Get Ready for a Middle School Dance

A step-by-step guide on how to get ready for your next middle-school dance. With this guide, you'll be ready for the dance, physically and emotionally in no time!

Steps

For Girls

Personal Hygiene

  1. Make sure your family knows that you will be using the bathroom that night. You don't want anyone barging in while you're in the middle of getting ready!
  2. Start off your day with a quick shower. Then end with a long hot soak, complete with bath salts, loofahs, etc. If there's not enough hot water for you to use, then take a shower. Once you're done, wrap yourself up in a towel. Wait 20 minutes, then take a hot bath.
  3. Shave if you need to, and if you are allowed to shave at this point. If you're not, then you shouldn't try to shave - just go without it. Instead, do your best to hide your legs and armpits if you tend to have a lot of hair growth in those areas.
    • If you are wearing sandals, try to scrub your feet to get all the dead skin off.
  4. Wash your face! Use face masks, creams and scrubs. However, beware of using too many - the result is a massive break-out! You definitely don't want this to happen.
    • By now, you should be using a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer on your face every day to prevent pimples from breaking out on your face. If you do this loyally every day, the above isn't necessary unless if you have a few pimples on your face.
    • Rub extremely gently, for if you rub too hard and your skin absorbs the cream or mask too much, you will end up with a massive break-out!
    • Don't forget to rinse very well with lukewarm water.
  5. Wash your hair.
    • For girls: if your hair is short, try wavy hair. If it is long, give it some bouncy curls. A cute headband or a bow would also do the trick.
    • If your hair is short, just leave it that way or give it a cut. If it's a bit longer then grab some hair gel and bring it to the front, or the side. It would be nice.
  6. Brush your teeth and use mouthwash. Try to use a lighter brand of mouthwash, for your date/dance partner doesn't want to smell nothing but mouthwash.
  7. Do your makeup! Eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, blush, cover-up, foundation, lip gloss, etc. Be careful of over-applying, for no one wants to dance with a clown. They want to dance with the real you (see tips)!
    • Makeup should add a soft glow to your face, not add color. Try to make it look natural; use only a little and gently rub it in to let to blend. Also, balance your make-up. If you use a bold lipstick, keep your eye shadow weak, etc.
    • Be careful of the color shades you use; stick with light shades. Using the wrong colors will make you look like a rainbow threw up on your face.
    • Avoid using makeup to cover any pimples, as this will only worsen their condition and make them more obvious.
  8. Lotion. You'll be near the guys, probably dancing with them too! They'll need to feel how soft your hands and arms are. Make sure to get an ample amount on your hands, legs, elbows and knees, as well as your cheeks and chin! It's important to put on face cream!
  9. Fill your purse. Make sure you pack feminine items if needed, extra make-up, your cell-phone, mints/gum, and some extra lip gloss. Maybe a couple of pads and/or tampons if you're on your period.
  10. Spray a little perfume or body spray on, especially on your neck and wrists. Don't forget deodorant!
    • Beware of over-spraying. You want to avoid a thick, heavy cloud following you around!

Outfit Choices

  1. Choose your outfit. Your outfit will depend on the type of dance.
    • If it's a costume dance (ex: Halloween), go with the costume theme, as there are normally theme costumes. If there isn't one, decide on a theme with or without your friends.
    • If it's an informal dance, that doesn't mean you should show up like you always do on a day-to-day basis. Although you may be tempted to wear a T-shirt, stick with a nice top (ex: blouse), a nice pair of pants - other than jeans - or a nice skirt, but make sure the skirt isn't too short! Don't go overboard with informal dances, as no one would expect you to come in a dress.
    • If it is a semi-formal dance, it is recommended that you choose a slightly dressier shirt, a nicer pair of pants (ex: dress pants) or a nicer skirt, and an appropriate accessory (ex: hair flower) with comfortable flats.
    • If it is a formal dance, wear a very nice shirt and skirt, or a dress that isn't too fancy with leggings. For formal dances, it is more appropriate to wear a bow and nice dress shoes than it would be for other dances.
    • Cute earrings are recommended for all the dances listed above.
    • Make sure you have shoes appropriate for dancing that are in very good condition. Sneakers that are frayed, dirty and worn out are not recommended, as they will ruin your appearance and look embarrassing!
  2. Do your hairstyle. Lots of girls put their hair up, but truthfully, most guys like hair that's natural looking. Therefore, just pick your favorite hair style and wear it with pride! If you have your hair dyed or have streaks, be sure to get your hair done and dyed the night before. Even if you dye your hair, you may still want to go to a hair stylist and get it trimmed and brushed out, and get your hair washed with the fancy and expensive shampoos. Make sure to put gel in it when you're done.
    • Instead of putting your hair up in that messy bun or ponytail, add a little special touch to it for this particular night. You could add a small braid in your hair with that ponytail or bun, and even make the messy bun a neat bun for tonight. You could try a new hairstyle that suits your face (it is recommended you try wearing the new hairstyle for a week before the dance so you know whether it fits you or not), but make sure it suits the dance!
  3. Use accessories! Earrings, necklace, bracelets, anklets, etc. However, beware of going overboard with them. One or two should be fine.
  4. Don't forget your ticket/anything else you need to get in! They won't let you in even if they know you, unless you have a good bribe or they're your best friend or boyfriend. Even if, you may not want to risk it.

