By Ari’ Browley
For one night, Grand Rapids Community College students could put their textbooks to the side and celebrate an unforgettable evening with peers.
On Friday, Sept. 18, GRCC hosted its 2026 Rapunzel-inspired Homecoming Dance. Flowers, glowing lanterns, and neon lights lit up the Applied Technology Center as students arrived dressed to impress. The lively event had an energetic DJ, who played classic hits like “Shut Up and Dance” by WALK THE MOON and “Get Low” by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz.
The event also featured food and drinks. Chicken Alfredo, French bread, garden salad, and molten caramel drizzle brownies were served, along with lemonade.
Many students, like Ezmeralda Jimenez, attended the dance to escape from schoolwork.
“Just to really come out to enjoy myself,” Jimenez said. “Take a breather from all the classes and all the work.”
Jimenez enjoyed the events throughout homecoming week. However, the dance was her favorite part.
“Although I love the spirit week days, they always come up with creative ideas, honestly the dance because it’s when I can really pop out.”
And pop out Jimenez did.
Jimenez wore a long red gown with velvet texture and feather detail, standing out among the crowd.
Other students who came out to celebrate were excited to meet more of their peers.
Ajang Kudior Akoi explained that she was looking forward to “finally meeting some new people.”
“I’ve only made a couple (friends)… and I don’t have a lot of classes with them, so hopefully I can maybe find someone that I’m in class with,” Akoi said.
Judeth Saigean, 18, and Myemichael Booth, 18, also attended the dance, enthusiastic about meeting new people and listening to music.
Other students had an appreciation for the dance’s theme.
“I like it because it’s Rapunzel,” said business major Joselyna, 19, who brought her guest Josue, 18.
Jimenez also liked the theme, comparing it to last year’s homecoming dance.
“Honestly, it’s so pretty,” Jimenez said. “I will say, not to offend, but it’s kind of better than last year. I love the decorations, the lanterns on the table, the flowers, it’s so clever, I love it so much.”
Akoi also had different expectations for what the dance would look like.
“I thought that they were going to be a little cheaper with it, but it’s very cute,” Akoi said. “They actually put effort into it, I can see it…”
Another student noted that the experience was different from their high school dances.
“It’s way different than high school,” said nursing major Sahil Karimi, 20.
Students celebrated into the night, grooving on the dance floor, shouting along to lyrics, and enjoying the memorable time with friends.
When asked to sum up the night with three words, students shared similar thoughts.
“Fun, fancy, and delicious,” Saigean said about the dance.
The word “fun” also came to Jimenez’s mind.
“Beautiful, unique, and fun,” Jimenez said.
“Upbeat, happy, connection,” Akoi said.
For Booth, the night was simply “Better than high school.”
