Now that winter formal is in two weeks, the famous question “Will you go to Winter Formal with me?” gets plastered on many decorated posters, along with some flowers or candy of some kind. For those who are wondering if you need a date to winter formal, we are here to shed light on the different experiences of going to a school dance with or without a date. We gathered some spirited opinions on the matter to fully understand if a date is really needed to have a good time at a school dance.
Michaela Watson ‘26, shares her opinion about going to a dance with a date: “Well, I haven’t been to any formal dances without a date, but I’ve always had a great time with my date. It’s always fun having a picture partner and someone to twin with! I always have fun with my friends at casual dances and being able to just hang out with friends. I think either way I always have a good time and enjoy myself with whoever I go with!” We 100% agree with this opinion; a date is fun, but never needed.
Next we asked Ms. Barclay ‘94 if she thinks it’s better to go to school dances with or without a date: “In my opinion, unless you go with your boyfriend or significant other it’s just boring because you have to talk to that person all night. I despised all of my dates 20 minutes in because it’s like a puppy dog clinging to you. Like jeez–I hate that. It’s way over-hyped to have a date, if you are going, I think you should not go with a date unless you wouldn’t mind if they follow you around, end of story.”
Our next opinion comes from sophomore Harper Clark: “Absolutely not, unless they are your boyfriend or girlfriend, having a date to a dance, especially to winter formal because it’s more personal, is not fun or necessary.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
Lastly, Olivia O’day ‘26 shares her opinion on date or no date: “I would say it’s fun to go with a guy that you’re comfortable with, whether it’s a boyfriend or talking stage. It all really depends on your comfort level with that person.” Overall, she is right. We agree that if you are going with a date to a dance, you should be pretty comfortable with them. Or at least comfortable enough with them that you don’t have to stand with them the entire dance.
All in all, it’s your personal choice to bring a date to a dance based on your own circumstance. But many Royals agree it’s fun either way — date or no date.
