Edmonds-Woodway Students Warned About "Dirty Dancing" at Prom

Edmonds-Woodway students have been warned: no “dirty dancing” at the prom this Saturday.

According to E-W Assistant Principal Robert Johnson, all students will be issued a wristband when they arrive at the dance, scheduled for 8 p.m. in the school’s Great Hall. First, the wristband is to ensure student safety by knowing that everyone at the dance is authorized to be there.

Second, there’s the dancing.

“We do not tolerate ‘dirty dancing,’” said Johnson, who explained that as grinding, back-to-front dancing or inappropriate moves or gestures. “If students are caught dancing inappropriately, they will be given a mark on their bracelet. If they receive a second mark, we will remove their bracelet and ask them to leave.”

Johnson said that the school will follow-up with parents or guardians on those who break the rules. “Our goal is to promote a safe, fun atmosphere,” he said. “To ensure that occurs, we closely monitor student behavior. The lights (will be) dimmed, but it is not a ‘black out’ club atmosphere.”

The term “dirty dancing” comes from the movie of the same name, released in 1987, starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze and featuring the hits "Hungry Eyes" and "Time of My Life."