As homecoming is right around the corner at Carlmont, it is sparking excitement and debate as the disco theme revives the energy of the ’70s.
Many embrace the returning theme, last apparent in Carlmont’s homecoming in the ’70s, while others question the shift to a more formal and nostalgic vibe. With the dance just weeks away, students prepare to trade their usual casual attire for sparkly, retro outfits while the Associated Student Body (ASB) finalizes their plans for the homecoming, which will be held at Pinstripes.
Luana Tellez, a junior at Carlmont High School, is playing a major part in this year’s homecoming performances. As a lead facilitator of the dance commission, her group is coordinating and organizing the homecoming dance.
“We chose disco because the venue, Pinstripes, has a bowling alley vibe. The dim lighting of the venue would create a cool atmosphere, and disco is a classic that we knew a lot of people would enjoy,” Tellez said.
The decision to make homecoming formal and tie it to a nostalgic disco theme is a notable shift from past years when the dance took place outdoors in a more relaxed setting in the quad.
Many students and staff are curious about how this year’s homecoming will play out and how it will be different from previous years. Carlmont teacher Jeffery Tanguay, an alum of Carlmont High School, is excited about the returning theme.
“I think it’s creative. It seems like students are going to have some fun, maybe busting out some clothes from a parent or grandparent’s wardrobe,” Tanguay said.
However, some are concerned about this year’s homecoming due to uncertainty about the theme.
“I believe that this year’s theme is a lot more difficult to dress up for than last year; a Western theme is much more simple, and you can find more things to dress up for, unlike disco,” said Carlmont sophomore Andrew Polshakov.
Tanguay believes students are creative with their approach to themes, even if the disco theme does not directly connect to them.
“I feel like you students are good at the whole costume aspect of it. I don’t think it has to be something that connects to you guys. It seems like you guys will have fun with it regardless, like you kind of put your own flair on,” Tanguay said.
Carlmont Activities Director Jim Kelly hopes the change will receive positive feedback from attendees.
“We’re going out on a bit of a limb having it off campus this year. We think that it will be something that the student body will resonate with,” Kelly said.
Many students and staff are exploring other iconic decades or themes. Kelly plays a pivotal role in this year’s homecoming preparations. As a key figure in overseeing the event, he is making sure ASB is reaching its goals.
“It’s always a goal of ASB to make the activities ones that are resonant and ones that people want to be at,” Kelly said. “It’s connected to pretty much everything ASB does. It’s also connected to having an ASB activity resonate with the student body,”
This year’s homecoming, although different from the past few years, still allows students to engage and participate in these events.
“I think it’s a fun theme. And I really think students, if they really want to, can really go for it and dress up for late ’70s and really have a good time,” Kelly said.
