One of Westwood’s quintessential traditions every year is the homecoming dance. Preceded by a week dedicated to hyping up the event with hallway decorations, a parade and a big football game, the homecoming dance gives students an opportunity to meet up with their peers and dance the night away. Over the past decade, Westwood has embraced a myriad of different themes for homecoming. Below is a ranking of these themes based on their originality, potential and aesthetic.

10) 2014: Games

This theme is a bit strange given that the event is a dance; while games are typically a part of Homecoming, they shouldn’t be the main focus, making this theme very lackluster. Although the theme has potential considering the different games that could be showcased at the event, it just doesn’t work from an aesthetic standpoint. While it is an original idea, it may not be the most fitting choice for Homecoming. 

9) 2019: Olympics

While this theme improves upon the games idea by narrowing down the decorations and the event’s vibe, it is still an unusual theme for a Homecoming dance. Olympic sports don’t really evoke images of dancing and partying which makes this theme awkward. Although there is  potential to develop the theme by introducing competitive games akin to the Olympics, ultimately this theme proves to be another lackluster one. 

8) 2016: Game Day

Although this is another theme that does not align with dancing, it recalls the excitement of the football game the week before the dance which is a plus. There is the potential for this theme to be expanded on to celebrate not just the homecoming dance, but the football game as well. Although this would deviate from the typical scope of the homecoming dance theme, it is an original idea which could work well. 

7) 2018: Disco

While this isn’t the most original homecoming theme out there, it works aesthetically for a dance and can be pulled off very easily. Although the aesthetic could be significantly enhanced through fun decorations and an era-appropriate dress code, without proper execution it could leave attendees wanting more from Homecoming.

6) 2017: Blacklight

Although this theme may not have the most entertainment value as it relies almost entirely on aesthetics, it makes up for this by its unique visual appeal. Imagine most of the decorations designed to glow under a blacklight, creating a unique atmosphere that is sure to captivate anyone who attends.  

5) 2023: Get Ready Glow

This theme is similar to the blacklight theme but takes it up a notch with the use of glow-in-the-dark colors under a blacklight. When it comes to entertainment, this theme has few  limitations, so it can be very creatively implemented. Its greatest advantage is its memorable aesthetic. 

4) 2020: Under the sea 

This theme has great aesthetic potential given the wide variety of marine-themed decorations and entertainment possibilities. It isn’t the most original homecoming theme, but if done right it can be a very memorable night because of how easy to understand and execute it is. 

3) 2015: Fairy tales, myths, and fables

With such a wide selection of fantasy-esque media to choose from, you can’t really go wrong with this theme. Whether it’s castles and mushroom hats or dragons and ogres, the decorations for this theme will create a memorable night.

2) 2022: Roaring 20s

The Roaring 20s is a very creative and original idea that can be aesthetically stunning by taking inspiration from portrayals of this era from modern media. Both decorations and entertainment can easily reflect the glitz and glamor of this era and its iconic music. 

1) 2021: Casino night

With its recognizable yet interesting aesthetic and its great potential for games and music, Casino Night has been one of the most memorable and fun homecoming themes Westwood has had in the last decade.