Wicker Park Social Center hosted Griffith High School’s Turnabout dance from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30. The venue featured LED lighting, a DJ and a staffed bar serving nonalcoholic drinks.

The theme for the dance was “A Night in Paris,” and students were encouraged to wear black and yellow. In the weeks leading up to the event, anticipation grew among students planning to attend. However, some students chose not to go because of the $40 ticket price.

While some attendees said the experience matched the cost, others felt the price did not fully reflect what was offered.

“I did not have the food there, but the options did look appealing. I had kiddie cocktails and soft drinks instead,” freshman Raelyn Bock said. “The ticket was both worth it and not worth it.” She added that including slow songs near the end of the night would have improved the experience.

Freshman Camryn Von-Ogden said she felt the ticket price was reasonable but suggested additional activities. “I would say the ticket was worth what I paid for, but I feel like there could be more activities to do,” she said. “Drinks were great, though I feel there could have been more of a selection. The pizza looked like it was falling apart.”

Throughout most of the evening, students danced, sang and socialized. At the midpoint of the dance, the music paused for the announcement of the Turnabout court. Sophomores Austin Homans and Elena Rivas were named prince and princess and received a crown and tiara. Junior Kenny Gong and senior Janae Nolan presented the awards as students cheered.

As the night continued, students joined together for line dances when songs such as “The Cha Cha Slide,” “The Cupid Shuffle” and “The Wobble” played.

“I really enjoyed the line dances with everyone,” freshman Sofia Davis said. “It made me feel good just knowing that everyone could be so appreciative of something like this.”

Social studies teacher Jenna Berzy, who has helped organize Turnabout for several years, said the dance changes each year. “Every year we try to do different themes, different types of food, drinks and sometimes places,” Berzy said.

Berzy said attendance can be affected by ticket prices. “Due to the expensive ticket, students are less likely to come than if it were homecoming, considering homecoming is the biggest dance of the year,” she said. “I hope one day to have just as many students attend Turnabout as Homecoming.”