night after a hockey game.

Primarily, though, money raised by Student Government is used to offset the cost of the Academy Ball, which will take place May 8 at the KI Center with the post-prom party at the Tundra Lodge.

“The dance was really fun. Not that many people danced, but the best part of the school dances is just socializing,” said Evelyn Miller, a sophomore.

One issue that a few students have had with the school dances are the dance guidelines that were added in September of 2008. The guidelines state that “grinding” is not allowed, and that any student who breaks this rule is subject to dismissal from the dance.

Mrs. Jen Laaksonen, German teacher and executive director of Student Government, understands the issue around the guidelines.

“I am well aware that some students do not like the guidelines, but I stand behind the fact that we are a Catholic high school and that the dances are school sponsored, and that certain styles of dance just don’t belong in that setting,” she said.

This modern type of dancing, also called “freak dancing,” has become the most popular type of dance, especially in high school. However, the sexually suggestive style of dancing has come into controversy in schools across the nation. Increasingly banned in many schools, especially private schools, students have been encouraged to find other ways to dance.

“We speak a lot at NDA about respecting yourself, respecting others, and respecting the gifts God has given you. I think the guidelines show the sincerity of those beliefs, and that they should apply to all aspects of your lives, including dances,” added Laaksonen.

Sophomore Janelle Maloney expressed her agreement with the guidelines, saying, “I see where the administration is coming from. It is a Catholic school, so we need to set the standard of good behavior.”

The style of dancing has changed greatly over the years. Mrs. Laaksonen referred to her own situation:   “When I was in high school, the dancing was completely different.  We actually looked forward to the slow dances so we could be closer to our dates.”