High School Apologizes After Video Of Dance Team’s Costumes Spark Controversy
A high school principal in Miami has issued an apology after a video showing the school’s dance team performing in provocative outfits went viral, igniting widespread debate about appropriateness and oversight in student performances.
The footage, originally uploaded to FlyHeight.com, captured members of the Miami Northwestern Senior High School dance team performing on the sidelines of a football game. The dancers were dressed in glittery blue and black bodysuits, paired with lacy pantyhose featuring garters and high black boots. Each performer wore full makeup and a sleek, high ponytail, completing the coordinated look.
As the marching band passed by, the group performed a routine featuring energetic movements, fan waving, and hip gyrations. The video, captioned “Is This Appropriate?” by the site, quickly drew attention online, gathering more than 18,000 views on FlyHeight and tens of thousands more on Facebook.
The clip provoked strong reactions from viewers and community members. Many expressed shock that teenage students were permitted to wear such revealing attire at a school event. Others, however, argued that the dancers were simply expressing their talent through performance art.
In response to the backlash, Miami Northwestern Senior High School’s principal, Wallace Aristide, released a statement acknowledging the controversy and promising corrective measures. “While all the parents of the dancers who participated in the event approved of the attire, we understand the concerns that have been raised and sincerely apologize for any offense this may have caused. Looking ahead, we will implement a more comprehensive and stringent uniform approval process to ensure an appropriate representation of our school.”
Aristide confirmed that the parents had signed off on the costumes before the performance, but emphasized the school’s intent to review and strengthen its approval procedures going forward.
As the discussion spread, the school community found itself divided—some defending the dancers’ creativity, others demanding stricter standards for what is deemed appropriate in public school performances.