Winter Ball 2026
In this article, Bella talks about the benefits of school dances, and gives an overview of this year's Winter Ball.
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Winter Ball Review 2026
Winter Ball Review 2026
By: Bella Eichmann
By: Bella Eichmann
The importance of high school dances has been highlighted in movies, books, and basically every form of media. For decades, these dances have been a hotspot for core high school memories. These experiences last with students for far longer than, to be frank, most of what they learn in their classes.
There are more benefits that adolescents can obtain by going to dances than just memories. For those that actually choose to groove, dancing has been proven to have physical and mental health benefits. Cutting a rug on the dance floor is a form of exercise, and can keep teenagers physically active. Also, moving about can release some of the tension and anxiety that often occurs in the minds of school-going folk. The National Library of Medicine reports that “further benefits include defining and consolidating body image; illuminating the ego... while decreasing cognitive and kinesthetic confusion.” Given the countless positive effects of dancing, there are more pros than cons to attending school dances.
With this in mind, plenty of students should be taking advantage of our dances here at GPHS. Some of our younger scholars might love to go to a dance, but feel like there are not many opportunities for underclassmen. Prom is only available to juniors and seniors unless an invitation is provided, and Homecoming seems to become quickly overcrowded. Some of them might be unaware, however, that GPHS offers more than just Homecoming and Prom.
This school year, our second dance was Winter Ball. The dance provided the perfect opportunity to dress up in lightweight clothing in the freezing cold weather, and dance in the room where most students acquire their lunch during school hours. The theme of Purple Rain certainly transformed our cafeteria into a gorgeous scene of violet and magenta hues, while displaying a disco ball as the centerpiece. This otherworldly decor transported students into a magical world of beauty.
Taking place on Feb. 28, 2026, the dance was from 8-11 p.m. There was a lovely flash flood that introduced itself to the early birds waiting outside of the Protech Building around an hour before the doors opened. Accompanied with a dash of soothing thunder and lightning, guests were frozen with awe as the night sky unleashed its rage upon them in a gentle-- and cold-- manner.
Once the clock struck 8, the drenched attendees were allowed through the doors as the dance began. The DJ made sure to play music that everyone could dance to, including but not limited to the following: "Baby” by Justin Bieber, "Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, "FE¡N” by Travis Scott, and "Purple Rain” by Prince, which was the song associated with the theme of Winter Ball. GPHS student Be Bretko, an attendee at the dance, stated that her experience at the winter ball "was fun, cold, and I wished that they played more 'Purple Rain', but in the end it was a fun experience with friends." Playing at the very end of the dance, the song gave those who showed true dedication to the event the blessing of Prince serenading them out of the cafeteria.
Overall, the Winter Ball was a night to remember-- from the ethereal experience of watching high school boys jump erratically to “FE¡N” to the sky trying its best to drown high school students. Attending a GPHS dance can be truly life-changing, but those who did not attend and now wish they had should not fret. Prom is in a few months, so underclassmen should make friends quickly to prepare for the experience of a lifetime at GPHS Prom 2026!
Sources:
Sources:
Interview with junior Be Bretko, a GPHS student
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