BYUSA's promotional artwork for the three Homecoming dances this October. (BYUSA)
Eric Morgan, a 24-year-old communications student, rented a puppy last year as a surprise for his then-girlfriend. Tied to the puppy's neck was a note with one question.
'Will you go to Homecoming with me?'
Each year BYU hosts Homecoming activities, including dances. Some students go in a group of friends, while others show up with dates.
'I think people do ask each other to dances still, but not as much as in high school,' Morgan said. 'I would probably ask someone even if I wasn't dating them.'
BYU is hosting three dances through BYUSA to celebrate this year's homecoming week. The university will offer a casual, semi-formal and formal dance, each with its own theme and atmosphere.
This year's homecoming theme is 'Make Your Mark,' and each dance theme will reflect this overall motto. Alex Murphy, an junior accounting major from Reno, Nevada, was involved in planning these dances.
'We wanted to help the students realize that they can make a mark on their individual lives, on BYU and on the community,' Murphy said. 'So that was kind of our goal, and throughout homecoming, all the events that we're doing have different activities that can help students make their mark or make a difference in the world.'
Homecoming dances can also prove to be a valuable experience for freshmen students adjusting to college life. Ginger Dall, an illustration major from from Ashburn, Virginia, attended the formal homecoming dance in her first years at BYU.
Students dance in tight crowds at BYU's Homecoming dance. This year, students have three dance options: casual, semi-formal and formal. The dances takes place on Friday, Oct. 9. (Elliott Miller)
'(The dance) was really fun,' Dall said. 'I think the homecoming dances are good because they offer a transition between high school and college. We had homecoming dances in high school, so it's something that people recognize.'
Murphy said BYUSA is expecting more than 3,000 students for the three dances combined and actual attendance often exceeds their expectations. Murphy also said it's not just single freshmen who go to these dances; many older and married students also attend.
The 'Black Light' casual dance will be held in the Wilkinson Student Center Ballroom on Oct. 9 from 8-11 p.m. BYUSA encourages students to wear white and neon. The tickets cost $3 per person at the pre-sale price or $5 per person at the door.
The semi-formal dance's theme is 'Undercover Agent.' The dance will be held on Oct. 9 from 8-11 p.m. at the North Hampton House (198 W 300 N) in American Fork. Tickets cost $15 per couple pre-sale and $20 at the door.
The 'Hollywood' formal dance will be held at the Underground on 65 N University Ave. on Oct. 9 from 8:30-11:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 per couple pre-sale or $30 per couple at the door.
Tickets for all three dances can be purchased now at eventtickets.byu.edu.