My Favourite High School Dances... in Movies

Ah, the Teen Movie. I love them, and I feel no shame about this. Of course, growing up and living the the UK, these films bare no similarity at all to my own experiences, but that's okay - I'm not entirely sure they'd be anymore realistic if I had gone to an American high school.

Of course, what would a teen movie be without some sort of high school dance scene? Prom, homecoming, it doesn't matter, all that matters is that it's somehow life-changing/dramatic/IMPORTANT.

To celebrate their greatness and importance, I have put together four of my favourite high school dances gifted to us by Hollywood. Enjoy!

1. The Virgin Suicides

Anyone who has seen The Virgin Suicides will know that, while it is beautiful and haunting and lots of over positive things, it's not exactly a "happy" film. And anyone who hasn't seen it... well, surely the title's a bit of a giveaway?
The Homecoming Dance seems to be the girls happiest moment (that we get to see, anyway). For one night, they seem free. It's the perfect night for them, with Trip and Lux even being crowned king and queen.

2. Pretty in Pink

After being treated like shit by Blane, Andie puts together her own dress and goes to Prom anyway, head held high. It's like Cinderella but better, she's her own fairy godmother.

I also like that Duckie didn't go all Nice Guy Syndrome and make her feel guilty for wanting to forgive Blane - he was a true friend, and I hope he had a great night with Buffy (Kirsty Swanson, that is...). 

I'll be honest, I do have a few issues with Andie's final dress - who doesn't? - but, y'know, she seems to like it, so I guess it's all good!

3. 10 Things I Hate About You

Ugh, the PERFECT Prom! First of all, Save Ferris are playing... THEN Kay Hanley from Letters to Cleo shows up, WHAT?!
I loved how Joey got all pissy because NO ONE LIKES HIM and he tries to ruin everyone's night. But, guess what Joey? It all worked out okay in the end and POW! Bianca just punched you in the face.
While Kat is obviously my favourite character, I cannot express my love for Bianca's Prom dress enough. Really, it wasn't even a dress! It was a cool pink cropped top and a poofy pink prom skirt - a big pink "fuck you" to the conventions of Prom dresses! Or, y'know, just 90's fashion, I don't know...

4. Mean Girls

Ah, Mean Girls. Miss Lohan's finest work... to date. I'm still rooting for her comeback.

Cady was so great, she didn't even need a dress to go to Spring Fling. She rolled up in her mathletes jacket and shared her crown with everyone. Thanks to her magical powers, she was able to just keep breaking up that crown without ever running out of pieces... I guess she used her maths skills or something?

What are some of your favourite high school film dances? I've only talked about four here, as we all know, there are MANY more!