“Honestly, did they have to pick 80s as the theme for the dance?” Tanya sighed as she curled her hair making it look more and more like a pile cooked noodles.

“I mean at least it’s something different,” Mary said while looking at the pink hairband she was supposed to wear. It matched her pink and orange aerobic suit which consisted of orange spandex leggings, pink leotard and neon pink leg warmers.

“I would’ve still rather went with the zombie theme. Did the people really wear something like this?” She had chosen the least 80s look to herself with high-waist jeans and a graphic print tee, but she still felt so weird. It was totally different from the normal high-waist jeans and t-shirts she usually wore. She’d also borrow a denim jacket from his brother to finish the look.

“Come on, now this could be fun. Imagine all the guys trying to dress up.”

“Yeah, if they even bother trying.”

Tanya finished her curls and gathered them into a high ponytail that she tied with a scrunchie. Both girls looked at themselves from the mirror. It could’ve been worse.

When they arrived at the school gym, it felt like they had entered a different world. The playlist was collection of greatest 80s hits: Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Guns N’ Roses, Queen, Prince and Madonna.

Girls had gone crazy with their hair: high ponytails, curls, headbands and crunchies, side ponytails, bow ties, feathered looks, braids and so so much volume. Tanya looked at one girl walking past, and she was sure an entire bottle of hair spray had been used to hold all that hair in place. They were wearing miniskirts, leotards, padded shoulders and there was clearly a lot of inspiration taken from celebrities like Madonna and Princess Diana.

And it was very nice to see that most boys had put in an effort too. Quite a few were simply in a tracksuit but some had put in more effort by finding some band t-shirts, leather jackets and ripped jeans to wear with big sunglasses and bandanas.

“I think this is like, totally better than some zombie theme. I think this is like, so gnarly, man,” Mary said laughing.

“Don’t speak like that please,” Tanya shuddered.

“Take a chill pill, girl. I’m gonna get us drinks. You gonna come too?”

Tanya sighed and rolled her eyes. “Like, duh, count me in.”