For Boys

Personal hygiene

  1. Make sure you have your own bathroom to use, because you'll need it a bit.
  2. Have a shower. Use lots of soap, being sure to focus on behind your ears, your armpits, any body hair you may have, your pubic region, your bottom, and your feet. Also be sure to wash your face. Use shower gel and soap up all over your body. Then use shampoo and conditioner. If you have a nice scent of shower gel, take a hot bath with the gel mixed into the water. Do this after the shower, you don't want to be bathing in dirty water.
  3. If you have to, then shave. Often, guys 11 to around 13 to 15 have "half mustaches" that look more like you just forgot to shave or maybe haven't fully washed your face, not a look you're after, most likely. That honest truth is, most girls don't like beards and hate mustaches. Some stubble is good sometimes, but most girls love the clean shave look. Save the mustaches and beards for when you're older.
  4. Wash your face. Use aftershave if you have any, even if you didn't just shave. Use soap and water, and any acne prevention face wash.
  5. Put a small amount of nice smelling cream on your hands, arms, elbows, knees, and face. Girls love a guy with nice, soft skin.
  6. Brush your teeth and use mouthwash, but not too much.
  7. Put on deodorant, and cologne. Don't overpower people, but just put on a nice amount. A couple of spritzes should do.

Outfit

  1. Choose your outfit. Your outfit will depend on the type of dance.
    • If it's a costume dance, go with the costume theme, or make one up with or without your friends.
    • If it's an informal dance, wear a nice graphic tee, nice jeans or pants, and nice sneakers or slips. In general, dressing out a little bit more than the dress code calls for looks good at these dances.
    • If it's a semi-formal dance, wear very nice black jeans or dress pants, a plaid or solid colored button up shirt. In this situation, it looks good to under-do the dress code a bit, but don't go to far.
    • If it's a formal dance, wear a button up shirt with tie, or even a tux, with nice dress pants and dress shoes.
    • Try a tuxedo with a tie, or a bow tie. Get a flower on the side of your tux or on your wrist to give to your girl once she arrives.

Tips

  • If you need to, curl or straighten your hair, just for this one special night, and add a little hairspray to make it stay. But not too much hairspray!
  • Put your jewelry on last. Hairspray, perfume and lotion can tarnish or ruin jewelry, even the good stuff.
  • Your makeup should not be caked on, it makes you look totally fake!
  • Wear comfortable shoes. Make sure there are no scratches or scuffs on them. If they need to be polished, do it before you take your bath. You don't want to be scrubbing your hands raw to remove polish just before you go out the door.
  • Be sure to wear antiperspirant, but not a scented one. You want him to smell your perfume, not your pits.
  • Shower before your bath so you're not sitting in your dirt. A bath will make you feel relaxed and get you extra clean.
  • Be yourself. Don't let a guy make you do things you don't want to.
  • Don't put on (perfume, lotion etc) that you are allergic to, or that others might be.
  • Use a shaving cream or gel, not soap. You don't want bumps!
  • Try not to wear too long dangly earrings, because they might annoy you when you dance.
  • Don't overdo it, just wear what you want, dance how you want, and have fun!
  • Since you're in middle school, don't go dressed up in a tube top and short shorts. Go to the dance looking happy and fun. A nice patterned dress will look beautiful.
  • Put on nice-smelling perfume, but not too much.
  • Remember that you don't need a date to go to the dance! Go with friends and don't be ashamed if you don't have a date.
  • Be yourself. Don't have your friends give you a makeover or something, where whatever fits your personality! :)
  • Don't take a purse without a chain or strap because you probably won't want to hold your purse while you dance.
  • If you're a boy and want to wear a dress, or a girl and you want to wear a suit or tuxedo, do it! You don't have to wear the things that people say you should wear.
  • Always make sure to be yourself!
  • Make sure you give yourself extra time to get ready so you don't run late or miss part of it.
  • If you have long hair then straighten it. Take it nice and slow. And put some hair spray. If you do do that your hair will stay straight for a longer period of time.

Warnings

  • Make sure what you wear isn't out of your comfort zone.
  • Don't take a lot of money. Just enough to get in and some food/drink. It might get stolen or dropped.
  • Make sure that what you're going to wear is school appropriate. If you're not allowed to wear spaghetti straps or muscle shirts, then don't wear them. You could get in trouble and you may even get suspended from future dances.
  • Try to stay away from drama. Drama won't do you any good.
  • Don't dress up if its not a formal! You will feel horrible. Check with friends/teachers/people in charge of the dance before you pick out what you're wearing.
  • If formal, don't procrastinate getting your dress.
  • Don't shave unless you are allowed to. Smooth legs aren't worth unhappy, distrusting parents, and you might cut yourself if you don't know how to shave. If you are that concerned, then you should talk to your parents before .

Things You'll Need

  • Bath Salts
  • Shaving cream/gel and a razor
  • Face scrubs, masks, and/or creams
  • Acne cream if you have pimples
  • Toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, pre rinse, and toothbrush
  • Eye shadow, mascara, blush, cover up, foundation, etc
  • Cute outfit (anything that goes with theme, don't overdo the end-of-the-year dance)
  • Hairspray, gel
  • Perfume, body spray
  • Antiperspirant
  • Lotion
  • Earrings, necklace, anklet, bracelet, etc.
  • Shoes
  • Your tickets (if you need them)

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