On Saturday, October 24th, students from here, near and far attended “Dance of the Nile” from 6 to 10 PM. The event marked another year where an ASB-hosted Homecoming was in full swing. From a journalist’s perspective, the event turned out to be a huge success as there was a huge turnout of students. As the latest edition of our school’s annual homecoming has wrapped up, let’s look back on the lively environment in “Dance of the Nile” that took place recently in the South Gym.

Concession stands and amenities

As I arrived at the cul-de-sac on Oak Grove Drive next to the South Gym, I was immediately greeted with a small line that became longer as time went by. Come a few minutes after 6, I was in. Administrators like Mr. Steinorth and other adults were there to help you check in. You could buy your entry into the dance on the spot for $25, however prices were lower in the weeks prior. The first things I saw were the Saharan-themed poster advertisements at

different stands for refreshments costing anywhere from $1 to around $5. Each stand belonged to clubs such as MESA and various Class Officers who set them up to raise funds for their respective groups. They were sitting outside the South Gym, making them visible to everyone who entered the school on Oak Grove. Inside the gym, there was a PTSA booth for people who wanted to buy accessories for roughly $1 to $3. If you walked all the way to the other side of the gym near the weight room, there was a photo booth by the door where many students took photos with other people that went to the dance with them.

Saharan-themed decorations

The decorations were phenomenal as they are every year. In fact, I didn’t even realize that the true entrance to the event was on the other side of the gym until I walked past the weight room and saw a plethora of decorations! A banner that featured the event’s title “Dance of the Nile” on it had amazing paint jobs of buildings, pyramids and the sky as it greeted me at the intended entrance. Depictions of Egyptian scriptures and people filled the walls leading into the gym. Inside, more Saharan-themed decorations added to the overall vibe of the space as people began making their way into the gym. I was lucky enough to have arrived early to gauge the feel of the interior. Within an hour, the event became so hectic that many had trouble finding their way around inside!

Atmosphere and crowd at the event

Initially, Homecoming was just people walking and eating things like pizza and brownies. As more people arrived, it became more chatting and dancing. Multiple groups of people walked and talked as the event continued throughout the night. Dance staples like “Cha Cha Slide” played and later on there was a raucous cheer for Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles”. In addition to those songs, the wonderful DJ played other student favorites such as various Kendrick Lamar tracks and “Call Me Maybe”. At times, big circles were formed as different students showed off their moves dancing to songs. Groups of friends grooving made for an electric scene late at night. Couples swayed along to the vibrant tunes. When the announcers revealed Homecoming royalty, I couldn’t hear people’s names due to a cacophony of sounds coming from all around the gym. Despite this, I was very fortunate to interview a few people inside the gym throughout the night, including one of the Homecoming Queens.

Interviewing humans of Eagle Rock @HOCO

While I was in the very middle of the dance floor, I came across fellow freshman Breanna Newton. She was announced as the 9th Grade Homecoming Queen, and I asked her about her time at the event. Admittedly, Breanna was intrigued by seeing everyone’s fancy outfits and enjoyed hanging out with her friends. 

Speaking of outfits, I went around and asked some questions about people’s style and inspirations for what they wore to Homecoming. Senior Kristoffer Peralta cited last year’s Prom when asked about his outfit. “Under the Moonlight” was the theme for the school’s most recent Prom, and he stuck with his outfit from the dance which featured colors like blue and black as well as a design featuring gold flowers. Sometimes, getting ready for Homecoming takes a while. Sophomore Andrew Aguilar stated that it took him a full hour just to shower, fix his hair, and get dressed for the event.

Harper Linnoila, a sophomore who attended the dance with a friend, stated she doesn’t go to Eagle Rock. Despite this, it was her second Homecoming in general and had a lot of fun going. While younger students experienced the event as a novelty, many seniors treasured the dance and

found it bittersweet as they went for one last time. One senior that I got to interview and ask about enjoying their last Homecoming was Nyda Hosack, who went to the dance with her best friend Maddie. “It’s very nostalgic. There’s a lot of positive energy, especially after five long years here.” 

Homecoming setup and logistics

As I mentioned earlier, the event was a huge success. This is thanks to the monumental help from ASB once again, who began setting up around 8:30 in the morning. Although it took our school’s leaders until about 5:00 in the afternoon to finish, the memories of the prepping/setting up/cleaning up process were rewarding to them according to members like Winnata Kijcharoen and Nathaniel Samayoa. Approximately 80 ASB members came to school and helped each other get the gym and surrounding area ready for homecoming. Winnata also cited a few other important things that directly impacted many people’s experience at the dance, that ASB’s Dance Committee was the “backbone of success” when it came to the logistics of the event. The theme “Dance of the Nile” was inspired by teacher volunteer Ms. Kasper, and planning the dance was as enjoyable as setting up. “It’s so rewarding to plan these events as we know how important it is to the school.”

If you attended this year’s homecoming, write about your experience down in the comment section. Overall, the grandeur of the advertising prior to the event lived up to its expectations. From rambunctious dance circles forming every 30 minutes to couples slow-dancing to various tracks played by the DJ, October 24th was certainly a night to remember.