How to Get Ready for a Middle School Dance

Co-authored by LaTricia Brown

Last Updated: March 22, 2023

Middle school dances are some of the first serious dances in life. Preparing for these for the first time can be a daunting task, but don't worry, this wikiHow article will give you tips 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!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

For Girls

1
Choose your outfit. Your outfit will depend on the type of dance.
- If it's a themed dance (ex: Halloween), go with the costume theme. If there isn't one, decide on a theme with or without your friends.
- If it's an informal dance, we don’t recommend you show up in a t shirt and jeans. Although you may be tempted to, stick with a nice top (ex: blouse), a nice pair of pants - other than jeans - or a nice skirt, 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. Generally, most formal gowns will do, but if you are planning to dance a lot, choose a dress that is not strapless and has no train.
- 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
Start your routine 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 and you can use a bath bomb.

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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. You don't need to be embarrassed about body hair - everyone has it and you're beautiful with or without it!
- If you are wearing sandals, try to scrub your feet to get all the dead skin off.
4
Wash your face! Use a face mask that works for your skin, and a moisturizer and sunscreen. Don't use anything you've never tried before.
- By now, you should be using a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen 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 you have a few pimples on your face.
- 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 anything but mouthwash.
7
Do your makeup! Eyeshadow, mascara, blush, concealer, 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 it blend. Also, balance your make-up. If you use bold lipstick, keep your eyeshadow 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 thrown upon 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 everyone at your school, probably dancing with them too! Everyone likes someone with soft hands and arms. 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!
11
Do your hairstyle. Lots of girls put their hair up, and that looks nice, but natural looks are in! Therefore, just pick your favorite hairstyle 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 hairstylist 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!
12
Use accessories! Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, etc. However, beware of going overboard with them. One or two should be fine.
13
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 a close friend. Even if, you may not want to risk it.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

For Boys

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 nice black jeans or dress pants, and 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 too far.
- If it's a formal dance, wear a button-up shirt with a 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 date/partner once they arrive.
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 would like to, then shave. Often, guys 11 to 15 have "half mustaches" that can give the impression you forgot to shave or haven’t washed your face, which isnt the most flattering look. Stubble is a solid option, but most people like the clean shave look. Do what makes you feel most confident!
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. A lot of people love a guy with nice, soft skin.
6
Brush your teeth and use mouthwash, but not too much.
7
Put on some deodorant and cologne. Don't overpower people, put on only decent amount. A couple of spritzes should do.

Community Q&A

Question

I have a boyfriend and we don't really talk much. We're going to a dance together - what should I do? I always act weird around him because I'm so shy!

Community Answer

Take a deep breath and relax. If you remain calm, you might act less "weirdly" and you'll probably be able to socialize just a little bit more. Realize that he probably feels shy and awkward too, and the best you can do is focus on asking him about things you know he likes to talk about, to break the ice.
Question

What do I do if I'm nervous asking someone out to a dance?

Community Answer

Everyone gets nervous doing something like this. Ask them privately so that if they say no, you won't be embarrassed in front of other people. Just push yourself out of your comfort zone and be confident.
Question

Is it okay to wear a dress to a semi-formal?

Community Answer

Yes, that is fine.

Warnings

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.

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If it is a formal dance, don't procrastinate getting your dress.

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Make sure what you wear isn't out of your comfort zone unless you want to experiment.

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Don't be too fancy if it's not a formal dance! You may feel horrible. Check with friends/teachers/people in charge of the dance before you pick out what you're wearing.

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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.

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Don't take a lot of money. Just enough to get in and some food/drinks. It might get stolen or dropped.

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Try to stay away from drama. The drama won't do you any good. Try getting a teacher to sort it out.

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Things You'll Need

Bath bomb
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
Eyeshadow, mascara, blush, cover-up, foundation, etc
Cute outfit (anything that goes with the 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)