With music blaring and students taking over the dance floor with the Cha Cha Slide and constant fist pumping, high school rivals Kirkwood and Webster Groves, gather inside each other’s auditoriums every November for the annual, Friendship Dance sponsored by the Mother’s Club since 1939.
“Throughout the years, there were times and situations where it wasn’t a friendly rivalry,” Dr. Michael Havener, KHS principal, said. “There were some occasions of fighting and hazing.”
The Kirkwood and Webster rivalry has been around for more than 100 years beginning with the Turkey Day game that has been an annual tradition to Kirkwood since 1907. However, the dance was created to let people around the communities know it was a friendly rivalry and the schools could along on and off the field, according to Havener.
Each year Kirkwood and Webster take turns hosting the Friendship Dance, alternating each year. But since this event is the first dance of the year for both schools, the Friendship Dance is viewed as the school’s homecoming dance. Students are able to take the first Saturday in November each year to put differences aside and enjoy the company of their rivals.
“I’m actually really looking forward to my first dance being with Webster even though some people don’t like it,” Emily Smotkin, freshman, said. “I think it will make it easier to make friends from a different school other than Kirkwood.”
A major tradition of the dance is Friendship Court. Friendship Court is a mixture of Kirkwood and Webster students who are involved in fall sports. These students are nominated and elected by their peers to become King and Queen of the dance.
As Kirkwood and Webster Groves come together, the idea of a strong rivalry is put on hold to enjoy a tradition that has been around for 73 years.
“I am usually always excited for the Friendship Dance every year,” Frances Fetcher, junior said. “It’s always been a great time to dance the night away with your friends and be with lots of people.”
Ever since the first annual Turkey Day game, the rich traditions between Kirkwood and Webster Groves have only gotten better and friendlier, according to Havener.
“The game is definitely a direct correlation to the dance,” Havener said. “But each year the rivalry gets a little more exciting and friendly for both schools.”
