Another homecoming dance, another heartbreaking headline. This time, it’s Spanish Fork High School in Utah, where what should have been a night of music, laughter, and teenage memories turned into a scene of violence. A teen was stabbed outside a school event—a place that should symbolize safety, community, and joy.
It’s devastating. As someone who lives and breathes dance culture, I can’t help but feel this deeply. School dances are supposed to be sacred spaces—an escape from daily stresses, a chance for self-expression, and a milestone in growing up. But when violence invades that space, it shakes our sense of security to the core.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Over the past few years, we’ve seen fights, shootings, and now stabbings encroaching on events that should be protected. It makes you wonder: what’s going wrong? Is it broader societal issues spilling into our schools? Is it a lack of preparedness? Or is it something deeper—a failure to address the roots of conflict among young people?
I don’t have all the answers, but I know this: event safety can’t be an afterthought. Schools, parents, and communities need to work together to create environments where students can celebrate without fear. That means better security measures, yes, but also more open conversations about conflict resolution, mental health, and respect.
Dance has always been a universal language of unity and expression. Let’s not allow fear to silence that. My heart goes out to the victim, their family, and everyone affected at Spanish Fork High. May this be a wake-up call—not just for Utah, but for every community—to protect our youth and preserve the joy of coming together.
